What does Psalms 105:45 mean?

That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD. Psalms 105:45

Explanation

Psalms 105:45 concludes a psalm that recounts God’s faithfulness to Israel, His chosen people. The verse serves as a final exhortation or a summary of the purpose behind God’s actions described in the psalm: that the people of Israel would obey His laws and statutes. The word “that” suggests that all the historical events recalled in the psalm were part of God’s plan to bring the Israelites to a place where they could fulfill their covenant obligations to live according to God’s law. The call to “Praise ye the LORD” (also known as “Hallelujah”) indicates a response of worship and gratitude for God’s guidance and the gift of His law.

Historical Context

The Book of Psalms is an anthology of religious songs, prayers, and poems used in Israelite and later Jewish worship, and many were originally prayers associated with the life of King David. Psalm 105 appears to be a historical psalm recounting God’s dealings with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and the people of Israel, focusing on the covenant God made with Israel and His faithfulness to keep it. This particular verse is set within that context of divine faithfulness and covenant, reflecting a culture and time when observing God’s statutes and keeping His laws were central to the identity of the Israelite people.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Psalm 105:45 underscores God’s sovereignty and His desire for a covenant relationship with His people, rooted in obedience and reverence. It reflects the belief in a God who is actively involved in history, shaping events for the moral and spiritual growth of His people. This verse speaks to the traditional Jewish concept of “Torah observance,” which involves following the commandments given by God to live a holy and set-apart life.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Psalm 105:45 can be applied to the lives of believers by emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles of their faith. For a modern reader, this might manifest in daily decisions that reflect moral integrity, compassionate actions, and a commitment to justice. The idea of praising God, as highlighted in the latter part of the verse, can be adopted as a regular practice of expressing gratitude and maintaining a positive and worshipful attitude, regardless of circumstances.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 4:40 – “Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.”
• Psalm 19:7-11 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
• Psalm 119:1-4 – “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”

Language Study

Key words in Psalm 105:45 include “statutes” (חֻקִּים “chukkim” in Hebrew) and “laws” (תּוֹרָה “torah” in Hebrew). “Chukkim” generally refers to decrees that are enacted as a law, often without explanation or reasoning given, signifying laws that should be followed regardless of understanding. On the other hand, “Torah” literally means “teaching” or “instruction” and is commonly used to refer to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or the entire body of Jewish teaching and law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine laws and statutes given by a deity to a people is not unique to Judaism. Many ancient civilizations had myths regarding divine laws being handed down to them. For example, the Code of Hammurabi, from ancient Babylon, was considered a divine law code given by the god Shamash. In contrast to these, the laws of the Israelites were unique in their emphasis on monotheism and morality, not just civil regulation.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives generally do not directly comment on religious texts such as Psalm 105:45. However, the verse’s call for observance of laws and statutes can be seen as an early recognition of the importance of rules and guidelines within a community, something that is supported by social science research which finds that law and structure are essential for the functioning of societies.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various insights on Psalm 105:45. Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights that God’s remembering His covenant forever obliges us to study it, adhere to it, and remember it ourselves. He also sees the directive to “Praise ye the LORD” as a fitting response to God’s mercies. The Geneva Study Bible commentary takes a similar approach, observing the verse as showing that the end of God’s benefits toward us is to win us to obedience. For both Henry and the Geneva commentators, this verse is a call to worship and gratitude resulting in obedience to God’s commands.