Psalms 106:45
And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּזְכֹּ֣ר
And he remembered
H2142
וַיִּזְכֹּ֣ר
And he remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
בְּרִית֑וֹ
for them his covenant
H1285
בְּרִית֑וֹ
for them his covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
3 of 6
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וַ֝יִּנָּחֵ֗ם
and repented
H5162
וַ֝יִּנָּחֵ֗ם
and repented
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
Cross References
Psalms 105:8He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.Psalms 69:16Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.2 Kings 13:23And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.Judges 2:18And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.Isaiah 63:7I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.Psalms 90:13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.Psalms 51:1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.Exodus 32:14And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.Lamentations 3:32But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
Historical Context
God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob guaranteed blessing despite Israel's failures. Leviticus 26:40-45 promised that even after exile, if they confessed sin, God would 'remember the covenant' and not utterly destroy them. This covenant remembrance explains Israel's survival when other ancient nations disappeared. God's abundant mercies sustained them through deserved judgment, eventually bringing restoration from exile and ultimately sending the Messiah as promised.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's covenant remembrance give hope despite our failures?
- What does 'multitude of mercies' teach about the abundance of God's compassion?
- How do God's covenant promises in the Old Testament find ultimate fulfillment in Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains the basis of God's merciful response. 'And he remembered for them his covenant' uses zakar (זָכַר)—not that God forgot but that He acted according to covenant commitment. God's deliverance flowed from covenant oath, not Israel's merit. 'Repented according to the multitude of his mercies' uses anthropomorphic language—God 'changed His mind' about judgment. 'Repented' (nacham, נָחַם) means to relent, have compassion, or change course. 'Multitude of mercies' (rab chesed, רַב חֶסֶד) emphasizes abundant covenant love. God's mercy is abundant, multiple, and overflowing. His turning from judgment to mercy isn't fickleness but covenant faithfulness responding to repentance. This teaches that God's salvific actions are rooted in covenant promise, not human deserving.