He confirmed it to Jacob as a decreeThis phrase refers to God's reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. The term "decree" indicates a formal and authoritative order, underscoring the seriousness and unchangeable nature of God's promise. Jacob, later named Israel, is a central patriarch in the biblical narrative, and his life is marked by divine encounters and promises. The confirmation of the covenant to Jacob is recorded in
Genesis 28:13-15, where God appears to him in a dream at Bethel, promising land, descendants, and blessings. This decree is part of the Abrahamic Covenant, initially given to Abraham in
Genesis 12:1-3 and reiterated to Isaac in
Genesis 26:3-4. The covenant's confirmation to Jacob signifies the continuation of God's plan through the patriarchal line, emphasizing the faithfulness of God across generations.
to Israel as an everlasting covenant
The use of "Israel" here refers to both the individual Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28), and the nation that descended from him. The term "everlasting covenant" highlights the perpetual nature of God's promises, which are not limited by time or human failure. This covenant includes the promise of land, a great nation, and blessings to all nations through his descendants, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of Jacob. The everlasting nature of the covenant is echoed in other scriptures, such asGenesis 17:7, where God promises Abraham that the covenant will be everlasting. This covenant is foundational to the identity and theology of Israel, shaping their understanding of God’s faithfulness and their role in His redemptive plan. The concept of an everlasting covenant also points to the New Covenant established through Christ, as seen inJeremiah 31:31-34 andHebrews 8:6-13, where the promises to Israel find their ultimate fulfillment.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JacobThe grandson of Abraham, Jacob is a patriarch of the Israelites. His name was later changed to Israel, and he is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
2.
IsraelRefers both to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, and to the nation that descended from him. The covenant mentioned in this verse is central to the identity and history of the Israelites.
3.
CovenantA solemn agreement between God and His people. In this context, it refers to the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which include the promise of land, descendants, and blessing.
4.
DecreeA formal and authoritative order. In this verse, it signifies the binding nature of God's promise to Jacob and his descendants.
5.
Everlasting CovenantThis term emphasizes the perpetual and unbreakable nature of God's promises to Israel, highlighting the eternal faithfulness of God.
Teaching Points
God's FaithfulnessThe verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His word, just as He did with Jacob and Israel.
The Importance of CovenantUnderstanding the concept of covenant is crucial for comprehending God's relationship with His people. It is a binding agreement that reflects God's commitment and love.
Identity in God's PromisesJust as Israel's identity was shaped by God's covenant, Christians today find their identity in the promises of God through Christ.
Eternal PerspectiveThe "everlasting" nature of the covenant encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, focusing on God's eternal promises rather than temporary circumstances.
Living in Covenant RelationshipBelievers are called to live in response to God's covenant, which involves obedience, faith, and trust in His promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 105:10?
2.How does Psalm 105:10 emphasize God's enduring covenant with His people?
3.What role does God's covenant play in your daily faith practice?
4.How does Psalm 105:10 connect with God's promises in Genesis 17:7?
5.How can you apply the concept of God's covenant to modern Christian life?
6.What does "everlasting covenant" in Psalm 105:10 reveal about God's faithfulness?
7.How does Psalm 105:10 affirm God's covenant with Israel throughout history?
8.What is the significance of God's everlasting covenant in Psalm 105:10?
9.How does Psalm 105:10 relate to God's promises to Abraham?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 105?
11.Psalm 105:8-11 states God's covenant lasts 'a thousand generations.' How do we reconcile this indefinite timeline with known historical and genealogical records?
12.Why does 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 reuse lines from Psalm 105 and Psalm 96 if David was the original composer?
13.Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to preach to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), but later command them to go to all nations (Matthew 28:19)?
14.How does Moses praise God for His deliverance?What Does Psalm 105:10 Mean
He confirmed it• The “it” refers to the promise first given to Abraham—a pledge of land, people, and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:18).
• God’s act of “confirming” highlights His faithfulness. What He speaks, He secures (Numbers 23:19;Hebrews 6:17-18).
•Psalm 105 is a historical recounting; verse 10 points back to tangible moments when God reaffirmed His oath (Genesis 26:3-5 to Isaac;Genesis 28:13-15 to Jacob).
to Jacob• Jacob stands as the third patriarch, the direct recipient of God’s covenant assurances (Genesis 28:13-15).
• By naming Jacob, the psalm ties the covenant to an individual with real shortcomings, underscoring grace (Genesis 32:24-30;Romans 9:10-13).
• Jacob’s later name change to Israel (Genesis 35:10) connects the personal promise to a national destiny.
as a decree• A “decree” is a fixed, royal statute that cannot be overturned (Daniel 6:8).
• God’s covenant is therefore not a casual agreement but a binding ordinance—unchangeable because it rests on God’s character (Malachi 3:6).
• This legal language assures worshipers that their history is anchored in God’s irrevocable word (Psalm 89:34).
to Israel• Moving from the man Jacob to the nation Israel shows the covenant’s expansion from one life to an entire people (Exodus 3:15-17).
• The verse reminds every Israelite that their collective identity is rooted in divine promise, not human achievement (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
• The same God who shepherded a solitary patriarch now guards a multitude (Isaiah 46:3-4).
as an everlasting covenant• “Everlasting” stresses duration—God’s pledge outlives generations, dynasties, and empires (Genesis 17:7;Jeremiah 31:35-36).
• The covenant reaches ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who secures eternal redemption for all who believe (Luke 1:72-75;Galatians 3:29).
• Because the covenant is everlasting, it fuels hope for both present guidance and future restoration (Romans 11:25-27).
summaryPsalm 105:10 celebrates God’s unbreakable faithfulness. He ratified His ancient promise, stamped it with royal authority, extended it from Jacob to the entire nation, and guaranteed it forever. The verse invites us to rest confidently in a God whose words never fail and whose covenant reaches its climax in the saving work of Christ.
(10)
Law . . . covenant.--In Hebrew,
chokand
herith,which here seem to be used as synonyms. (Comp. the use of the former word in
Psalm 2:7.)
Verse 10. -
And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law (see
Genesis 28:13). And
to Israel;
i.e. to Jacob, after he had given him the name of Israel (see
Genesis 35:12).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He confirmed itוַיַּֽעֲמִידֶ֣הָ(way·ya·‘ă·mî·ḏe·hā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsto Jacobלְיַעֲקֹ֣ב(lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descas a decree,לְחֹ֑ק(lə·ḥōq)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2706:Something prescribed or owed, a statuteto Israelלְ֝יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל(lə·yiś·rā·’êl)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descas an everlastingעוֹלָֽם׃(‘ō·w·lām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, alwayscovenant:בְּרִ֣ית(bə·rîṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285:A covenant
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 105:10 And confirmed the same to Jacob (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
