Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Psalm 105 is a long historical poem that retells the entire story of Israel — from Abraham's calling through the miraculous Exodus from Egypt — as an extended act of worship. The opening verses are a rich invitation to praise that lists multiple ways to honor God: give thanks, call on his name, make his deeds known among the nations, sing to him, and tell of his wonderful acts. This verse pairs singing with storytelling, suggesting that praise involves both music and speech. The 'wonderful acts' are not abstract — they refer to the specific historical events where God showed up, kept his promises, and rescued his people. The call is not for vague reverence but for remembering and rehearsing the actual story.
God, you have done things worth talking about — in history and in my own life. Forgive me for keeping them quietly to myself. Give me the courage to tell your faithfulness out loud, even when it feels vulnerable or clumsy. Let my stories point someone else toward you. Amen.
Two verbs live in this verse: *sing* and *tell*. They're not the same thing, and the psalmist wants both. Singing faces upward — it's between you and God. Telling faces outward — it's between you and everyone else around you. Together, they form a complete act of worship that doesn't stay sealed inside a building or a quiet devotional moment. The psalmist seems to assume that praise has an audience, and that audience isn't only in the sanctuary. So here's the honest question: what's the last wonderful act of God you *told* someone about? Not in a prayer group, not in a formal church testimony — but in a regular conversation, a text, a moment where you said 'you are not going to believe what just happened'? Your story of God's faithfulness is someone else's permission slip to believe. You don't need to be eloquent. You don't need to have the theology airtight. You just need to be honest about what you've seen.
Psalm 105 pairs singing with telling of God's acts — two different responses. What do you think each one does that the other can't? Why would both matter to the psalmist?
When you think about God's 'wonderful acts' in your own life, what's the first specific thing that comes to mind? Why do you think that particular memory surfaced first?
Worship in this verse is communal and outward-facing — it involves telling others what God has done. Do you find it easier to praise God privately or publicly? What makes the difference for you?
Is there someone in your life right now who needs to hear a story of God's faithfulness? What's actually holding you back from telling them?
This week, how could you create one intentional moment to *tell* someone — not just sing — about what God has done in your life? What story would you choose, and who would you tell?
A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
Psalms 98:1
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
Psalms 78:4
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
Psalms 78:6
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6
Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Isaiah 12:5
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
James 5:13
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Ephesians 5:19
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts and devoutly praise them.
AMP
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
ESV
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.
NASB
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
NIV
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!
NKJV
Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
NLT
Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music!
MSG