Psalms 106:1
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
הַֽלְלוּיָ֨הּ׀
Praise
H1984
הַֽלְלוּיָ֨הּ׀
Praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
1 of 8
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
הוֹד֣וּ
O give thanks
H3034
הוֹד֣וּ
O give thanks
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
2 of 8
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לַיהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַיהוָ֣ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ט֑וֹב
for he is good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
for he is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Psalms 105:1O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.1 Chronicles 16:34O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 136:1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.Jeremiah 33:11The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.Psalms 118:1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 105:45That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 107:1O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.Ezra 3:11And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.Psalms 119:68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
Historical Context
Psalm 106 is classified among the 'Historical Psalms' that recount Israel's journey from Egypt through the wilderness. This verse's structure mirrors the liturgical formulas used in temple worship, particularly echoing the refrain found in Psalm 136. The psalm was likely composed during or after the Babylonian exile, as verse 47 pleads for gathering from among the nations. The opening doxology would have been familiar to Jewish worshippers, establishing a pattern of corporate praise before confession. The enduring nature of God's mercy is emphasized throughout Israel's history of rebellion and restoration, making this introduction particularly poignant when the subsequent verses detail Israel's repeated failures.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that God's goodness is presented as intrinsic to His nature rather than dependent on our response?
- How does the concept of eternal mercy ('chesed') differ from temporary human emotions or changing circumstances?
- Why does the psalmist begin with praise before moving to confession of sin in the subsequent verses?
- In what ways does this verse establish a theological framework for understanding God's relationship with His covenant people?
- How should the permanence of God's mercy shape our approach to worship when we are aware of our own unfaithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
This opening verse establishes the fundamental call to worship and thanksgiving. The imperative 'Praise ye the LORD' (Hallelujah in Hebrew) initiates a psalm of confession and remembrance. The phrase 'O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good' presents God's essential character - His inherent goodness that exists independent of human circumstances. The concluding statement 'for his mercy endureth for ever' employs the Hebrew word 'chesed,' signifying God's covenant loyalty and steadfast love. This forms a theological foundation: God's goodness is demonstrated through His eternal, unchanging mercy toward His people, even when they prove unfaithful.