Psalms 105:10
And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲמִידֶ֣הָ
And confirmed
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמִידֶ֣הָ
And confirmed
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 6
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְחֹ֑ק
for a law
H2706
לְחֹ֑ק
for a law
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
3 of 6
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
לְ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
and to Israel
H3478
לְ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
and to Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 6
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Jacob's transformation to Israel and his twelve sons becoming tribal heads demonstrated covenant expansion. God's promises weren't limited to one man but encompassed an entire nation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the everlasting nature of God's covenant provide security in changing circumstances?
- What does God's covenant faithfulness to Israel teach about His commitments to the church?
Analysis & Commentary
God confirmed the covenant 'unto Jacob for a law' and to 'Israel for an everlasting covenant.' The name shift from Jacob (the man) to Israel (the nation) shows covenant's expansion. 'Law' (choq) here means statute or decree—God's unbreakable commitment. 'Everlasting covenant' (berit olam) emphasizes permanent, unconditional character. This covenant endures beyond individuals to their descendants. Christ mediates a better, eternal covenant (Heb 13:20). The Reformed tradition distinguishes covenant of works (conditional) from covenant of grace (unconditional).