Psalms 143:5

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

I remember {H2142} the days {H3117} of old {H6924}; I meditate {H1897} on all thy works {H6467}; I muse {H7878} on the work {H4639} of thy hands {H3027}.

I remember the days of old, reflecting on all your deeds, thinking about the work of your hands.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Commentary on Psalms 143:5 (KJV)

Psalm 143:5 is a poignant verse from a psalm of lament, likely written by David during a time of intense distress and persecution. In this context, the psalmist pours out his heart to God, seeking deliverance from his enemies and guidance in his desperation. Verse 5 reveals a crucial spiritual discipline he employs to find strength and hope amidst his trials: recalling God's past faithfulness and meditating on His character and deeds.

Context

Psalm 143 is the last of the penitential psalms, characterized by deep humility and earnest prayer for mercy. The preceding verses vividly describe the psalmist's overwhelming affliction, his spirit fainting within him, and his heart desolate. He feels pursued by enemies, his life crushed to the ground, and he cries out to God for a swift answer. In this state of despair, verse 5 marks a turning point, where the psalmist intentionally shifts his focus from his immediate troubles to the enduring truth of God's power and past interventions. This act of remembrance and meditation serves as a spiritual anchor, preventing him from succumbing entirely to despair and reinforcing his trust in God's ability to deliver him again.

Key Themes

  • Remembrance of God's Works: The phrase "I remember the days of old" signifies a deliberate recollection of God's historical actions, His mighty deeds, and His consistent faithfulness to His people throughout generations. This isn't mere nostalgia but a strategic act of faith to bolster one's hope in the present. It draws upon the rich narrative of God's interaction with humanity, from creation to the exodus and beyond.
  • Meditation and Musing: "I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands." These parallel phrases emphasize a deep, reflective contemplation. It's not a fleeting thought but an intentional dwelling on God's attributes as revealed through His actions. This deep mental engagement leads to a greater understanding of God's character and purposes.
  • Source of Hope in Adversity: By shifting focus from his overwhelming problems to God's unchanging nature and proven track record, the psalmist finds a basis for renewed hope and confidence. This practice acknowledges that the God who acted powerfully in the past is the same God who can intervene in the present.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Remember" (zakar): This Hebrew word implies more than just recalling facts; it often suggests an active, engaged remembrance that influences present actions and attitudes. It's a foundational concept in the Old Testament, calling Israel to remember God's covenant and mighty acts (e.g., Deuteronomy 8:2).
  • "Mediate" (hagah): This word can mean to murmur, utter, ponder, or imagine. It describes a deep, often audible, reflection or rumination. It's the same word used in Psalm 1:2 for meditating on God's law, indicating a profound and continuous engagement with the subject.
  • "Muse" (siyach): Similar to *hagah*, this word means to ponder, commune, complain, or talk. Here, it implies a deep, personal conversation with oneself or with God about His deeds, often with an element of wonder and awe.

Practical Application

Psalms 143:5 offers a timeless spiritual discipline for believers facing their own "days of old" filled with distress or uncertainty. When overwhelmed by present circumstances, we are called to:

  1. Intentionally Recall God's Faithfulness: Think back to specific instances in your own life, or in the history of God's people (as recorded in Scripture), where God intervened, provided, or delivered. This act of remembering God's wonders of old builds faith.
  2. Deeply Meditate on His Character: Go beyond surface-level thought. Ponder who God is—His power, love, wisdom, justice, and mercy—as revealed through His creation and His interaction with humanity.
  3. Acknowledge His Sovereignty: "The work of thy hands" speaks to God's active involvement in the world. Recognizing that nothing is outside His control can bring immense comfort and peace even in chaotic times.

This verse reminds us that looking backward at God's past actions can provide the strength and perspective needed to move forward in faith, trusting that the God who has worked before will work again.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 77:5

    I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

  • Psalms 77:6

    I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

  • Psalms 77:10

    And I said, This [is] my infirmity: [but I will remember] the years of the right hand of the most High.

  • Psalms 77:12

    I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

  • 1 Samuel 17:34

    And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

  • 1 Samuel 17:37

    David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

  • Micah 6:5

    O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

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