Psalms 143:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 143:5
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Chapter Context
Psalms 143 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, obedience, salvation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 143:5
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Analysis
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. After expressing devastation (vv. 3-4), David pivots to remembrance—a crucial spiritual discipline when present circumstances overwhelm. "I remember" (zakarti, זָכַרְתִּי) is active recollection, deliberately calling to mind God's past faithfulness. "Days of old" (yamim mikedem, יָמִים מִקֶּדֶם) could refer to David's personal history or Israel's salvation history—likely both.
The three parallel verbs—"remember," "meditate" (hagiti, הָגִיתִי), and "muse" (asicha, אָשִׂיחָה)—intensify the focus. Hagah (הָגָה) means to murmur, mutter, or meditate deeply (same verb in Psalm 1:2 for meditating on God's law). Siach (שִׂיחַ) means to ponder, rehearse, or contemplate. David fills his mind with God's "works" (po'alekha, פָּעֳלֶךָ) and the "work of thy hands" (ma'aseh yadekha, מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶיךָ)—both creation and redemptive acts.
This models cognitive behavioral therapy before the term existed: when overwhelmed, deliberately redirect thoughts to truth. Paul commands the same: "whatsoever things are true...think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). Memory of God's past faithfulness fuels hope for present deliverance. If God acted in "days of old," He remains faithful today.
Historical Context
Israelite worship constantly rehearsed God's mighty acts: creation, the exodus, wilderness provision, conquest, judges' deliverances, David's anointing. Annual feasts commemorated these saving events. This wasn't mere historical interest but faith-sustaining remembrance—the same God who acted in the past is present now. Psalm 77 similarly moves from distress (vv. 1-9) to remembrance of God's wonders (vv. 10-20), finding hope in recounting redemptive history. The Lord's Supper continues this practice: "This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).
Reflection
- What specific past works of God in your life or biblical history can you meditate on during overwhelming circumstances?
- How does deliberately remembering God's faithfulness differ from nostalgia or escapism?
- What spiritual disciplines help you fill your mind with God's works when anxiety threatens to dominate your thoughts?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Micah 6:5