What does Psalms 105:10 mean?

And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: Psalms 105:10

Explanation

Psalm 105:10, “And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,” speaks about the promise or covenant established by God, first with Abraham (mentioned in previous verses), and then confirmed with his descendants, specifically Jacob, who was later named Israel. The “same” refers to the promise given to Abraham. The “law” conveys the idea of a decree or an ordinance, something that must be followed. The term “everlasting covenant” implies that this agreement is permanent and unbreakable, intended to span across generations without end.

The verse highlights God’s faithfulness and commitment. It serves both a literal function, in that it refers to a specific historical and spiritual covenant, and a symbolic one that illustrates the divine commitment to His people over time.

Historical Context

The verse in question comes from the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of religious songs, poems, and prayers that dates back to various periods of ancient Israel’s history. They were used in worship and reflect a range of theological themes and experiences. This psalm, in particular, is a retelling of Israel’s history, celebrating God’s providential care and His faithfulness to the covenant He made with the patriarchs of the Israelite people.

This specific covenant refers back to the events narrated in the Book of Genesis, wherein God makes a promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, 15, 17), which is later reaffirmed to his grandson Jacob, who is also known as Israel after a significant spiritual encounter with God (Genesis 28:13-15, 35:11-12).

Theological Insights

The theological implications of Psalm 105:10 are profound in Judeo-Christian traditions. For the Jewish people, the “covenant” is foundational, emphasizing a special relationship with God who chose Israel as His people and provided them with His laws. For Christians, this covenant is viewed in the light of the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment and extension of God’s promises to all humanity, the “new covenant” prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

In both traditions, the concept of an “everlasting covenant” is essential as it reflects the unchanging nature of God’s promises and the hope that believers hold onto throughout the ages.

Practical Applications

The verse teaches about trust in God’s faithfulness and promise, offering a reminder to maintain faith through various trials. In daily life, individuals can take comfort in the belief that just as God was faithful to the ancestors of the faith, He continues to be faithful to His promises today.

Moreover, the notion of “everlasting covenant” can inspire people to remain committed to their beliefs, values, and relationships, striving to build legacies that last and positively affect future generations.

Cross-References

• Genesis 12:1-3: “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country…”
• Genesis 17:7: “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee…”
• Genesis 28:13-15: “And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father…”
• Jeremiah 31:31-34: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant…”
• Hebrews 13:20: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…”

Language Study

Key words in the original Hebrew text for Psalm 105:10 include:

• Confirmed (צִוָּה tsavah): This word means to command, charge, or appoint, suggesting the decree is established by divine authority.
• Law (חֹק chok): Indicates something prescribed or decreed, a statute or an ordinance.
• Everlasting (עוֹלָם olam): This term refers to ‘perpetual’ or ‘forever’, indicating time without end.
• Covenant (בְּרִית berith): A pact, treaty, alliance, or agreement, particularly one that is sacred and binding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing the covenant concept in Psalm 105:10 with other ancient cultures, we see similar themes in ancient Near Eastern practices, where sovereigns made covenants with vassal states defining mutual obligations. However, the Hebrew covenant with God is unique in its personal and ethical dimensions, with its focus on a special chosen relationship with one deity.

In comparison to other religions, one could relate the everlasting nature of God’s covenant with concepts such as the Hindu notion of “sanatana dharma” (eternal duty), although the contexts differ significantly.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not typically address religious covenants, as these fall outside the scope of empirical study. However, the historical reality of ancient peoples forming covenants and the psychological and sociological impacts of such beliefs on human behavior and cultures can be subjects of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on Psalm 105:10:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that God’s covenant with Abraham was a step towards the great blessing of sending the Messiah to the world.
• The Geneva Study Bible emphasizes God’s merciful continuation of the covenant from Abraham to Jacob, proclaiming the durable nature of God’s grace.
• John Calvin’s Commentary reflects on the significance of God highlighting the covenant with Jacob and Israel, discussing the special attention given to this particular lineage.
• The Wesley’s Explanatory Notes view this passage as a celebration of God’s unchanging promise to Israel through patriarchs and prophets, despite the people’s frequent disobedience.