Psalms 105 - Introduction

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042.

The author of this Psalm was David, as is manifest from 1 Chronicles 16:8, where we learn that the first part of it, at least, to the end of the 15th verse, was delivered by him to Asaph and his brethren, for the constant service of God in his tabernacle. It was composed after he had obtained several victories over the Philistines, 1 Chronicles 14., and after he had settled the ark of God in Zion. And it is most probable that he afterward enlarged it, (for, as Bishop Patrick asks, who else would presume to do it?) that it might be a more complete commemoration of all the mercies of God toward the Israelites, from the days of Abraham to their taking possession of the land of Canaan. Into this land, he shows, God had conducted them by so many miraculous providences, in several ages, (according to his faithful promise made to Abraham,) that it deserved their most hearty acknowledgments; to which he endeavours to excite them by a variety of expressions in the first five verses of the Psalm. It may therefore be properly termed, “A Psalm of thanksgiving to God, for his mercies to the people of Israel;” and it may serve to admonish the new people of God, as Theodoret speaks, that is, Christians, how much they ought to praise God for his goodness manifested in their redemption and salvation; and how dangerous a thing it is to be ungrateful to him for his benefits; a sin which provoked him to deprive the Jews of that fatherly care which he had taken of their ancestors. As, therefore, we are taught in the foregoing Psalm to praise God for the wonderful works of his common providence, with a reference to the world in general; in this we are directed to praise him for his special favours to his church. Here is the preface, Psalms 105:1. The history itself in several articles; and God's covenant with the patriarchs, Psalms 105:8. His care of them in a strange land, Psalms 105:12. His raising up Joseph, Psalms 105:16. The increase of Israel in Egypt, and their deliverance out of it, Psalms 105:23. His care of them in the wilderness, and their settlement in Canaan, Psalms 105:39.