Psalms 105:5

Translation
King James Version
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
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KJV (with Strong's)
Remember H2142 his marvellous works H6381 that he hath done H6213; his wonders H4159, and the judgments H4941 of his mouth H6310;
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Complete Jewish Bible
Remember the wonders he has done, his signs and his spoken rulings.
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Berean Standard Bible
Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,
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American Standard Version
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
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World English Bible Messianic
Remember his marvelous works that he has done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Remember his marueilous woorkes, that he hath done, his wonders and the iudgements of his mouth,
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Young's Literal Translation
Remember His wonders that He did, His signs and the judgments of His mouth.
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See also
Psalms 77:11Psalms 119:13Luke 22:19Isaiah 43:18Isaiah 43:19Deuteronomy 32:7Revelation 16:7
In the KJVVerse 15,612 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 105:5 functions as a profound and urgent exhortation within a historical psalm, commanding God's people to actively recall and meditate upon His magnificent, awe-inspiring deeds, His miraculous signs, and the righteous decrees that proceed directly from His divine authority. This verse encapsulates the psalm's broader purpose: to recount God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel from the Abrahamic covenant through the Exodus and settlement in Canaan, thereby fostering deep gratitude, unwavering trust, and continued obedience in the present generation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 105:5 is strategically placed within a grand historical narrative that spans the entirety of Psalm 105. The psalm commences with a fervent call to worship, thanksgiving, and proclamation of God's deeds (verses 1-6), setting the stage for the detailed recounting of His mighty acts. Following this introductory exhortation, the psalm systematically traces God's covenant faithfulness from His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (verses 7-11), through the sojourn in Egypt and Joseph's providential role (verses 12-22), the oppression under Pharaoh, and the miraculous deliverance through Moses and Aaron (verses 23-38). It then details the wilderness journey, God's provision, and the eventual inheritance of the land (verses 39-45). Verse 5, therefore, functions as a foundational command to remember the very history that the psalm proceeds to narrate, making the act of remembrance central to the worship and identity of God's people. It serves as a vital counterpart to Psalm 106, which contrasts Israel's frequent unfaithfulness with God's steadfast love.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Psalm 105 likely served as a liturgical piece, perhaps sung during major festivals or communal gatherings where the covenant history of Israel was recounted. The historical events referenced—the call of Abraham, the sojourn in Egypt, the Exodus, and the wilderness wanderings—were not merely distant past occurrences but foundational narratives that shaped Israel's national identity and theological understanding. These events were living testimonies to God's unique relationship with His chosen people. The "marvellous works," "wonders," and "judgments" would have resonated deeply with an audience intimately familiar with the narratives of the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the divine decrees given at Sinai. In a culture where oral tradition and communal memory were paramount for identity and instruction, this psalm functioned as a vital means of preserving and transmitting the sacred history of God's redemptive acts, ensuring that each generation understood their heritage as rooted in divine faithfulness and covenant keeping.
  • Key Themes: The overarching theme of Psalm 105, powerfully encapsulated in verse 5, is Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping. The psalm meticulously details how God remained true to His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, even when circumstances seemed dire. This leads directly to the theme of Remembrance as Worship, where actively recalling God's past acts is not just a mental exercise but an active, worshipful engagement that builds faith, cultivates gratitude, and strengthens obedience. The "marvellous works" and "wonders" highlight God's Sovereignty and Power over creation and nations, demonstrating His ability to intervene decisively in human history for the sake of His people. Finally, "the judgments of his mouth" underscore God's Justice and Authority, revealing that His actions are always righteous and proceed from His divine decrees, as seen vividly in the plagues against Egypt, which were divine judgments against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt (see Exodus 7-12). This emphasis on the power of God's spoken word to accomplish His purposes echoes throughout Scripture, as powerfully articulated in Isaiah 55:11.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Remember (Hebrew, zâkar', H2142): This is far more than a passive mental recall of facts. In biblical Hebrew, zâkar implies an active, intentional bringing to mind, often with a view to acting upon or giving thanks for what is remembered. It denotes a spiritual engagement with the past, allowing it to shape present trust and future hope. It is a call to internalize God's history and to allow it to inform one's identity, worship, and obedience.
  • Wonders (Hebrew, môwphêth', H4159): Derived from a root suggesting "conspicuousness," this term refers to a miracle, sign, or omen. These are often miraculous deeds that serve to authenticate a divine message or to demonstrate God's power and authority. While similar to "marvellous works," môwphêth often carries the specific connotation of being a clear, undeniable demonstration meant to convince, reveal, or serve as a warning. In the context of the Exodus, these were the plagues and other miracles that served as unmistakable signs to Pharaoh and to Israel of Yahweh's supremacy.
  • Judgments (Hebrew, mishpâṭ', H4941): This word, from the root "to judge," refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, a sentence, or a formal decree. It encompasses divine law, individual or collective rights, justice, and the act of judgment itself. In this context, "judgments" refers to God's righteous decrees and the execution of those decrees, particularly against His enemies or in vindication of His people. It highlights the divine administration of justice, which is always rooted in His perfect righteousness.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Remember his marvellous works that he hath done;": This clause begins with an imperative command, urging the audience to actively recall and meditate upon God's extraordinary, supernatural deeds. The "marvellous works" refer to the awe-inspiring miracles and interventions God performed throughout Israel's history, most notably during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. This remembrance is not merely intellectual but is intended to evoke profound gratitude, unwavering faith, and a renewed sense of God's immense power and steadfast faithfulness.
  • "his wonders, ": This phrase functions as a powerful parallel to "marvellous works," reinforcing the miraculous and sign-like nature of God's deeds. These are acts specifically designed to reveal God's character, demonstrate His supreme power, and underscore His unique relationship with His people, serving as undeniable proofs of His divine activity in history. The repetition emphasizes the profound impact and revelatory nature of these events.
  • "and the judgments of his mouth;": This final clause specifies another crucial category of God's mighty acts: His divine pronouncements and the just consequences that flow directly from them. "Judgments" here refers to God's righteous decrees and the execution of those decrees, particularly against His enemies or in vindication of His people. The addition "of his mouth" underscores that these acts of justice originate directly from God's authoritative word and divine will, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and the ultimate efficacy of His spoken word.

