Give thanks to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, thanksgiving is often associated with worship and sacrifice (Leviticus 7:12-15). The Hebrew word for "thanks" is "yadah," which implies a public acknowledgment of God's goodness and mercy. This act of giving thanks is not just a personal expression but a communal one, reflecting the collective memory of God's faithfulness to Israel. The Psalms frequently call the people to remember God's past deeds as a basis for present gratitude (Psalm 136).

Call upon His name
Calling upon the name of the LORD signifies invoking His presence and power. In ancient Israel, a name was more than a label; it represented the character and essence of a person. To call upon God's name is to seek His intervention and to trust in His covenant promises. This practice is rooted in the patriarchal narratives, where figures like Abraham and Isaac built altars and called on the name of the LORD (Genesis 12:8, 26:25). It is an act of faith and reliance on God's revealed character, as seen in His names such as Yahweh, Elohim, and Adonai.

Make known His deeds among the nations
This phrase highlights the missional aspect of Israel's faith. God's deeds, particularly His acts of deliverance and provision, are to be proclaimed beyond the borders of Israel. This reflects the Abrahamic covenant, where God promises that through Abraham's descendants, all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The historical context includes Israel's deliverance from Egypt, a foundational event that demonstrated God's power and faithfulness. The call to make known His deeds anticipates the New Testament mission to spread the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). It also points to the eschatological vision where all nations will worship the LORD (Isaiah 2:2-4).

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is the central figure in this Psalm. His deeds and character are the focus of thanksgiving and proclamation.

2. The Nations
Refers to all peoples outside of Israel. The Psalmist emphasizes making God's deeds known among them, highlighting the universal scope of God's works.

3. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to King David, the Psalmist is the one calling the people to worship and proclaim God's deeds.Gratitude as Worship
Thanksgiving is not just a personal act but a communal one that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. It is an essential part of worship.

Proclaiming God's Deeds
Believers are called to share the accounts of God's faithfulness and mighty works, not only within the church but also to the wider world.

The Power of God's Name
Calling upon God's name signifies trust and reliance on His character and promises. It is an act of faith and devotion.

Evangelism and Witness
Making God's deeds known among the nations is an early form of evangelism, encouraging believers to share their faith and experiences of God's work in their lives.

Historical Reflection
Reflecting on God's past deeds strengthens faith and provides assurance of His continued presence and action in the world.(1) Call upon his name.--Literally, on (or, with) his name (comp. Psalm 105:3, "glory in"), with idea of proclamation as well as invocation. Symmachus has "proclaim his name." This verse, which is found word for word in Isaiah 12:4, is apparently one of the recognised doxologies of the Hebrew Church.

Verses 1-6. - The psalmist exhorts the seed of Abraham (ver. 6) to give thanks to God and call upon his Name (vers. 1-3); to make him known among the Gentiles (ver. 1b); to seek him and his strength (ver. 4); and to bear in mind his marvellous works (ver. 5). The "works" intended are those of his providential government of mankind, and especially those of his rule and government over his people Israel. Verse 1. - O give thanks unto the Lord (comp. Psalm 106:1; Psalm 107:1; Psalm 111:1; Psalm 136:1; Psalm 138:1). Call upon his Name; i.e. call upon him with prayer and praise, "according to his historically manifested glory" (Hengstenberg). Make known his deeds (or, "his doings") among the people; rather, among the peoples; i.e. the heathen nations (comp. Psalm 18:49; Psalm 57:9; Isaiah 12:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Give thanks
הוֹד֣וּ (hō·w·ḏū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan

to the LORD,
לַ֭יהוָה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

call
קִרְא֣וּ (qir·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

upon His name;
בִּשְׁמ֑וֹ (biš·mōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

make known
הוֹדִ֥יעוּ (hō·w·ḏî·‘ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

His deeds
עֲלִילוֹתָֽיו׃ (‘ă·lî·lō·w·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5949: An exploit, a performance, an opportunity

among the nations.
בָ֝עַמִּ֗ים (ḇā·‘am·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock


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OT Poetry: Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to Yahweh! (Psalm Ps Psa.)