Psalm 105:22

Modern

…to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.

Traditional

To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

Literal

…to instruct his princes by his soul, and his elders to make wise.

Latin

…ut erudiret principes ejus sicut semetipsum, et senes ejus prudentiam doceret.

Hebrew

English

…to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.

These verses tell the story of Joseph (see Genesis 37–41).

This hymn praises the Lord’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants in all their journeys:
- from Ur to Canaan (Psalm 105:12),
- to Egypt (Psalm 105:17, 23),
- through the wilderness (Psalm 105:37, 41), and
- back to Canaan (Psalm 105:44).
These events fulfilled the Lord's promise to Abraham (Psalm 105:9, 42), which was the basis for Israel’s very existence. Joseph, whose suffering turned into glory, serves as a model of encouragement for Israel (Psalm 105:16–25).
Psalm 105:1–15 (along with 96; 106:1, 47–48) is included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16.

Theme notes and profiles

Genesis 41:44
And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot.”
Isaiah 19:11
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?
Genesis 41:38
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
Genesis 41:33
Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.