Literary Devices

Psalms 105:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the Imperative mood, as seen in the command "Remember," which directly addresses the audience and calls them to a specific, vital action. This command is not a suggestion but a foundational instruction for the spiritual well-being of the community. The verse also utilizes Parallelism, specifically a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, by listing "marvellous works" and "wonders." These two phrases are closely related in meaning, reinforcing and intensifying the idea of God's extraordinary, miraculous deeds. The inclusion of "judgments of his mouth" alongside the previous two creates a Triadic Structure or a form of Merism, where the three distinct but related categories collectively encompass the full scope of God's powerful, righteous, and authoritative interventions in history. Furthermore, "judgments of his mouth" employs Metonymy, where "mouth" stands in for God's spoken word, divine decree, and ultimate authority, emphasizing that His acts of justice are not arbitrary but proceed from His deliberate and powerful pronouncements.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 105:5 is a theological bedrock, anchoring the faith of God's people in the undeniable reality of His historical interventions. It asserts that God is not a distant, passive deity but an active, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God who reveals Himself through mighty acts and authoritative pronouncements. The call to "remember" is a theological imperative that combats spiritual amnesia, ensuring that the foundational truths of God's character and His redemptive plan are continually brought to the forefront of communal and individual consciousness. This remembrance fosters deep gratitude for past deliverance, cultivates unwavering trust for present challenges, and fuels confident hope for the future fulfillment of His promises. It underscores the profound connection between God's word and His deeds, showing that His judgments are not arbitrary but flow directly from His righteous decrees, demonstrating His perfect justice and unwavering commitment to His covenant.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

For believers today, Psalms 105:5 remains a vital spiritual discipline and an enduring call to active faith. In a world prone to forgetfulness, distraction, and the anxieties of immediate circumstances, the command to "remember" calls us back to the enduring truth of God's unwavering faithfulness. Just as ancient Israel found their identity, courage, and hope in recounting God's "marvellous works" and "wonders" during the Exodus, we too are invited to reflect deeply on God's mighty acts throughout redemptive history—culminating supremely in Christ—and to discern His faithful hand in our personal lives. This intentional practice cultivates a robust faith that is not easily swayed by doubt or fear, but is firmly grounded in the proven character of God. Remembering His past interventions builds profound confidence that the God who delivered, provided, and judged righteously in the past is the same God who is active, sovereign, and just today. It transforms our understanding of His justice, recognizing it not as arbitrary but as the righteous outworking of His divine word. This continuous remembrance inspires us to live lives of deep gratitude, unwavering trust, joyful proclamation, and faithful obedience, ensuring that His story and His character are passed on with conviction to future generations.

