Sunday Study Session

June 22, 2025, Generations of Grace: A History of God’s Faithfulness - Psalms 78, 105, 106

—Printable—Handout —Bookmark— Subject: Remembrance

Title: God’s Unfailing Covenant – Background Reading: Psalms 66, 68, 77, 79, 81, 135–136

Theme: God’s covenant, the history of Israel, the need for faithfulness

READ: Psalms 78, 105, 106 (NLT) <both text and audio > (ESV & NIV)

Overview:

Psalms 78, 105, and 106 are historical psalms that recount God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel throughout their history. These psalms remind us of God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when His people falter. As Psalm 78:4 states, "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." These psalms teach us that God's faithfulness endures despite human unfaithfulness, encouraging us to trust in His unchanging nature.

Relevance:
God is the same today. Even when we fall short, His love doesn’t stop. Looking back at how He helped others builds our faith for today.

LEAD-IN QUESTION: Can you think of a time when someone kept a promise to you, even when it was difficult for them to do so? How did that make you feel?

—Imagine a grandparent who promised to attend their grandchild's graduation, despite health issues. They make the effort to be there, showing their love and commitment. This mirrors God's faithfulness to us, keeping His promises even when we don't deserve it.

TO THE POINT:

The historical psalms—78, 105, and 106—stand as monumental testaments to God's covenant faithfulness across generations. These expansive poetic narratives recount Israel's journey with God, chronicling both divine faithfulness and human fickleness. Together, they reveal that history itself is not merely a sequence of events but a testament to God's unchanging character and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

Psalm 78 opens with a profound purpose statement: "I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD" (Psalm 78:2-4). This passage reveals that remembering God's works isn't merely historical reflection but spiritual formation—the cultivation of faith across generations through the retelling of God's mighty acts.

The psalm proceeds to narrate Israel's repeated pattern of rebellion, divine discipline, repentance, and restoration. Despite witnessing extraordinary miracles—the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, water from rock, and manna from heaven—Israel consistently forgot God's goodness: "They did not remember his power—the day he redeemed them from the oppressor" (78:42). This spiritual amnesia led to cycles of disobedience and judgment. Yet the psalm concludes not with condemnation but with God's selection of David as shepherd-king, demonstrating that divine faithfulness transcends human failure.

Psalm 105 shifts perspective, focusing almost exclusively on God's faithfulness rather than Israel's failings. It recounts God's covenant with Abraham—"He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made for a thousand generations" (105:8)—and traces its fulfillment through Joseph's preservation of his family, Israel's deliverance from Egypt, and provision in the wilderness. The psalm celebrates God's consistent fulfillment of His promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances and extended delays.

In contrast, Psalm 106 returns to the theme of Israel's unfaithfulness: "We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly" (106:6). This corporate confession acknowledges generations of rebellion, from the golden calf incident to intermarriage with idol worshippers. Yet even here, the psalmist recognizes that judgment itself is an expression of covenant love: "Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry" (106:43-44).

Pastor and theologian Charles Spurgeon captured this paradoxical relationship when he wrote, "The covenant is all our salvation and all our desire; because it is all of grace, it is unchangeable and everlasting." This profound observation reminds us that the covenant's power lies not in human faithfulness but in divine character.

These historical psalms teach us that remembering God's past faithfulness cultivates faith for present challenges. They reveal that covenant isn't merely a theological concept but the lens through which we interpret both history and our personal experiences. Most significantly, they demonstrate that God's commitment to His covenant purposes transcends human failure and remains the one constant in an ever-changing world.

For the Christian, these psalms ultimately point to Christ, in whom all God's covenant promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Jesus stands as the perfect covenant keeper who fulfilled what Israel could not, whose blood established the new covenant, and whose resurrection guarantees that God's covenant faithfulness extends even beyond death itself. As we reflect on these psalms, we recognize our own place in this continuing covenant story—recipients of grace unmerited, participants in promises unbroken, and witnesses to faithfulness unfailing.

Questions to Consider:

Psalms 78 and 105 recount God's covenant and the history of Israel. How does remembering His faithfulness in the past inspire trust and faithfulness in your own life today?

Psalm 106 reflects on humanity’s failures yet emphasizes God's grace. How does this dual perspective shape your view of God's unwavering covenant?

Quotes to Inspire Reflection:

Tim Keller- “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Charles Spurgeon- “God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”

SERIOUSLY THINKING- When people take remembering God’s works, faithfulness, and commands seriously it significantly influences how they live, worship, and make decisions.

1. They Cultivate Gratitude (Psalm 105)

“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.” (Psalm 105:1) —Change: They consistently give thanks for past blessings rather than taking them for granted. —Example: They regularly express gratitude in prayer, journaling, or in conversation—even in difficult seasons—because they remember what God has done.

2. They Avoid Repeating Past Failures (Psalm 78, 106)

“They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them.” (Psalm 78:11) — “They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt.” (Psalm 106:21) —Change: They learn from Scripture and history, choosing obedience over rebellion. —Example: Instead of repeating patterns of unbelief or disobedience, they pause, reflect, and adjust their actions in light of God's faithfulness and commands.

3. They Meditate on God’s Faithfulness (Psalm 105)

“He remembers His covenant forever...” (Psalm 105:8) —Change: They dwell on God's promises rather than their fears. —Example: They reflect on God's Word, memorize Scripture, or retell stories of His provision to build faith for present challenges.

4. They Teach the Next Generation (Psalm 78)

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…” (Psalm 78:4) —Change: They intentionally pass on stories of faith to children or others around them. —Example: They may start family devotions, share testimonies, or engage in mentoring.

5. They Practice Confession and Repentance (Psalm 106)

“We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6) —Change: They’re quicker to confess sin, recognizing patterns from the past that need breaking. —Example: They regularly examine their hearts in prayer, acknowledging personal and even communal sins.

