God is Faithful
What do you give thanks to God for? In Psalm 105 the psalmist calls God’s people to give praise with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is public praise of God in the assembly of saints for His wondrous nature and mighty works.
The psalmist begins by calling God’s people to praise His name, for “He is the LORD our God”. He uses 11 commands urgently calling people to praise God. He implores God’s people to “give thanks,” “call upon,” “make known,” “sing,” “sing praises,” “speak,” “glory,” “be glad,” “seek,” and “remember” (105:1-7).
He then bookends this psalm with its main theme, the faithfulness of God (105:8-15; 42-45). He praises God for His faithfulness to His covenant with the descendants of Abraham. It is an “everlasting covenant” made with the people of Israel that will endure “to a thousand generations” (105:8,10). God promised Abraham that all the peoples of the earth shall be blessed through Him, He promised that His descendants shall be as the stars in the sky, and that they will forever possess the land of Canaan (Gen 12,15,17). Brethren, this covenant endures even today. As Gentiles, we partake of this covenant through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham (Matt 1).
The psalmist recounts God’s works of providence as He orchestrates Joseph’s captivity and elevation to protect Israel and his sons (105:16-24). He continues with the great protection of God for the nation in Egypt and the deliverance of the people from bondage (105:25-36). God then wonderfully provided for His people in the wilderness by “satisfying” them with manna, quail, water, shade, and light (105:37-41).
Brethren, this psalm calls God’s people to praise Him for His faithfulness. God is always faithful to His promises in His word. “Praise the Lord!”