Looking Back

PERHAPS your pastor gives an annual report of your church in which he points out some of the ways in which God has been faithful to the congregation over the previous year. In a similar way, Psalm 105 takes a look back at Israel’s history in order to praise the Lord for honoring His commitments to the Hebrews’ ancestor Abraham.

The occasion for which this psalm was originally composed may have been one of the religious festivals, possibly the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-34), but more likely the Festival of Weeks or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15–21). The former celebrated the Lord’s help during the Israelites’ Exodus journey, when they resided in tents (or “tabernacles”). The latter was to show thanksgiving to God for the annual harvest.

Psalm 105, along with other psalms recalling Israel’s history (for example, Psalms 78, 106), encourages God’s people today to formally celebrate the promises that He has made and fulfilled for us. The habit of looking back at His gracious acts can stir up joy for today and new hope for the future.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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