Psalm 106:4

Remember me, O LORD, in Your favor to Your people; visit me with Your salvation,

Study Bible

Remember me, O LORD
The plea "Remember me, O LORD," is a heartfelt invocation to God, rooted in the Hebrew word "zakar," which means to recall or bring to mind. This request is not merely for God to think of the psalmist but to act on their behalf. In the ancient Near Eastern context, remembrance by a deity implied favor and intervention. The psalmist seeks a personal relationship with God, desiring His attention and care. This reflects a deep trust in God's covenant faithfulness, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where God remembers His promises to His people.

when You show favor to Your people
The phrase "when You show favor to Your people" highlights the Hebrew concept of "chen," meaning grace or favor. This is a recognition of God's sovereign choice to bless His people, Israel. Historically, God's favor is evident in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, His provision in the wilderness, and His establishment of the covenant. The psalmist desires to be included in this divine favor, understanding that God's grace is not earned but given. This reflects the conservative Christian belief in salvation by grace through faith, as God's favor is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

visit me with Your salvation
"Visit me with Your salvation" uses the Hebrew word "yasha," which means to save or deliver. The term "visit" (Hebrew "paqad") implies a divine intervention or action. In biblical history, God's visitation often brought about significant change, such as the deliverance of Israel from oppression. The psalmist's request for salvation is both personal and communal, seeking God's intervention in their life and the life of the nation. This aligns with the Christian understanding of salvation as both a personal relationship with God and a corporate experience within the body of Christ. The ultimate visitation of salvation is seen in the incarnation of Jesus, who brings deliverance from sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 106, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing a personal plea to God for remembrance and salvation.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is being petitioned for favor and salvation.

3. God's People (Israel)
The nation of Israel, whom God has chosen and shown favor to throughout history.

4. Salvation
The deliverance and redemption that the Psalmist seeks, both in a temporal and spiritual sense.

5. Favor
The grace and kindness that God extends to His people, which the Psalmist desires to experience personally.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Favor
As believers, we should earnestly seek God's favor, understanding that His grace is essential for our spiritual journey.

Personal Relationship with God
The Psalmist's plea highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God, where we can confidently ask for His attention and intervention.

God's Faithfulness
Trust in God's faithfulness to remember and care for His people, as He has done throughout history.

Salvation as a Gift
Recognize that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by our works, but granted through His grace and favor.

Prayer as Communication
Use prayer as a means to communicate our deepest desires and needs to God, trusting in His ability to respond.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Psalmist's request for God to "remember" him reflect the nature of a personal relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we seek God's favor in our daily lives, and how does this align with the teachings of the New Testament?

3. How does the concept of salvation in Psalm 106:4 connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?

4. What are some practical ways we can remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and His promises to His people?

5. How can the practice of prayer, as demonstrated by the Psalmist, enhance our spiritual growth and reliance on God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 33:13
Moses asks God to remember him and show him His ways, similar to the Psalmist's plea for remembrance and favor.

1 Samuel 1:11
Hannah's prayer for God to remember her and grant her a son reflects a similar desire for divine attention and intervention.

Luke 23:42
The thief on the cross asks Jesus to remember him, echoing the Psalmist's request for personal salvation.

Isaiah 49:15-16
God's promise to never forget His people, reinforcing the assurance of divine remembrance.

Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation as a gift of grace, aligning with the Psalmist's request for God's favor and salvation.