For He remembered His holy promiseThis phrase emphasizes God's faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant. The concept of God remembering is not about recalling something forgotten but rather about acting upon His promises. In the biblical context, God's promises are often tied to covenants, which are solemn agreements between God and His people. The "holy promise" refers to the covenant made with Abraham, which is foundational to the narrative of the Israelites. This promise includes the assurance of land, descendants, and blessings (
Genesis 12:1-3). The holiness of the promise underscores its divine origin and the sacred nature of God's word. This theme of divine remembrance is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in
Exodus 2:24, where God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, leading to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.
to Abraham His servant
Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, often referred to as the father of faith. His relationship with God is characterized by obedience and trust, as seen in his willingness to leave his homeland and later, to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22). The term "servant" highlights Abraham's role as a faithful follower and obedient servant of God. This designation is significant, as it reflects a close and honored relationship with the divine. Abraham's life and faith are pivotal in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, and he is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as an example of faith (Romans 4,Hebrews 11). The promise to Abraham is not only a personal blessing but also a prophetic foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed (Galatians 3:16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
God- The central figure in this verse, who is faithful to His promises.
2.
Abraham- The patriarch to whom God made significant promises, including the promise of numerous descendants and a land for his people.
3.
The Promise- Refers to the covenant God made with Abraham, which includes blessings, land, and a great nation.
4.
Israel- The descendants of Abraham, who are the recipients of God's promises and the focus of His covenantal faithfulness.
5.
The Exodus- The event where God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises.
Teaching Points
God's FaithfulnessGod is always faithful to His promises, as seen in His covenant with Abraham. This should encourage believers to trust in God's word and His timing.
The Importance of RemembranceJust as God remembered His promise, believers are called to remember God's faithfulness in their own lives, which strengthens faith and hope.
Covenantal RelationshipUnderstanding the covenant with Abraham helps believers appreciate their own relationship with God through Christ, who fulfills the promises made to Abraham.
Intergenerational PromisesGod's promises often span generations, reminding us to live faithfully, knowing that our actions and faith can impact future generations.
God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham through historical events like the Exodus demonstrates His control over history, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereign plan.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 105:42?
2.How does Psalm 105:42 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
3.What role does remembrance play in God's actions according to Psalm 105:42?
4.How can we apply God's faithfulness in Psalm 105:42 to our daily lives?
5.Which other Bible verses highlight God's faithfulness to His covenant like Psalm 105:42?
6.How does understanding God's faithfulness in Psalm 105:42 strengthen our trust in Him?
7.How does Psalm 105:42 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham?
8.What historical events are referenced in Psalm 105:42?
9.How does Psalm 105:42 relate to the overall theme of God's promises in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 105?
11.How can I fully surrender to God's will?
12.Why does Joshua 21:45 assert that every divine promise was fulfilled, when other passages suggest lingering Canaanite presence?
13.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?
14.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)?What Does Psalm 105:42 Mean
For He remembered• God’s “remembering” is not the recall of forgotten facts; it is His decisive movement to act on what He has already pledged. WhenExodus 2:24 says, “God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob,” it introduces the very rescue that unfolds in Exodus. In the same spirit,Psalm 105:8 affirms, “He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded for a thousand generations.”
• This verse assures believers that divine remembrance is dependable. Because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), the commitments God made millennia ago still govern His actions today.
His holy promise• The word “holy” marks God’s pledge as set apart, morally flawless, and inviolable.Genesis 17:7 captures the essence: “I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you.” God’s promises bear the stamp of His own character; therefore,Numbers 23:19 can insist, “God is not a man, that He should lie.”
•Psalm 89:34 strengthens the point: “I will not violate My covenant or alter the word that has gone forth from My lips.” Every deliverance in Israel’s story—from the exodus to the conquest of Canaan—flows from this sanctified oath.
to Abraham• God chose a real man living in Ur and later Canaan (Genesis 12:1-3) and bound world-spanning blessings to him: “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” That blessing is ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16: “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed…who is Christ”).
• Abraham’s faith response—“he believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6)—became the template for salvation by faith (Romans 4:23-24). Thus, whenPsalm 105:42 highlights Abraham, it reminds us that God’s redemptive agenda is anchored in a covenant first offered to him.
His servant• Calling Abraham “His servant” underscores the relationship of loyal submission.Isaiah 41:8 echoes the title: “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend.”
• Servanthood conveys privilege and responsibility. Abraham obeyed when told to leave his country (Genesis 12:4). Because he served, nations find blessing (Genesis 22:18). In the same way, believers today are “servants of Christ” (Ephesians 6:6), entrusted with spreading the covenant blessings in the gospel.
summaryPsalm 105:42 assures us that the God who once acted for Abraham still acts for His people. He remembers—actively, faithfully. His promise is holy—untouchable by time or human failure. It is linked to Abraham—grounding salvation history in a real covenant and pointing forward to Christ. And it comes from the Master who calls His people servants—inviting us into obedient partnership as He unfolds His unbreakable plan.
Verse 42. -
Forhe remembered his holy promise, and Abraham;i.e. his covenant with Abraham to bring his seed into the Holy Land.
His servant (comp. ver. 6).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionHe rememberedזָ֭כַר(zā·ḵar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2142:To mark, to remember, to mention, to be maleHis holyקָדְשׁ֑וֹ(qā·ḏə·šōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctitypromiseדְּבַ֣ר(də·ḇar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeto Abrahamאַבְרָהָ֥ם(’aḇ·rā·hām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85:Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nationHis servant.עַבְדּֽוֹ׃(‘aḇ·dōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant
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OT Poetry: Psalm 105:42 For he remembered his holy word (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
