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Pentecost Season · Proper 14 · Year A

Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b

Remember the Wonderful Works of the Lord

The Crossing of the Red Sea, Nicolas Poussin
The Crossing of the Red Sea, Nicolas Poussin, c. 1634National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne · public domain

Overview & Insights

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” (Psalm 105:1)

The opening calls for congregational praise (vv. 1–6; v. 7 being an introductory summary) clearly signal that this is a hymnic praise psalm. It recites God’s praise not in general terms (e.g., referring simply to his “mercy” and “mighty acts”) but in the specific terms of historical acts, namely those of Israel’s early history also narrated in Genesis–Joshua. Verses 1–15 are contained in 1 Chronicles 16:8–22, where they are included in the psalm of thanks sung during the ark’s first ascent into Jerusalem (see further “David and the Psalms” in the Introduction). The connection between this psalm and the ark may seem strange, but there might be a link in the imperative, Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always (v. 4).

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What is Psalm 105 about?

It is a hymn of thanksgiving that retells God’s covenant faithfulness through the story of Israel, from Abraham to the exodus and the gift of the land. Paired with the manna reading, it remembers that the same God who fed Israel keeps every promise.

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