Psalms 105:1
O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 105 is a historical psalm recounting God's faithfulness from Abraham through the exodus and conquest. According to 1 Chronicles 16:8-22, David appointed this psalm (or a portion of it) to be sung when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, establishing regular worship. This context made thanksgiving and proclamation foundational to Israel's worship life.
The psalm served multiple purposes in Israel's worship: it taught covenant history to new generations, reinforced national identity as God's chosen people, provided content for corporate praise, and declared Yahweh's uniqueness among the nations. When sung at festivals like Passover or Tabernacles, it connected contemporary worshipers with their redemptive history.
For post-exilic Israel returning from Babylon, this call to 'make known His deeds among the people' took on fresh urgency. Having witnessed God's judgment and restoration, they were called to testify to the nations about Yahweh's covenant faithfulness. The psalm's rehearsal of God's past faithfulness strengthened hope that He would continue His redemptive work, ultimately fulfilled in sending the Messiah to all nations.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does worship begin with thanksgiving rather than petition or praise?
- What does it mean practically to 'call upon the name of the LORD' in daily life?
- How does recounting God's past faithfulness strengthen present faith and obedience?
- In what ways are believers today called to 'make known God's deeds among the people'?
- How does this verse establish the connection between personal worship and public witness?
Analysis & Commentary
O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. This opening verse establishes three essential postures of covenant worship: gratitude, prayer, and proclamation. "Give thanks" translates the Hebrew yadah (יָדָה), meaning to praise, give thanks, or confess—acknowledging God's character and works with both heart and voice. The imperative form calls for active, intentional thanksgiving rather than passive feeling.
"Call upon his name" uses qara (קָרָא), meaning to call out, proclaim, or invoke. In Hebrew thought, a name represents the full character and nature of a person. To call upon Yahweh's name is to appeal to His covenant character, invoke His presence, and depend upon His revealed nature. This phrase encompasses prayer, worship, and covenant relationship.
"Make known his deeds among the people" employs yada (יָדַע, "make known") and alilot (עֲלִילוֹת, "deeds" or "mighty works"). This is missional language—God's people must declare His redemptive acts to the nations. The psalm recounts Israel's history as testimony to God's faithfulness, inviting others to know the God who keeps covenant. This evangelistic imperative anticipates the Great Commission, where disciples make Christ known among all peoples (Matthew 28:19-20).