Psalms 105:45

KJV

That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they might observe {H8104} his statutes {H2706}, and keep {H5341} his laws {H8451}. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in order to obey his laws and follow his teachings. Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

That they might keep his statutes, And observe his laws. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:45 serves as the climactic conclusion to a historical psalm, encapsulating the profound purpose behind God's miraculous acts of deliverance and covenant faithfulness to Israel. After recounting the LORD's providential care from Abraham to the Exodus and the settlement in Canaan, this verse distills the ultimate reason for His redemptive work: that His people might live in grateful obedience to His divine commands, culminating in a resounding, collective call to worship and adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 105 is a magnificent historical hymn, meticulously tracing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, from the call of Abraham through the Egyptian bondage, the Exodus, and their establishment in the Promised Land. It functions as a grand narrative of divine providence, highlighting God's protective hand, His miraculous interventions, and His steadfast commitment to His promises. The psalm commences with an urgent exhortation to "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" [Psalms 105:1](/psalms/105-1 "Psalms 105:1 - Call to Praise"), establishing a tone of remembrance and praise. Verse 45 acts as the grand finale, revealing the *telos* or ultimate purpose behind this sweeping historical recount: God's mighty acts were not ends in themselves, but were designed to bring Israel into a right relationship with Him, characterized by faithful obedience. This concluding verse also echoes the psalm's opening call to praise, forming a powerful **inclusio** that frames the entire historical narrative within the context of worship and grateful response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm recounts events spanning centuries, from the patriarchal period (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) through the Egyptian bondage, the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of Canaan. This narrative reflects the foundational history of Israel, particularly the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. Following their miraculous deliverance from slavery, God called Israel to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests"). The "statutes" and "laws" mentioned in [Psalms 105:45](/psalms/105-45 "Psalms 105:45 - Purpose of God's Deliverance") refer to the comprehensive body of divine instruction given at Sinai, which governed every aspect of Israelite life—religious, civil, and moral. Obedience to these laws was understood not as a means to earn salvation, but as the proper, grateful response to God's prior gracious deliverance and a necessary condition for maintaining their covenant relationship and enjoying the blessings of the Promised Land, as outlined in the covenant stipulations found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout Psalms 105 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Purpose of Divine Deliverance**: God's mighty acts of salvation are not merely for the physical liberation of His people but are fundamentally purposed to draw them into a life of consecrated obedience and worship. This highlights that salvation always possesses a moral and relational dimension, aiming to transform the heart and actions of the redeemed. Secondly, it emphasizes **Covenantal Responsibility**: Having been recipients of such immense grace and power, Israel was called to respond with faithfulness. The phrase "That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws" articulates the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where God's blessings bring with them the joyous obligation to live in accordance with His divine will, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "The Goodness of God's Commands"). Finally, the concluding "Praise ye the LORD" links obedience directly to **Obedience as True Worship**, suggesting that genuine praise and adoration are not merely verbal expressions but are profoundly demonstrated through a life lived in conformity to God's revealed will. This reflects a holistic understanding of worship, where actions become an integral part of glorifying God, as echoed in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **observe (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** (H8104) A primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard." More broadly, it signifies to protect, attend to, preserve, or keep. In this context, it denotes a diligent, careful, and active guarding or adherence to God's commands, implying a watchful obedience that values and respects divine instruction.
* **statutes (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** (H2706) Derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," _chôq_ refers to an enactment, fixed ordinance, or established law. These are God's authoritative pronouncements, often specific decrees that set boundaries and principles for His people's conduct, encompassing ceremonial, ethical, and judicial matters.
* **laws (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** (H8451) This is the singular form of _Torah_, a foundational concept in the Old Testament. While often translated as "law," _Torah_ more broadly means "teaching," "instruction," or "guidance." It encompasses the entire body of God's revealed will, including His commands, principles, narratives, and promises, guiding Israel in every facet of life and relationship with Him. Its use alongside "statutes" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they might observe his statutes":** This clause introduces the ultimate purpose or intended outcome of all God's preceding redemptive acts recounted throughout the psalm. The verb "observe" (from H8104, _shâmar_) implies not just a passive awareness but an active guarding, keeping, and obeying. It signifies a diligent adherence to God's fixed decrees, reflecting a heart that values and respects His divine authority and seeks to live in accordance with His revealed will.
* **"and keep his laws":** This phrase serves as a parallel reinforcement of the preceding clause, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of obedience. The verb "keep" (from H5341, _nâtsar_) means "to guard, protect, maintain, or obey." Together with "observe," it underscores that God's desire is for His people to actively live out His entire body of instruction, the _Torah_, not merely to know it intellectually. This obedience is presented as the proper and expected response to God's covenant faithfulness and gracious provision.
* **"Praise ye the LORD":** This concluding imperative serves as a powerful summary and a direct call to worship. The phrase "Praise ye the LORD" is the English translation of the Hebrew "Hallelu Yah" (H1984 _hâlal_ and H3050 _Yâhh_). It connects the act of obedience directly to the act of praise, implying that living in accordance with God's statutes and laws is itself a profound form of worship and the most fitting response to His glorious deeds. It transforms the historical narrative into an immediate call for the community to respond with grateful adoration and glorification of the covenant God, Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 105:45 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, seen in the pairing of "observe his statutes" and "keep his laws." These two phrases convey essentially the same core idea—comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will—but use different terms to deepen and reinforce the concept, emphasizing the totality of the expected response from Israel. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Purpose Clause** for the preceding narrative of the psalm. The recounting of God's mighty acts throughout history serves as the *reason* "that they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws." This highlights a profound theological truth: God's redemption is always teleological, purposed towards a transformed relationship and obedient living. Finally, the psalm concludes with an **Imperative** ("Praise ye the LORD") which also forms an **Inclusio** with the psalm's opening call to praise [Psalms 105:1](/psalms/105-1 "Psalms 105:1 - Call to Praise"). This literary framing device wraps the entire historical recount within the context of worship, powerfully asserting that the proper response to God's faithfulness is both obedient living and vocal adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:45 stands as a profound theological statement, asserting that God's redemptive work is always purposed towards establishing a people who will live in grateful obedience to His commands. It challenges the notion that divine grace is an end in itself; rather, it is the powerful catalyst for a transformed life that honors God. The psalm teaches that true worship is holistic, encompassing not only verbal praise but also the practical outworking of God's will in daily life. This obedience is not burdensome legalism but the natural, joyous response of a people who have experienced God's unfailing love and deliverance. It reveals God's desire for an intimate, covenantal relationship where His people reflect His character through their adherence to His wise and good instructions, which are given for their flourishing and His glory.

