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Psalms 105:42

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For he remembered his holy promise, [and] Abraham his servant.

For he remembered {H2142} his holy {H6944} promise {H1697}, and Abraham {H85} his servant {H5650}.

for he remembered his holy promise to his servant Avraham.

For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham His servant.

For he remembered his holy word, AndAbraham his servant.

Commentary

Context

Psalms 105:42 is a pivotal verse within Psalms 105, a psalm that meticulously recounts God's faithfulness to Israel from the time of Abraham through the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings. This particular verse provides the theological explanation for God's miraculous interventions described earlier in the psalm, such as the plagues in Egypt and the deliverance of His people. It emphasizes that God's actions were not arbitrary but were a direct fulfillment of His solemn covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants. The psalm reminds the audience that Israel's deliverance was rooted in God's character and His unchanging word, not in their own merit.

Key Themes

  • God's Unfailing Faithfulness: The central theme is God's perfect reliability and commitment to His word. The phrase "he remembered his holy promise" highlights that God never forgets His covenants and actively works to bring them to pass. This underscores His unchanging nature and trustworthiness (Malachi 3:6).
  • The Abrahamic Covenant: The verse directly points to the foundational covenant God established with Abraham, which included promises of land, countless descendants, and blessings for all nations through his lineage. This covenant is the bedrock of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan (Genesis 15:18).
  • Divine Initiative and Sovereignty: God's actions are driven by His own will and the integrity of His promises, rather than being contingent on human performance. He initiates and fulfills His plans because of who He is—a covenant-keeping God.
  • Abraham, God's Servant: Referring to Abraham as "his servant" denotes a deep, intimate, and trusting relationship. It signifies Abraham's unique position and role in God's plan, a relationship often highlighted elsewhere in scripture (Isaiah 41:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "remembered" is zakar (זָכַר). In a theological context, zakar is far more than a simple mental recall; it signifies an active, purposeful remembrance that leads to intervention and fulfillment of a promise. When God "remembers" His covenant, it means He is moving to fulfill His word and bring His promises to fruition, as seen in Exodus 2:24. The term "servant" for Abraham (Hebrew: 'ebed, עֶבֶד) also emphasizes a position of honor, trust, and close relationship with God, rather than mere subservience, reinforcing why he is also called "the friend of God" in James 2:23.

Practical Application

Psalms 105:42 offers profound encouragement and a foundation for trust for believers today. Just as God faithfully remembered and acted upon His covenant with Abraham and Israel, He remains faithful to His promises to His people in Christ. This verse assures us that God's character is unchanging and His word is utterly reliable. In times of uncertainty, struggle, or waiting, we can find comfort and confidence in the truth that God remembers His promises. Our hope is securely anchored in His divine faithfulness and active love, knowing that all His promises are "Yea and Amen" in Jesus Christ, providing a firm foundation for our faith and a sure hope for the future.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 2:24 (6 votes)

    And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

  • Luke 1:72 (6 votes)

    To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

  • Luke 1:73 (6 votes)

    The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

  • Luke 1:54 (5 votes)

    He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy;

  • Luke 1:55 (5 votes)

    As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

  • Genesis 12:7 (5 votes)

    And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

  • Exodus 32:13 (4 votes)

    Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.