Psalm 105:43-44
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While the verse mentions "joy" and "gladness," the original Hebrew word for "gladness" here actually translates more powerfully to "singing." This detail points to a triumphant, exuberant outpouring of praise, specifically echoing the songs of victory sung by Israel after their miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea. It wasn't just a quiet happiness; it was a loud, joyful declaration of God's power.
So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a sweeping historical recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically highlighting His deliverance of them from Egypt and their subsequent journey. It emphasizes how God orchestrated events, from plagues on Egypt to provision in the wilderness, all to fulfill His promises to Abraham. The final verses summarize this grand narrative, bringing the reader to the moment of their triumphant exit from Egypt and their entry into the Promised Land.
Why does the Psalmist link the Exodus with 'joy' and 'singing'?
The entire experience of the Exodus was a divine masterpiece, designed not just for liberation but also for remembrance and worship. When Psalm 105 recounts the liberation of God's people, it highlights the emotional and vocal expressions of praise that accompanied it. The 'joy' and 'singing' here aren't just casual feelings; they recall the mighty deliverance at the Red Sea, where Miriam and the women sang praises after God’s decisive victory over Egypt.
This wasn't a one-time event. The psalm itself is a call to remember and celebrate these acts of God. It shows how historical events of salvation become foundational songs and expressions of faith for generations to come. God’s faithfulness in the past provides the reason for present rejoicing.
What does it mean to be God's 'chosen ones' in this context?
The verse distinguishes between 'his people' and 'his chosen ones,' both experiencing joyful deliverance. This distinction highlights that God’s redemptive plan involves a specific calling and purpose. While He cares for all His people, the 'chosen ones' are set apart for a particular relationship and mission.
The Exodus wasn't just about freeing a multitude; it was about liberating the lineage through whom God would fulfill His promises, ultimately leading to the Messiah. Being 'chosen' emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and His unfailing faithfulness to His covenant promises, made not because of Israel's merit, but by His own gracious decision. This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of salvation – it is a joyous liberation from bondage, intended for those set apart by God.
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Understand the original words
bachiyr · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
The chosen are those whom God has sovereignly set apart and called for His own possession and purpose. It emphasizes God's grace and initiative in electing individuals or a people, not based on their merit, but on His sovereign decree.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
To possess (or inherit) signifies taking legal or covenantal hold of what God has graciously assigned as an allotment. It implies both the act of occupying and the permanent status of ownership granted by divine decree.
This verse celebrates the joyful liberation of God's people from Egypt, highlighting the fulfillment of His ancient promises and the jubilant songs that accompanied their entry into the Promised Land.
c. 1800 BC
Abrahamic Covenant Established
God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and land. This promise forms the bedrock of God's relationship with Israel.
c. 1800 BC - 1300 BC
Israel's Sojourn and Bondage in Egypt
Abraham's descendants move to Egypt and eventually become enslaved, setting the stage for God's deliverance.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
God powerfully delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage through Moses, marking a pivotal moment of salvation and divine intervention.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
The Israelites escape Pharaoh's pursuing army as God miraculously parts the Red Sea, leading to their ultimate freedom and a song of victory.
c. 1446 BC - 1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
For forty years, God sustains and guides the Israelites through the desert with miraculous provisions, embodying His faithfulness amidst their trials.
c. 1406 BC
Entry into the Promised Land
The Israelites finally enter the land God promised to Abraham, a fulfillment of His covenant and a testament to His enduring faithfulness.
This passage describes the song of Moses and the Israelites immediately after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, directly echoing the 'singing' and 'joy' mentioned in Psalms 105:43.
Isaiah 35:10This prophecy looks forward to a redeemed people returning in joy and singing, drawing a parallel between the Exodus and future restoration, showing the enduring theme of God's people leaving hardship with gladness.
Nehemiah 8:10Ezra and Nehemiah remind the people that 'the joy of the Lord is your strength,' connecting spiritual deliverance and the resulting joy to God's power, much like the joy of the Exodus was a testament to God's strength.
Romans 15:32Paul speaks of coming to the believers in Rome with joy by God's will, highlighting how God orchestrates both historical and personal deliverances that bring about joy in His people.
ellicottPsalms 105:43: "And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:"
(43) Gladness. —Better, singing. Alluding, possibly, to Miriam’s song on the shore of the Red Sea.
barnesPsalms 105:43: "And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:"
And he brought forth his people with joy - With joy at their deliverance from bondage, and for his merciful interposition. And his chosen with gladness - Margin, as in Hebrew, "singing." See Exodus 15.
While the verse mentions "joy" and "gladness," the original Hebrew word for "gladness" here actually translates more powerfully to "singing." This detail points to a triumphant, exuberant outpouring of praise, specifically echoing the songs of victory sung by Israel after their miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea. It wasn't just a quiet happiness; it was a loud, joyful declaration of God's power.
This psalm is a sweeping historical recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically highlighting His deliverance of them from Egypt and their subsequent journey. It emphasizes how God orchestrated events, from plagues on Egypt to provision in the wilderness, all to fulfill His promises to Abraham. The final verses summarize this grand narrative, bringing the reader to the moment of their triumphant exit from Egypt and their entry into the Promised Land.
This psalm is a sweeping historical recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically highlighting His deliverance of them from Egypt and their subsequent journey. It emphasizes how God orchestrated events, from plagues on Egypt to provision in the wilderness, all to fulfill His promises to Abraham. The final verses summarize this grand narrative, bringing the reader to the moment of their triumphant exit from Egypt and their entry into the Promised Land.
"So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil," — While the verse mentions "joy" and "gladness," the original Hebrew word for "gladness" here actually translates more powerfully to "singing." This detail points to a triumphant, exuberant outpouring…
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Last reviewed October 2026
