Psalm 105 6

Psalm 105:6 kjv

O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

Psalm 105:6 nkjv

O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Psalm 105:6 niv

you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.

Psalm 105:6 esv

O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

Psalm 105:6 nlt

you children of his servant Abraham,
you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.

Psalm 105 verses

Psalm 105 6 Meaning

Psalm 105:6 is a direct address to God's covenant people, identifying them as the "seed of Abraham, His servant," and "You sons of Jacob, His chosen ones." It reaffirms their unique identity and privileged status based on God's foundational covenants with Abraham and Jacob (Israel). The verse serves as a crucial reminder of their lineage, their calling as God's special people, and the unmerited favor bestowed upon them by divine election, setting the stage for the psalm's recounting of God's faithful deeds in history.

Psalm 105 6 Context

Psalm 105 belongs to a series of historical psalms (e.g., Ps 78, 106) that recount God's faithful deeds in Israel's history. The overall aim of Psalm 105 is to call the people of God to remember, give thanks, and proclaim His wondrous works, reminding them of the divine origin of their national identity and covenant relationship. It outlines the lineage of Israel, beginning with Abraham, and meticulously traces God's preservation, guidance, and provision through key events like the journey to Egypt, the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, and the giving of the land.

Verse 6 serves as a foundational declaration, identifying the audience (Israel) through their unique covenantal relationship with the God who chose their ancestors, Abraham and Jacob. This initial identification is critical, establishing the basis for the entire recounting of God's faithfulness that follows. Historically, the psalm may have served as a liturgical piece for festivals, celebrating God's deliverance and covenant-keeping nature. It acted as a powerful reaffirmation of identity for the nation, particularly significant for a post-exilic community or any generation prone to forgetting God's past mercies, providing an implicit polemic against syncretism or self-reliance by emphasizing that their identity and blessing came solely from God's unmerited favor and unbreakable covenant, not from human strength or allegiance to other deities.

Psalm 105 6 Word analysis

• O seed: The Hebrew word zeraʿ (זרע) literally means "seed," "offspring," or "descendants." In this context, it signifies the literal lineage and multitude promised to Abraham, yet it carries the theological weight of being heirs to the covenant. This includes not only physical progeny but those who embody the faith and covenant relationship of Abraham.
• of Abraham: The patriarch Abraham is the pivotal figure with whom God established His initial covenant, promising land, numerous descendants, and blessing to all nations through his line. This emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in establishing His chosen people.
• his servant: The Hebrew word ʿavdô (עבדו) refers to "his servant" or "his slave." Here, it unequivocally refers to Abraham, signifying his devoted relationship and obedience to God. To be called God's servant is a mark of honor, trust, and intimate partnership (cf. Gen 26:24). The descendants are identified with this heritage of service.
• You sons of Jacob: The Hebrew phrase Běnê Yaʿaqōv (בני יעקב) literally translates to "sons of Jacob." Jacob is Abraham's grandson, later renamed Israel (Gen 32:28, 35:10). This specifies the collective national identity, representing the twelve tribes that formed the nation of Israel. It grounds their identity in their national history.
• His chosen ones: The Hebrew Bᵉḥîrâw (בחירָיו) means "His chosen ones" or "His elect." This term powerfully emphasizes that Israel's status is not due to their merit or works, but solely to God's sovereign, gracious choice. It underscores the unmerited favor and special relationship God initiated with them, distinct from all other peoples. This election underpins all subsequent covenantal blessings and responsibilities.

• "O seed of Abraham, his servant": This grouping highlights the foundational covenant established with Abraham. The "seed" are identified as beneficiaries of this covenant through Abraham's status as God's faithful "servant." This connection signifies both inherited blessing and an expected lineage of devotion.
• "You sons of Jacob, His chosen ones": This parallel phrase affirms the physical and national continuity of the promise through Jacob (Israel). The term "chosen ones" re-emphasizes that their election is rooted in divine grace and predestination, not human merit, cementing their unique identity as the covenant people formed by God's choice.

Psalm 105 6 Bonus section

The double reference to "Abraham" and "Jacob" (Israel) in the same verse emphasizes both the broad, inclusive promise (Abraham, father of many nations) and the specific, narrowed lineage that leads to the formation of the nation of Israel (through Jacob/Israel). This serves to clarify the specific beneficiaries of the recounted history in the psalm. The inclusion of "his servant" (referring to Abraham) not only honors Abraham's faithfulness but also subtly sets an example of obedient servitude for his descendants. The emphasis on "chosen ones" transcends mere physical descent; it points to a divine purpose and predestination for Israel that undergirds their entire history and calling. This election also carries the responsibility to embody and manifest God's righteousness, serving as a beacon to other nations, a theme woven throughout the Old Testament and finding ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the Church as His "chosen race."

Psalm 105 6 Commentary

Psalm 105:6 acts as an invocation, directly addressing the recipients of God's covenant mercies. It is a vital statement of identity for the nation of Israel, reminding them of their extraordinary lineage and divine calling. By identifying them as the "seed of Abraham, His servant" and "sons of Jacob, His chosen ones," the psalmist grounds their present identity and future hope in God's immutable past promises. This verse underscores God's faithfulness in selecting and preserving a people for Himself, emphasizing that their existence and favored status stem purely from His sovereign choice and steadfast covenant, not their own merit. It's a foundational truth for understanding Israel's place in God's plan and for encouraging remembrance and gratitude for His continued providence throughout history. For the Christian, it speaks to the spiritual heritage found in Christ, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham, incorporating believers into the promise through faith, echoing God's continued gracious election and faithfulness.