Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just calling for praise, but for active proclamation of God's deeds to "the peoples"—implying that God's actions are meant to be witnessed and declared beyond just their own community, reaching even the nations. This reveals a global purpose from the very start of Israel's story.
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with a powerful call to worship, urging the descendants of Abraham to remember and proclaim God's mighty acts. It's a prelude to recounting the incredible history of God's faithfulness to Israel, setting the stage to contrast with Israel's often unfaithful response which will be explored later in this collection of psalms. The focus here is on God's covenant promises and the historical evidence of His unwavering love and protection.
Why does the psalm start with an immediate call to thank God? It's more than just saying 'thanks' – it's about recognizing who God is and what He's done.
The opening of Psalm 105 isn't just a suggestion; it's a powerful exhortation. "O give thanks to the LORD" isn't a passive thought, but an active command.
Thanksgiving as Response
This isn't out of the blue. The psalmist is reflecting on God's faithful actions, especially with Israel's ancestors. Thanksgiving, in this context, is a heart's response to God's consistent love and power. It's about acknowledging His character and His mighty works.
A Priestly Duty
Giving thanks is presented as a core duty for God's people. It's how they orient themselves towards God, recognizing His sovereignty and their dependence. This practice sets the tone for everything else that follows in the psalm.
The psalm doesn't just say to thank God, but to 'make known his deeds among the peoples.' What does this outward focus reveal about God's plan?
The call to "call upon his name" and "make known his deeds among the peoples" highlights a vital aspect of worship: its outward reach.
Invoking and Inviting
Calling on God's name is more than just praying; it's acknowledging Him and His authority. When this is combined with making His deeds known, it suggests an invitation for others to recognize who God is.
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God's Global Purpose
The phrase "among the peoples" (or "nations") is significant. It implies that God's actions are not just for one group, but are meant to be witnessed and understood by all. This points to God's overarching plan to reveal Himself to the world through His chosen people. Their testimony becomes a witness to the nations.
Understand the original words
yadah · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word 'yadah' implies an outward expression of praise, often involving the lifting of hands, acknowledging God's character and actions with gratitude.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant name of God (YHWH), the self-existent One who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His authority, presence, and personal relationship with those He redeems.
qara beshem · Hebrew Verb phrase
In a biblical sense, to 'call upon the name' is to invoke God’s presence, appeal to His character, and establish a relationship of prayerful dependence on Him.
alilah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the objective acts of God in history, displaying His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes among humanity.
niphla'ah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Refers to the extraordinary or astonishing acts of God that inspire awe and amazement because they transcend the ordinary course of nature.
This psalm, likely composed or compiled after the Babylonian exile, serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, calling them to remember and proclaim His mighty acts as a foundation for hope and renewal.
c. 1850 BC
Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and a land, setting the stage for future divine actions.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, a pivotal event demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His covenant.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following the wilderness wandering, the Israelites under Joshua conquer and settle the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David conquers Jerusalem and makes it the capital of Israel, bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the city, a significant moment for national worship.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Built
Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place for Israelite worship and sacrifice, reinforcing national identity and covenantal practices.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and marking a severe judgment for their unfaithfulness.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population. This event deeply shapes Jewish identity and theology, emphasizing God's judgments alongside His mercy.
This passage is nearly identical to Psalm 105:1, showing that this declaration of thanks and proclamation of God's deeds was a recognized liturgical expression in ancient Israel.
1 Chronicles 16:8-9This passage, found within David's hymn of thanksgiving, echoes the call to give thanks and make known God's deeds, highlighting the continuity of this worship practice.
Matthew 28:19-20Jesus' Great Commission commands his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that he commanded, which aligns with the psalm's directive to make known God's deeds among the peoples.
Acts 1:8This verse, where Jesus promises his disciples will be his witnesses in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, directly connects to the call in Psalm 105:1 to make known God's deeds among the peoples.
1 Peter 2:9Peter calls believers a 'royal priesthood' and a 'holy nation,' chosen to proclaim the excellencies of God, reinforcing the idea that God's people are called to make His deeds known to others.
clarkePsalms 105:1: "O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."
O give thanks - He had been meditating on God's gracious dealings with their fathers; and he calls upon himself and all others to magnify God for his mercies.
ellicottPsalms 105:1: "O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."
(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.
The verse isn't just calling for praise, but for active proclamation of God's deeds to "the peoples"—implying that God's actions are meant to be witnessed and declared beyond just their own community, reaching even the nations. This reveals a global purpose from the very start of Israel's story.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to worship, urging the descendants of Abraham to remember and proclaim God's mighty acts. It's a prelude to recounting the incredible history of God's faithfulness to Israel, setting the stage to contrast with Israel's often unfaithful response which will be explored later in this collection of psalms. The focus here is on God's covenant promises and the historical evidence of His unwavering love and protection.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to worship, urging the descendants of Abraham to remember and proclaim God's mighty acts. It's a prelude to recounting the incredible history of God's faithfulness to Israel, setting the stage to contrast with Israel's often unfaithful response which will be explored later in this collection of psalms. The focus here is on God's covenant promises and the historical evidence of His unwavering love and protection.
"Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!" — The verse isn't just calling for praise, but for active proclamation of God's deeds to "the peoples"—implying that God's actions are meant to be witnessed and declared beyond just their own communi…
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Last reviewed October 2026