Questions for Reflection

  • What specific "marvellous works" of God, both in biblical history and in your personal life, come to mind when you truly "remember" Him with intentionality?
  • How does actively recalling God's "wonders" and "judgments" strengthen your faith and trust in His character and His ongoing work today?
  • In what practical ways can you intentionally incorporate "remembering" God's deeds into your daily spiritual practices, family devotions, or communal worship?

FAQ

What is the significance of the word "remember" in this verse?

Answer: The Hebrew word for "remember" (zâkar) is far more profound than simple mental recall. It implies an active, intentional, and often worshipful engagement with past events. In the biblical context, to remember God's deeds means to bring them to mind in such a way that they shape one's present attitude, actions, and trust. It's a call to let God's history inform your identity, to cultivate gratitude for His faithfulness, and to build confidence in His ongoing work. It's a vital spiritual discipline that combats spiritual amnesia and reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people, as powerfully articulated in passages like Deuteronomy 4:9.

How do "marvellous works," "wonders," and "judgments of his mouth" differ, and why are they all mentioned?

Answer: While closely related, these terms highlight distinct facets of God's divine activity, providing a comprehensive picture of His intervention. "Marvellous works" (pâlâ', often rendered niphla'ot) generally refers to extraordinary, awe-inspiring deeds that demonstrate God's power and intervention, often miraculous in nature (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea). "Wonders" (môwphêth) often carry the connotation of signs or portents, miraculous acts specifically designed to reveal God's character, authenticate His messengers, or convince others of His supremacy (e.g., the plagues on Egypt as signs against Pharaoh and His gods). "Judgments of his mouth" (mishpetei pihu) specifically refers to God's righteous decrees and the execution of those decrees, emphasizing that His acts of justice, particularly against His enemies or in vindication of His people, flow directly from His authoritative spoken word and divine will. All three are mentioned to provide a multifaceted and comprehensive picture of God's active, powerful, and righteous involvement in history, demonstrating His multifaceted sovereignty and unwavering covenant faithfulness.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 105:5, with its imperative call to remember God's "marvellous works," "wonders," and "judgments of his mouth," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme "marvellous work" of God, the Incarnation itself being the most astonishing wonder—God becoming man to dwell among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). His earthly ministry was filled with "wonders" (miracles) that served as undeniable signs of His divine authority, His compassion, and the inauguration of God's kingdom on earth (Acts 2:22). The cross and resurrection stand as the ultimate demonstration of God's power and the most profound "judgment of his mouth"—a righteous judgment against sin that simultaneously secures salvation and justification for all who believe (Romans 3:25-26). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the living Word of God, through whom all things were made and by whom all things are sustained (Colossians 1:16-17). His teachings are the "judgments of his mouth" that reveal the Father's will and bring either life or condemnation (John 12:48). Therefore, to remember God's works today is preeminently to remember Christ's finished work on the cross, His victorious resurrection, and His ongoing reign as Lord, which are the ultimate expressions of God's covenant faithfulness and the very foundation of our hope and salvation (Hebrews 12:2).

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Commentary on Psalms 105 verses 1–7

Our devotion is here warmly excited; and we are stirred up, that we may stir up ourselves to praise God. Observe,

