King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:9 Mean?

Psalms 105:9 in the King James Version says “Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

Psalms 105:9 · KJV


Context

7

He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.

8

He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

9

Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

10

And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:

11

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: lot: Heb. cord


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The covenant 'which he made with Abraham' and sworn 'unto Isaac' traces God's promises through patriarchal history. These weren't casual promises but formal covenant oaths. God bound Himself to fulfill what He promised. The progression from Abraham to Isaac shows covenant succession through chosen line. Christ is the ultimate seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16) in whom all promises find fulfillment. The Reformed understanding of covenant succession recognizes God's faithfulness across generations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:18, 17:1-21) was renewed with Isaac (Gen 26:3-5), establishing the pattern of covenant transmission through chosen descendants, ultimately leading to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's faithfulness to covenant promises made millennia ago strengthen your confidence in His current promises?
  2. What does covenant succession through chosen lineage teach about God's sovereignty in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 6
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּ֭רַת2 of 6

Which covenant he made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת3 of 6
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַבְרָהָ֑ם4 of 6

with Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

וּשְׁב֖וּעָת֣וֹ5 of 6

and his oath

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

לְיִשְׂחָֽק׃6 of 6

unto Isaac

H3446

jischak, the heir of abraham


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 105:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 105:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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