Psalm 105:6-11
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While it might seem like a simple greeting, the verse highlights that God's people are called "his chosen ones" – not based on their own merit, but purely because of His election. This isn't just about Abraham and Jacob; it's a reminder that our identity in God is a gift, a deliberate choice He made for us.
O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm begins by calling the people to praise God and remember His mighty deeds. Verse 6 specifically addresses the descendants of Abraham and Jacob, reminding them of their unique calling and privileged relationship with God, setting the stage for recounting how God faithfully kept His covenant with their ancestors.
God didn't just pick a nation; He picked people. And He wants you to remember who you are in Him.
This verse is a powerful call to the Israelites, reminding them of their special identity. It starts by calling them the 'seed of Abraham, his servant.' Abraham was chosen by God for his faithfulness, and his descendants were to carry on that legacy.
Then, it addresses them as the 'children of Jacob, his chosen ones.' Jacob, who later became Israel, was also chosen. Notice the word 'chosen' here is plural – it refers to the children, not just Jacob himself. God's choice wasn't a one-time thing for the patriarch; it extended to his descendants. This highlights that while lineage matters in God's plan, it's His sovereign choice that sets His people apart.
God calls Abraham 'servant' and Jacob's line 'chosen.' What's the connection, and what does it mean for us today?
The verse presents two key descriptors: 'his servant' (referring to Abraham) and 'his chosen ones' (referring to the children of Jacob).
Abraham, God's Servant: Calling Abraham 'his servant' points to his role as someone who obeyed and walked with God. It’s a position of honor and intimacy, dedicated to fulfilling God's will.
Jacob's Children, God's Chosen: The phrase 'his chosen ones' emphasizes God's sovereign selection. It wasn't based on Jacob's own merit, but on God's electing grace. This signifies a special relationship, a people set apart for God's purposes.
Together, these terms show that being part of God's people involves both a response of faithful service (like Abraham) and a deep understanding of being chosen by God's unmerited favor.
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Understand the original words
zeraʿ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to descendants or progeny. In a biblical context, it highlights the generational continuity and the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs.
ʿebed · Hebrew Noun
A title of honor and status denoting one who is bound to perform the will of God, reflecting a relationship of loyalty, obedience, and belonging.
bachir · Hebrew Adjective
Referring to those specifically selected by God for a unique relationship, purpose, or calling. This choice is rooted in God's sovereign grace rather than the merit of the chosen.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the one true God (Yahweh). It signifies His self-existence, His faithfulness to His people, and His transcendence as the Creator.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
Refers to God’s judicial acts, ordinances, or decrees by which He governs the world and His people. It expresses His righteousness and sovereignty over all creation.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise initiated by God with humanity. It reflects God’s commitment to His people, secured by His own integrity.
zakhar · Hebrew Verb
Used in a theological sense to mean that God keeps His promises in mind and actively acts upon them in history; it implies faithfulness and intentionality.
choq · Hebrew Noun
An unbreakable, fixed, or unalterable rule or law established by God. It denotes something that is permanently binding.
olam · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Describes something that endures through all time; it is synonymous with eternal or perpetual, signifying that which never ends.
Kĕnaʿan · Hebrew Noun
A specific geographical territory promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, symbolizing the place where God’s covenantal blessing and rule are uniquely manifest.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A legal or theological term describing the gift or entitlement passed down to an heir, specifically used in Scripture to refer to God's promised gift of land, kingdom, and salvation to His people.
This psalm is a powerful reminder to the Israelites of their unique identity and God's faithfulness, rooted in His ancient, unwavering covenant with their patriarchs.
c. 2090 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This marks the beginning of a special relationship with Abraham's lineage.
c. 1840 BC
Covenant Renewed with Isaac
God reaffirms His covenant promises to Isaac, Abraham's son, ensuring the continuation of the chosen lineage and the divine promises.
c. 1800 BC
Covenant Confirmed with Jacob
The covenant is established with Jacob, Abraham's grandson, and he is renamed Israel. This solidifies the covenant for the twelve tribes that would form the nation.
c. 1728 BC
Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt
Driven by famine, Jacob and his entire family relocate to Egypt, marking the beginning of their sojourn and eventual enslavement in a foreign land.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites are miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage after 400 years. This pivotal event fulfills God's promises and sets them on the path to the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest and Division of Canaan
Following years of wandering, the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer the land of Canaan and divide it among the twelve tribes, fulfilling God's ancient promise.
This passage directly echoes the theme of God establishing an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his offspring, underscoring the foundational relationship mentioned in Psalm 105:6.
Deuteronomy 7:6It highlights Israel as God's chosen people, just as Psalm 105:6 does, emphasizing their special status and God's specific selection of them from all nations.
1 Chronicles 16:13This verse is almost a direct parallel, calling on the 'offspring of Abraham' and 'children of Jacob,' reinforcing the identity of God's chosen people and their lineage.
Isaiah 41:8This verse speaks of Abraham as God's friend and chosen one, paralleling the description of Abraham as God's servant in Psalm 105:6 and reinforcing his significant role in God's plan.
Galatians 3:29It connects Abraham's spiritual offspring to the covenant promises, broadening the understanding of 'seed of Abraham' beyond physical lineage to include believers in Christ.
pulpitPsalms 105:6: "O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen."
Verse 6. - O ye seed of Abraham his servant; i.e. "his faithful and obedient follower" (see below, ver. 42; and comp. Genesis 26:24; Galatians 3:9). Ye children of Jacob his chosen; rather, his chosen ones. The word is in the plural, and must be referred, not to "Jacob," but to "children."
clarkePsalms 105:6: "O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen."
O ye seed of Abraham - Ye Jews especially, who have been the peculiar objects of the Divine favor.
While it might seem like a simple greeting, the verse highlights that God's people are called "his chosen ones" – not based on their own merit, but purely because of His election. This isn't just about Abraham and Jacob; it's a reminder that our identity in God is a gift, a deliberate choice He made for us.
This Psalm begins by calling the people to praise God and remember His mighty deeds. Verse 6 specifically addresses the descendants of Abraham and Jacob, reminding them of their unique calling and privileged relationship with God, setting the stage for recounting how God faithfully kept His covenant with their ancestors.
This Psalm begins by calling the people to praise God and remember His mighty deeds. Verse 6 specifically addresses the descendants of Abraham and Jacob, reminding them of their unique calling and privileged relationship with God, setting the stage for recounting how God faithfully kept His covenant with their ancestors.
"O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand gene…" — While it might seem like a simple greeting, the verse highlights that God's people are called "his chosen ones" – not based on their own merit, but purely because of His election. This isn't just abo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