* [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "The Goodness of God's Commands")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "Love and Obedience")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice as Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:45 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today that our salvation and the countless blessings we receive from God are not merely for our comfort or benefit, but are fundamentally purposed to draw us into a life of deeper obedience and heartfelt worship. Just as God's historical acts for Israel called for their faithful response, so too should our understanding of God's ultimate redemptive work in Christ inspire us to live according to His will. Our gratitude for His grace should fuel our desire to observe His statutes and keep His laws, recognizing that these are not arbitrary rules but divine instructions given for our good and for His glory. This verse challenges us to consider if our "praise ye the LORD" extends beyond our lips to encompass our daily choices, our relationships, and our very way of life, making our entire existence an act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's past faithfulness (His "deeds") motivate your present obedience and worship?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more intentionally "observe His statutes and keep His laws" as an act of praise?**
* **How does the concept of "obedience as worship" challenge or deepen your understanding of what it means to praise God?**
* **Do you view God's commands primarily as burdens or as good guidance for flourishing? How might Psalms 105:45 shift your perspective?**

### FAQ
**Is the emphasis on "keeping laws" in the Old Testament still relevant for New Testament believers who are under grace, not law?**

Answer: Yes, the emphasis on "keeping laws" remains profoundly relevant, though its context and enabling power are transformed under the New Covenant. Psalms 105:45 highlights that God's purpose in redemption is not just to liberate, but to enable a people to live in a way that honors Him. While believers are saved by grace through faith, not by works of the law [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith"), this grace also empowers and calls us to live righteously. Jesus Himself stated that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), and He summarized the Law in terms of loving God and loving neighbor [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment"). The Apostle Paul teaches that the Spirit enables us to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Life Through the Spirit"). Therefore, for New Testament believers, obedience to God's moral will, driven by love and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the natural and grateful response to God's saving grace, and indeed, a vital expression of our "praise ye the LORD."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:45 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel, the recipient of God's mighty acts, often struggled to "observe his statutes, and keep his laws," Jesus perfectly embodied this ideal. He lived a life of flawless obedience, perfectly fulfilling every requirement of God's law, not for His own benefit, but on behalf of His people [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, is the very foundation upon which our salvation rests. Furthermore, through the new covenant established in His blood, Christ enables us to live the very life of obedience that [Psalms 105:45](/psalms/105-45 "Psalms 105:45 - Purpose of God's Deliverance") calls for. The Holy Spirit, poured out upon believers, writes God's laws on our hearts and empowers us to walk in His statutes, transforming our desires and enabling us to obey from a place of love and gratitude, not legalistic compulsion [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - Spirit-Enabled Obedience"). Thus, our ability to "observe his statutes, and keep his laws" is a direct result of Christ's redemptive work, making our transformed lives a living "Praise ye the LORD," a testament to His perfect fulfillment of God's purposes and His ongoing power in us [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Psalms 106:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Revelation 19:3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.