What does Psalms 105:42 mean?

For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. Psalms 105:42

Explanation

Psalm 105:42 reads: “For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.” This verse is part of a psalm that recounts the faithfulness of God to His people, Israel. The verse references God’s faithfulness in remembering the covenant He made with Abraham. The literal meaning here is that God did not forget the promises He made to Abraham, and that remembering this promise led to actions consistent with those promises. On a deeper level, it suggests the unchanging nature of God’s character and His steadfast commitment to fulfill His promises. It serves as reassurance that what God has spoken, He will certainly bring to pass.

Historical Context

Psalm 105 is a historical psalm that covers the story of the nation of Israel from the calling of Abraham to the Exodus from Egypt. This psalm was likely written after the people of Israel were established in the Promised Land, possibly during the time of King David or shortly after. This particular verse is recalling the covenant God made with Abraham found in the book of Genesis. In its historical setting, the verse served as a reminder of God’s long-term commitment to His people, something that gave them identity, purpose, and encouragement.

Theological Insights

Within Christianity, this verse is seen as reflecting the faithfulness of God to His promises. It points to the theology of the covenant, where God chooses and establishes a relationship with His people by making promises to them. This specific verse may also be viewed as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant through whom all nations would be blessed.

From a Jewish theological perspective, the verse underscores the special relationship between God and the Jewish people, as descendants of Abraham, and God’s unyielding fidelity to His word. Many theologians emphasize the continuity and reliability of God as a central attribute highlighted in this text.

Practical Applications

Psalm 105:42 encourages believers to trust in the promises of God, understanding that He is a God who does not forget His covenant commitments. In practical terms, this means that individuals can look to their own lives and the promises found in Scripture with hope and assurance that God will fulfill His word to them, even if it takes longer than expected.

It also invites reflection on personal consistency and faithfulness in relationships and commitments. Just as God is faithful, individuals are called to embody faithfulness in their dealings with others.

Cross-References

• Genesis 12:1-3: “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country… and I will bless thee… and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
• Genesis 15:4-5: “And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying… look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.”
• Hebrews 6:13-15: “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself… And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”

Language Study

“He remembered” in Hebrew is זָכַר (zakar), which means to remember or bring to mind, not in the sense of God possibly forgetting, but emphasizing His intentional action to keep and act upon His promise. “Holy promise” could alternatively be translated as “sacred promise” or “solemn pledge,” indicating the sacredness and gravity of the commitment God made. “Abraham his servant” uses the term עֶבֶד (ebed), meaning servant or slave, signifying Abraham’s position in his relationship with God, one of obedience and servitude.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, covenants were common between parties of unequal status, such as a greater king to a lesser king. Similarly, God’s covenant with Abraham placed God as the ultimate sovereign while Abraham was the vassal or servant. Different from other ancient myths, where gods can be capricious or unreliable, the God of Israel is portrayed as unchangingly faithful.

Scientific Perspectives

While Psalm 105:42 is not a verse with direct scientific implications, scientific perspectives can contribute to understanding the broader context. For instance, archaeological studies provide evidence of cultural and historical settings of the Biblical narrative, offering insights into the lives of ancient peoples and corroborating certain Biblical events.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide additional insights into this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary points out that the verse emphasizes the grace of divine remembrance and God’s loyalty towards those who serve Him. The 19th-century commentary by Charles Spurgeon, “The Treasury of David,” expands on the idea of God being the keeper of promises, suggesting that this serves as the foundation for all worship and trust in Him. Many contemporary commentaries continue to emphasize God’s faithfulness to His covenant and the comfort that provides to believers.