The first 15 verses of this psalm are also found in 1Ch_16:8-22, where they are sung as part of the celebration of David's bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Three other psalms are also hymns recounting Israel's history: 78, 106, and 136.
Psalms 105:4-5
If God seems far away, persist in your search for him. God rewards those who sincerely look for him (Heb 11:6). Jesus promised, "Everyone who seeks, finds" (Mat 7:8). The writer suggested a valuable way to find God; become familiar with the way he has helped his people in the past. The Bible records the history of God's people. In searching its pages we will discover a loving God who is waiting for us to find him.
Psalms 105:6-11
The nation Israel, the people through whom God revealed his laws to everyone, is descended from Abraham. God chose Abraham and promised that his descendants would live in the land of Canaan (now called Israel) and that they would be too numerous to count (Gen 17:6-8). Abraham's son was Isaac; Isaac's son was Jacob. These three men are considered the patriarchs or founders of Israel. God blessed them because of their faith (see Heb 11:8-21).
Psalms 105:23-25
Did God cause the Egyptians to hate the Israelites? God is not the author of evil, but the Bible writers don't always distinguish between God's ultimate action and the intermediate steps. Thus, by God blessing the Israelites, the Egyptians came to hate them (Exo_1:8-22). Because God caused the Israelites' blessing, he is also said to have caused the Egyptians' hatred. God used their animosity as a means to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Psalms 105:45
God's purpose for saving the Israelites was that they would "follow his decrees and obey his instructions." Too often we use our lives and freedom to please ourselves, but we should honor God. That is God's purpose for our lives and why he gave us his Word.
