Psalms 105:5

KJV

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember the wonders he has done, his signs and his spoken rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,

American Standard Version

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:5 serves as a profound exhortation within a historical psalm, urging God's people to actively recall and meditate upon His magnificent deeds, His awe-inspiring miracles, and the righteous decrees that proceed 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 gratitude, trust, and continued obedience in the present generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 105:5 is nestled within a grand historical narrative that spans the entirety of Psalm 105. The psalm begins with a fervent call to worship, thanksgiving, and proclamation of God's deeds (verses 1-6), setting the stage for the 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 is a companion to [Psalm 106](/psalms/106 "Psalm 106 - Israel's Unfaithfulness"), which contrasts Israel's unfaithfulness with God's steadfast love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 105 likely served as a liturgical piece, perhaps sung during festivals or 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 foundational to Israel's national identity and theological understanding. These events were not merely past occurrences but living testimonies to God's unique relationship with His chosen people. The "marvellous works," "wonders," and "judgments" would have resonated deeply with an audience 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, 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.
* **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 to the theme of **Remembrance as Worship**, where recalling God's past acts is not just a mental exercise but an active, worshipful engagement that builds faith and gratitude. 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 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 in the plagues against Egypt which were divine judgments (see [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues on Egypt")). This emphasis on the power of God's spoken word to accomplish His purposes echoes throughout Scripture, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakhar'_):** This is more than a passive recall of facts. In biblical Hebrew, _zakhar_ 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 and worship.
* **Marvellous works (Hebrew, _niphla'ot'_):** Derived from the root _pala'_, meaning "to be wonderful, extraordinary, difficult," this term refers to deeds that are beyond human comprehension or capability. These are acts that evoke awe and wonder because they clearly demonstrate divine power and intervention. They are often associated with miracles and supernatural occurrences that reveal God's unique character and His active presence in the world.
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _mophethim'_):** This word refers to signs or portents, often miraculous deeds that serve to authenticate a divine message or to demonstrate God's power and authority. While similar to "marvellous works," _mophethim_ often carries the connotation of being a clear, undeniable demonstration meant to convince or reveal. In the context of the Exodus, these were the plagues and other miracles that served as signs to Pharaoh and to Israel of Yahweh's supremacy.
* **Judgments of his mouth (Hebrew, _mishpetei pihu'_):** This phrase combines "judgments" (_mishpatim_, meaning decrees, ordinances, or acts of justice) with "of his mouth" (_pihu_, literally "his mouth"). It emphasizes that God's acts of justice, particularly the punitive ones, are not arbitrary but are the direct consequence of His authoritative pronouncements and divine will. They are righteous decrees that are executed, demonstrating God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done;":** This is 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 gratitude, faith, and a renewed sense of God's power and faithfulness.
* **"his wonders, ":** This phrase functions as a parallel to "marvellous works," reinforcing the miraculous and sign-like nature of God's deeds. These are acts designed to reveal God's character, power, and 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 category of God's mighty acts: His divine pronouncements and the just consequences that flow 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 sovereignty and the efficacy of His spoken word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Imperative** mood, as seen in the command "Remember," which directly addresses the audience and calls them to a specific action. This command is not a suggestion but a vital 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 the idea of God's extraordinary, miraculous deeds. The third element, "judgments of his mouth," forms a **Triadic Structure** or a form of **Merism**, where the three distinct but related categories collectively encompass the full scope of God's powerful and righteous 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 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 gratitude for past deliverance, cultivates trust for present challenges, and fuels hope for 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.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember the Lord Your God")
* [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - I will remember the works of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember Not the Former Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 105:5 remains a vital spiritual discipline. In a world prone to forgetfulness and distracted by immediate circumstances, the command to "remember" calls us back to the enduring truth of God's faithfulness. Just as ancient Israel found their identity and hope in recounting God's "marvellous works" and "wonders" during the Exodus, we too are invited to reflect on God's mighty acts in redemptive history—culminating in Christ—and in our personal lives. This practice cultivates a robust faith that is not swayed by doubt or fear, but is grounded in the proven character of God. Remembering His past interventions builds confidence that the God who delivered, provided, and judged righteously in the past is the same God who is active and sovereign 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 gratitude, trust, and proclamation, ensuring that His story and His character are passed on 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?**
* **How does actively recalling God's "wonders" and "judgments" strengthen your faith and trust in His character today?**
* **In what ways can you intentionally incorporate "remembering" God's deeds into your daily spiritual practices or communal worship?**

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

Answer: The Hebrew word for "remember" (_zakhar_) 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 seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do Not Forget the Things Your Eyes Have Seen").

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

Answer: While closely related, these terms highlight different facets of God's divine activity. "Marvellous works" (_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" (_mophethim_) often carry the connotation of signs or portents, miraculous acts 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). "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, flow directly from His authoritative spoken word and divine will. All three are mentioned to provide a comprehensive picture of God's active, powerful, and righteous involvement in history, demonstrating His multifaceted sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:5, with its call to remember God's "marvellous works," "wonders," and "judgments of his mouth," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and 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 ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life was filled with "wonders" (miracles) that served as undeniable signs of His divine authority and the inauguration of God's kingdom ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus, a Man Attested by God")). The cross and resurrection stand as the ultimate demonstration of God's power and the most profound "judgment of his mouth"—a judgment against sin that simultaneously secures salvation for all who believe ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God Presented Jesus as a Propitiation")). 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](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - All Things Created Through Him")). His teachings are the "judgments of his mouth" that reveal the Father's will and bring life or condemnation ([John 12:48](/john/12-48 "John 12:48 - The Word Will Judge")). To remember God's works today is preeminently to remember Christ's finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ongoing reign, which are the ultimate expressions of God's covenant faithfulness and the foundation of our hope ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

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

Psalms 77:11

¶ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

Psalms 119:13

¶ With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Isaiah 43:18

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Revelation 16:7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.