I. The duties to which we are here called, and they are many, but the tendency of them all is to give unto God the glory due unto his name. 1. We must give thanks to him, as one who has always been our bountiful benefactor and requires only that we give him thanks for his favours - poor returns for rich receivings. 2. Call upon his name, as one whom you depend upon for further favours. Praying for further mercies is accepted as an acknowledgment of former mercies. Because he has inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him. 3. Make known his deeds (Psa 105:1), that others may join with you in praising him. Talk of all his wondrous works (Psa 105:2), as we talk of things that we are full of, and much affected with, and desire to fill others with. God's wondrous works ought to be the subject of our familiar discourses with our families and friends, and we should talk of them as we sit in the house and as we go by the way (Deu 6:7), not merely for entertainment, but for the exciting of devotion and the encouraging of our own and others' faith and hope in God. Even sacred things may be the matter of common talk, provided it be with due reverence. 4. Sing psalms to God's honour, as those that rejoice in him, and desire to testify that joy for the encouragement of others and to transmit it to posterity, as memorable things anciently were handed down by songs, when writing was scarce. 5. Glory in his holy name; let those that are disposed to glory not boast of their own accomplishments and achievements, but of their acquaintance with God and their relation to him, Jer 9:23, Jer 9:24. Praise you his holy name, so some; but it comes all to one, for in glorying in him we give glory to him. 6. Seek him; place your happiness in him, and then pursue that happiness in all the ways that he has appointed. Seek the Lord and his strength, that is, the ark of his strength; seek him in the sanctuary, in the way wherein he has appointed us to seek him. Seek his strength, that is, his grace, the strength of his Spirit to work in you that which is good, which we cannot do but by strength derived from him, for which he will be enquired of. Seek the Lord and be strengthened; so divers ancient versions read it. Those that would be strengthened in the inward man must fetch in strength from God by faith and prayer. Seek his strength, and then seek his face; for by his strength, we hope to prevail with him for his favour, as Jacob did, Hos 12:3. "Seek his face evermore; seek to have his favour to eternity, and therefore continue seeking it to the end of the time of your probation. Seek it while you live in this world, and you shall have it while you live in the other world, and even there shall be for ever seeking it in an infinite progression, and yet be for ever satisfied in it." 7. Let the hearts of those rejoice that do seek him (Psa 105:3); for they have chosen well, are well fixed, and well employed, and they may be sure that their labour will not be in vain, for he will not only be found, but he will be found the rewarder of those that diligently seek him. If those have reason to rejoice that seek the Lord, much more those that have found him.

II. Some arguments to quicken us to these duties. 1. "Consider both what he has said and what he has done to engage us for ever to him. You will see yourselves under all possible obligations to give thanks to him, and call upon his name, if you remember the wonders which should make deep and durable impressions upon you, - the wonders of his providence which he has wrought for you and those who are gone before you, the marvellous works that he has done, which will be had in everlasting remembrance with the thoughtful and with the grateful, - the wonders of his law, which he has written to you, and entrusted you with, the judgments of his mouth, as well as the judgments of his hand," Psa 105:5. 2. "Consider the relation you stand in to him (Psa 105:6): You are the seed of Abraham his servant; you are born in his house, and being thereby entitled to the privilege of his servants, protection and provision, you are also bound to do the duty of servants, to attend your Master, consult his honour, obey his commands, and do what you can to advance his interests. You are the children of Jacob his chosen, and are chosen and beloved for the fathers' sake, and therefore ought to tread in the steps of those whose honours you inherit. You are the children of godly parents; do no degenerate. You are God's church upon earth, and, if you do not praise him, who should?" 3. Consider your interest in him: He is the Lord our God, Psa 105:7. We depend upon him, are devoted to him, and from him our expectation is. Should not a people seek unto their God (Isa 8:19) and praise their God? Dan 5:4. He is Jehovah our God. He that is our God is self-existent and self-sufficient, has an irresistible power and incontestable sovereignty: His judgments are in all the earth; he governs the whole world in wisdom, and gives law to all nations, even to those that know him not. The earth is full of the proofs of his power.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
PROOF OF THE GOSPEL 4:15
In Psalm 104 [LXX], David, when referring to the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the very men who were his godly ancestors, who lived before Moses’ day, calls them Christs, only because they all received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And when he tells how they were hospitably received by foreigners, and how they learned that God was their Savior when plots were devised against them, following Moses’ account, he names them prophets also and Christs, before Moses had been born and before he had laid down the rule that such men should be anointed with oil.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 105
"Remember," he says, "His marvellous works that He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" [Psalm 105:5]. This passage seems like that, "You shall say unto the children of Israel, I Am has sent me unto you:" an expression which, in ever so small part, scarce a mind takes in. Then mentioning His own Name, He mercifully mingled in His grace towards men, saying, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; this is My Name for ever." [Exodus 3:14-15] By which He would have it to be understood, that they whose God He declared Himself lived with Him for ever, and He said this, which might be understood even by children, that they who by the great powers of love knew how to seek His face for evermore, might according to their capacity comprehend, I Am that I Am.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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