Psalms 105:8
He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Original Language Analysis
זָכַ֣ר
He hath remembered
H2142
זָכַ֣ר
He hath remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
for ever
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
for ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
בְּרִית֑וֹ
his covenant
H1285
בְּרִית֑וֹ
his covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
3 of 7
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
דָּבָ֥ר
the word
H1697
דָּבָ֥ר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Psalms 111:5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.Psalms 106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.Deuteronomy 7:9Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;Psalms 105:42For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.Nehemiah 1:5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:1 Chronicles 16:15Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;Daniel 9:4And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
Historical Context
God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob formed the basis of Israel's relationship with God. This verse assures that God's memory and faithfulness surpass human generations infinitely.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's eternal remembrance of His covenant provide assurance for your salvation?
- What difference does it make that God's faithfulness doesn't depend on your memory or performance?
Analysis & Commentary
God remembers His covenant 'for ever' and His word to 'a thousand generations.' Divine memory, unlike human forgetting, is eternally faithful. The covenant made with one generation binds God to all subsequent generations. 'Thousand generations' is hyperbolic, emphasizing perpetual faithfulness. This grounds assurance in God's character, not human merit. Christ's blood established a new covenant (Luke 22:20) that will never be broken. The Reformed emphasis on God's covenant faithfulness provides believers' ultimate security.