Psalm 105 Study Notes

105:19-22 Tested describes the smelting process that removed dross from fine metal. Joseph’s imprisonment increased his trust in the Lord. Pharaoh eventually released him because of his prophetic dreams and Joseph’s interpretations; he installed Joseph over his house, all his possessions, and all other officials (Gn 41:39-42).

105:23 The designation Israel refers to Jacob and his sons (Gn 46). The land of Ham is another name for Egypt (78:51; 106:22; Gn 10:6).

105:24 The Hebrew word translated as more numerous implies “stronger,” with the nuance of physical power.

105:25 This psalm emphasizes Yahweh’s sovereign control of all people and events in Israel’s history, including those that seemed bad at the time (cp. v. 16).

105:26-27 Moses is called God’s servant twelve times in the OT. Aaron was chosen by God to be Moses’s prophet (Ex 7:1).

105:28 The psalmist listed the plague of darkness out of order because it was the first sign that resulted in Egypt’s acknowledgment of the Lord’s power (Ex 10:21).

105:29-36 The psalmist recounted some of the plagues in Egypt that enabled the Lord’s people to escape. The plagues were water into blood (Ex 7:14-24), frogs (Ex 8:5-15), gnats (Ex 8:16-19), hail (Ex 9:13-35), locusts that consumed all the vegetation (Ex 10:1-20), and culminated in the death of the firstborn of Egypt (Ex 11:1-10). The firstborn represented the virility and strength of the family. In Egyptian culture, Pharaoh and his firstborn son claimed to have the status of deity.

105:37-38 Verse 37 alludes to Ex 12:35-36, and v. 38 to Ex 12:33.

105:39 The cloud and fire refer to the pillar of cloud and fire (Ex 13:20-22; 14:19-20; 40:36-37) that guided the Israelites throughout their journey in the wilderness.

105:40-42 The Lord provided quail when the Israelites complained about the manna from heaven (78:25; Ex 16:4; Nm 11:4-35), and he also gave them water from a rock (Ex 17:1-7; Nm 20:9-11). God’s provision for his people reflects his faithfulness to the covenant first initiated with Abraham.

105:43 Israel is called God’s chosen ones eight times in the OT (e.g., Is 65:9,15,22).

105:44-45 The lands of the nations refers to Canaan, which contained wicked peoples long deserving judgment. Israel conquered the peoples and inhabited their cities, consumed their harvests, and possessed their flocks. The purpose of the Lord’s protection and provision was to motivate Israel to maintain a relationship with him through their obedience.