Psalms 105:10

Authorized King James Version

And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲמִידֶ֣הָ
And confirmed
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
לְיַעֲקֹ֣ב
the same unto Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#3
לְחֹ֑ק
for a law
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#4
לְ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
and to Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
בְּרִ֣ית
covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#6
עוֹלָֽם׃
for an everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection