O give thanks unto the Lord (comp. Psalms 106:1 ; Psalms 107:1 ; Psalms 111:1 ; Psalms 136:1 ; Psalms 138:1 ). Call upon his Name; i.e. call upon him with prayer and praise, "according to his historically manifested glory" (Hengstenberg). Make known his deeds ( or, "his doings") among the people; rather, among the peoples; i.e. the heathen nations (comp. Psalms 18:49 ; Psalms 57:9 ; Isaiah 12:4 ). read more
God in history. "Tell the people what things he hath done" (Prayer book Version). As the word rendered "people" is a plural, the prominent idea seems to be the duty of making the God of history, whose working is so evident in the Jewish history, known to the heathen. If we can read history aright, and see God's working in it, we must read it aloud, so that others may be helped to find what we have found. Reviews of history are always interesting, and were specially pleasing to the... read more
The response of man to the providence of God. What should be our attitude toward God in view of all his providential dealings with us? I. PRAISE . "O give thanks," etc.; "Sing unto him." II. PRAYER . "Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face." III. CONSIDERATION . We must remind ourselves of his works ( Psalms 105:5 ). IV. SACRED JOY IN HIM . ( Psalms 105:3 .) V. PUBLICATION . "Make known his deeds among the people." read more
The psalmist exhorts the seed of Abraham ( Psalms 105:6 ) to give thanks to God and call upon his Name ( Psalms 105:1-3 ); to make him known among the Gentiles ( Psalms 105:1 ); to seek him and his strength ( Psalms 105:4 ); and to bear in mind his marvellous works ( Psalms 105:5 ). The "works" intended are those of his providential government of mankind, and especially those of his rule and government over his people Israel. read more
God in history. "The mighty acts of Jehovah for his people from the first dawn of their national existence are recounted as a fitting subject for thankfulness, and as a ground for future obedience." I. GOD HAS WONDERFULLY REVEALED HIMSELF IN HISTORY . 1 . By his marvellous work of love. To the Jews and to the world. Christianity a grand historical embodiment and exhibition of the love of God. 2 . By his everlasting faithfulness. As witnessed in the fulfilment... read more
The "introduction" forms a strophe by itself. It is usual to divide the historical portion into strophes; but this can only be done arbitrarily, there being no really marked divisions. read more
The testimony of history. God reveals himself in many ways; of these one is found in human history. All history may be studied, that we may understand his Divine thought and purpose; but more especially sacred history, his dealings with his ancient people. The psalmist is continually returning to this as a source of striking and convincing illustration. Among other lessons brought out by this psalm are the following:— I. HIS FAITHFULNESS . ( Psalms 105:8-11 , Psalms 105:42-44 ... read more
He watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps. I. A BLESSED RETROSPECT . 1 . He knows it is blessed, because, ere the psalmist sets it down, he summons, in intensely earnest, varied, and emphatic wag, all people to give thanks unto the Lord. 2 . And he tells them wherefore they should hearken to his Word— because the Lord "hath remembered his covenant forever," etc. ( Psalms 105:8 ). 3 . Then comes the covenant history. He tells what the covenant was ( Psalms... read more
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him; or," make melody unto him" (Cheyne); i.e. praise his Name ( Psalms 105:1 ) with song and music. Talk ye of all his wondrous works (comp. Psalms 119:37 , Psalms 119:46 ), Those who are full of gratitude to God for all his mercies that he has vouchsafed them cannot refrain from speaking of his goodness when they converse with others. read more
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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 105:4
Verse 4 4Seek ye Jehovah, and his strength (204) Although he had in the preceding verse characterized the faithful by the honorable designation, those who seek God, yet he again exhorts them to earnestness in seeking him, which is not an unnecessary exhortation. Seeking God, it is true, is the mark by which all genuine saints are particularly distinguished from the men of the world; but they come far short of seeking him with due ardor; and, accordingly, they have always need of incitements, to... read more