Psalms 105:42
For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
זָ֭כַר
For he remembered
H2142
זָ֭כַר
For he remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבַ֣ר
promise
H1697
דְּבַ֣ר
promise
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
his holy
H6944
קָדְשׁ֑וֹ
his holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
5 of 8
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 2:24And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.Exodus 32:13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.Genesis 12:7And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.Micah 7:20Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
Historical Context
God's covenant with Abraham (circa 2000 BC) promised land, descendants, and blessing to all nations. Israel's 400-year Egyptian sojourn was prophesied to Abraham (Genesis 15:13), as was their deliverance. The exodus proved God's covenant memory spans centuries. For Israel reciting this psalm, it assured them that God's promises outlast generations—He is faithful even when circumstances seem to contradict His word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham encourage believers regarding His promises?
- What does 'God remembered' teach about His eternal purposes and perfect timing?
- In what ways does the Abrahamic covenant find ultimate fulfillment in Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse provides the theological foundation for all God's actions: covenant faithfulness. 'He remembered' (zakar, זָכַר) doesn't imply God forgot but means He acted according to His commitment. 'His holy promise' refers to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:1-8). 'Abraham his servant' emphasizes the covenant relationship—God binds Himself by oath to fulfill promises to His servants. This demonstrates that God's redemptive acts flow from covenant loyalty, not human merit. Every plague, provision, and protection served to fulfill God's promise to Abraham's descendants. This teaches the immutability of God's covenant and the certainty of His promises.