Psalms 105:45
That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בַּעֲב֤וּר׀
H5668
בַּעֲב֤וּר׀
Strong's:
H5668
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that
יִשְׁמְר֣וּ
That they might observe
H8104
יִשְׁמְר֣וּ
That they might observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
חֻ֭קָּיו
his statutes
H2706
חֻ֭קָּיו
his statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
3 of 7
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְתוֹרֹתָ֥יו
his laws
H8451
וְתוֹרֹתָ֥יו
his laws
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
4 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יִנְצֹ֗רוּ
and keep
H5341
יִנְצֹ֗רוּ
and keep
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
5 of 7
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:40Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Deuteronomy 4:1Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
Historical Context
After the exodus and conquest, God gave Israel the Law at Sinai to govern their covenant life. The ethical, ceremonial, and civil laws distinguished Israel from pagan nations, making them a holy people. Their obedience (or disobedience) would demonstrate God's character to the watching world (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). The psalm ends where it began—with praise—showing that recounting God's faithfulness should culminate in worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does redemption obligate believers to obedience and holiness?
- What is the relationship between God's grace in salvation and our responsibility to keep His commands?
- Why is 'Hallelujah' the appropriate conclusion to recounting God's redemptive acts?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals the purpose of redemption: covenant obedience. 'That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws' shows that salvation is not an end in itself but the means to holy living. The Hebrew shamar (שָׁמַר, 'keep') means to guard, watch over, or give careful attention to. Israel was redeemed from Egypt not merely for freedom but for service to God. This refutes antinomianism—grace doesn't nullify law but empowers obedience. 'Praise ye the LORD' (Hallelujah, הַלְלוּ־יָהּ) concludes the psalm with worship, showing that obedience and praise are the proper responses to redemption. The purpose clause ('that they might') teaches that election, redemption, and providence all serve sanctification.