Psalm 105:1

Commentary on Psalm 105:1 (NKJV)

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.”

Context within Psalm 105

Psalm 105 is a historical Psalm that recalls God’s covenant faithfulness from Abraham’s calling through Joseph’s elevation and Israel’s exodus to Canaan. It emphasises divine sovereignty in preserving the covenant people and urges them to remember and proclaim His mighty works.

Exegesis of Psalm 105:1

Psalm 105:1 comprises three imperatives that form the foundation of worship:

• “Give thanks”, exhorts God’s people to express heartfelt gratitude for His steadfast love and covenant mercies, recognising that every provision and blessing flows from His gracious hand.
• “Call upon His name” invites believers into prayerful dependence, acknowledging that access to God comes solely through the mediatorial name of Christ (John 14:13–14).
• “Make known His deeds among the peoples” extends praise into mission, commissioning the covenant community to testify to God’s saving acts among all nations, anticipating the fulfilment of the Great Commission in Christ’s name.

Theological Teaching from Psalm 105:1

Psalm 105:1 teaches that authentic worship blends three core practices:

1. Gratitude – We thank God alone for His unmerited favour (sola gratia).
2. Prayer – We call on the name of Jesus, our only mediator, in reverent dependence.
3. Proclamation – We bear witness to God’s redemptive deeds, aligning worship with evangelistic mission (solus Christus; sola Scriptura).

Application for Modern Christian Living

1. Daily Thanksgiving
   • Begin each day by remembering a specific act of God’s grace in your life.
   • Use a gratitude journal to record answered prayers and providential guidance.
2. Prayerful Dependence
   • Cultivate a habit of “calling on His name” in every trial and decision.
   • Anchor prayers in the promises of Scripture, trusting Christ’s ongoing intercession.
3. Communal and Global Witness
   • In church gatherings, encourage testimonies that “make known His deeds.”
   • Partner with local and international mission agencies to proclaim the gospel among unreached peoples.

By integrating thanksgiving, prayer, and proclamation into personal devotion and corporate worship, Christians today live out the timeless call of Psalm 105:1.

---