For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that God "remembered his covenant," not just his promises, but the very relationship established by that covenant, which then prompted his mercy. This isn't just about God recalling a contract; it's about His steadfast love overflowing because His covenant commitment to His people is an intrinsic part of His very being.
For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm recounts Israel's repeated failures to obey God, even after experiencing His mighty acts and deliverance. Despite their persistent sinfulness and the resulting punishments, God repeatedly showed them mercy, remembering His covenant promises to their ancestors. This verse marks a turning point, highlighting God's gracious decision to relent from His judgment due to His deep love and faithfulness to His promises.
Even when people falter, God's promises hold firm. This verse reminds us that God's memory is not like ours; it's anchored in faithfulness.
God Remembers His Covenant
The verse states, "he remembered for them his covenant." This isn't about God suddenly recalling something He forgot. Instead, it signifies His active remembrance of the promises He made to Abraham and his descendants.
God's response to sin isn't always harsh judgment. Sometimes, His mercy intervenes, changing the course of His actions.
The Abundance of Steadfast Love
The phrase "relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love" is crucial. It explains why God "repented" or changed His course of action towards Israel.
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Understand the original words
beriyth · Hebrew Noun
The formal, binding agreement established by God with individuals or nations (such as with Abraham or Israel), characterized by God’s promises and requirements of faithfulness.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A rich theological term (Hebrew: chesed) referring to God’s loyal, sacrificial, and faithful love; it is love that keeps its promises regardless of the unworthiness of the recipient.
This verse reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people repeatedly failed. It speaks to His merciful response to their cries for deliverance from exile, demonstrating His steadfast love that endures despite their unfaithfulness.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing His covenant with them at Mount Sinai.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites entered and began conquering the Promised Land, but failed to fully drive out the Canaanites as commanded.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy
Under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, Israel experienced periods of national unity and strength, but also strayed from God's ways.
c. 931 BC
Divided Kingdom
The united kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Both nations repeatedly fell into idolatry and disobedience.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling its people and scattering them among the nations.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiled the people, fulfilling God's warnings about persistent sin.
c. 539 BC - 444 BC— this verse
Exile and Return
After the Babylonian exile, some Jews returned to Judah to rebuild the Temple and the city, but continued to struggle with faithfulness.
This passage directly states God's promise to remember the covenant with Israel and His people, even when they are in the land of their enemies, which is the foundational promise the Psalmist references.
Exodus 32:14Here we see God 'relenting' from his fierce anger after Moses intercedes for the people, demonstrating God's willingness to change His course of action (anthropomorphically speaking) due to prayer and His own mercy, similar to Psalm 106:45.
Jeremiah 31:20This prophetic passage speaks of God's heart being 'deeply moved' with compassion for His people after their punishment, showing a similar divine 'repentance' rooted in abundant mercy and remembrance of His promises.
Ezekiel 36:22This verse highlights that God's action to restore His people is not for their sake but for His own holy name, showing that His remembrance of the covenant and mercy is part of His sovereign, unchanging character.
pulpitPsalms 106:45: "And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies."
Verse 45. - And he remembered for them his covenant. According to the promise in Leviticus 26:42. And repented according to the multitude of his mercies (comp. Exodus 32:14; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:15; Jeremiah 26:19, etc.). The expression is anthropomorphic, and must be understood so as not to clash with the declaration, "God is not a man, that he should repent" (1 Samuel 1…
cambridgePsalms 106:45: "And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies."
45 . Cp. Leviticus 26:41-42 . repented ] Cp. Psalm 90:13 .
The verse highlights that God "remembered his covenant," not just his promises, but the very relationship established by that covenant, which then prompted his mercy. This isn't just about God recalling a contract; it's about His steadfast love overflowing because His covenant commitment to His people is an intrinsic part of His very being.
The psalm recounts Israel's repeated failures to obey God, even after experiencing His mighty acts and deliverance. Despite their persistent sinfulness and the resulting punishments, God repeatedly showed them mercy, remembering His covenant promises to their ancestors. This verse marks a turning point, highlighting God's gracious decision to relent from His judgment due to His deep love and faithfulness to His promises.
The psalm recounts Israel's repeated failures to obey God, even after experiencing His mighty acts and deliverance. Despite their persistent sinfulness and the resulting punishments, God repeatedly showed them mercy, remembering His covenant promises to their ancestors. This verse marks a turning point, highlighting God's gracious decision to relent from His judgment due to His deep love and faithfulness to His promises.
"For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love." — The verse highlights that God "remembered his covenant," not just his promises, but the very relationship established by that covenant, which then prompted his mercy. This isn't just about God reca…
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Last reviewed October 2026