Additional content for the above study

DEVOTIONAL ALLEGORY: "You remember when... the moon landing happened in 1969?"

The moon landing in 1969 was a remarkable event in history, demonstrating human determination, innovation, and the fulfillment of a long-held goal. Just as the moon landing represented the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, the Psalms highlight God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with His people throughout history.

Verse Tie-In: Psalm 105:8 - "He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations."

This verse emphasizes God's enduring faithfulness to His promises, much like the fulfillment of the dream of landing on the moon after years of effort and commitment.

THIS MAY SURPRISE YOU: Psalm 78:32-33: "In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror."

This verse may surprise you because it highlights the continued unbelief and rebellion of the people of Israel, even after witnessing God's wonders. The idea that people could still turn away from God despite experiencing His miracles can be challenging to comprehend. This teaches us about the human tendency to forget God's faithfulness and the consequences of persistent unfaithfulness. It emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and remaining faithful to His covenant. By understanding this, we learn the value of reflecting on God's past faithfulness to inspire trust and obedience in our present lives.

SEEDS FOR THOUGHT:

Why do you think the psalmists chose to retell Israel's history in these psalms?

—The psalmists likely retold Israel's history to remind the people of God's faithfulness and to encourage them to trust Him. By recounting God's past actions, they provide evidence of His trustworthiness for future generations.

In Psalm 78:7-8, what does the psalmist hope will happen when people remember God's deeds?

—The psalmist hopes that by remembering God's deeds, people will put their trust in God, keep His commands, and not be like their stubborn ancestors. This shows how understanding God's faithfulness can lead to obedience and faith.

How does Psalm 105 describe God's covenant with Abraham?

—Psalm 105 describes God's covenant with Abraham as an everlasting covenant, emphasizing God's long-term commitment. It shows how God fulfilled His promises through Israel's history, demonstrating His faithfulness.

In Psalm 106, how does the psalmist balance Israel's unfaithfulness with God's faithfulness?

—The psalmist honestly recounts Israel's sins and rebellions, but continually returns to God's mercy and faithfulness. This contrast highlights God's unchanging nature despite human fickleness.

How can remembering God's past faithfulness help us in our present challenges?

—Recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith and give us hope. It reminds us that God has been faithful before and will continue to be faithful, even when our current circumstances are difficult.

What does God's covenant faithfulness teach us about His character?

—God's covenant faithfulness reveals His unchanging nature, His love for His people, and His commitment to His promises. It shows us that God is trustworthy and that His love endures forever, as stated in Psalm 106:1.

CONSIDERING the IMPLICATIONS:

Have you ever had someone make a promise to you and not keep it? Maybe a friend let you down, or someone forgot an important commitment. It hurts when people break their promises. But God is different—He always keeps His word.

The Psalms remind us of God’s faithfulness to His covenant, His unbreakable promise to His people. Psalm 105:8 says, “He remembers His covenant forever, the promise He made, for a thousand generations.” Even when Israel was unfaithful, God remained faithful. Psalm 106 shows how the people often forgot what God had done, but He never abandoned them.

Think about a time in your life when you saw God’s faithfulness. Maybe it was during a hard season, and looking back, you can see how He provided for you. Or maybe it was in a moment of doubt, and He reminded you of His love in an unexpected way. Just like He was faithful to Israel, He is faithful to us today.

Quotes to Reflect On:

“God’s promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.” – David Nicholas

“Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that He will.” – Ben Stein

“God is faithful even when we are faithless.” – 2 Timothy 2:13 (paraphrased)

Take a moment to reflect: Have you ever experienced a time when God kept His promise to you? How does remembering His past faithfulness help you trust Him for the future?

KEY THOUGHTS:

God keeps His promises through all generations. Psalm 105:8-9 tells us, "He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham." This shows us that God never forgets His promises to us.

Even when people fail, God remains faithful. Psalm 106:43-45 shares how "Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion... Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry." This reminds us that God's love doesn't depend on our perfect behavior.

We can learn from history's lessons. Psalm 78:4 says we should tell the next generation "the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." Looking at how God has been faithful in the past helps us trust Him today.

NEW TESTAMENT CONNECTION: These Psalms about God's covenant faithfulness point beautifully to Jesus. For example, Psalm 105:8 talks about God remembering His covenant forever. This connects to Luke 22:20, where Jesus says, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." Jesus became the perfect fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Another connection is found in Psalm 78:24-25, which talks about God providing manna: "He rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven." This points to Jesus' words in John 6:35: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry." Just as God provided physical bread in the wilderness, He provided Jesus as our spiritual bread.

APPLY THIS CONTENT

Psalms 78, 105, and 106 are beautiful reflections of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with His people. These psalms recount the history of Israel, highlighting God's mighty works and the ways He has remained true to His promises despite the people's failures. As Christians today, we can apply this content by remembering and celebrating God's faithfulness in our own lives. When we reflect on our personal histories, we often see how God has guided, protected, and provided for us. Psalm 105:5 encourages us to "Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."

Incorporating regular times of reflection and thanksgiving into our daily lives can strengthen our faith and remind us of God's constant presence. Pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, "God’s past faithfulness demands our present trust." By acknowledging God's faithfulness, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust, knowing that He will continue to fulfill His promises.

Another practical application is to use these psalms as a model for prayer. We can pray for God's continued guidance and provision, confess our shortcomings, and express our trust in His faithfulness. This practice can deepen our relationship with God and reinforce our reliance on Him.

TAKE-HOME THOUGHT:

The bigger picture of God's plan, as illustrated in Psalms 78, 105, and 106, reveals His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people. Throughout history, God has shown His faithfulness time and time again, despite humanity's repeated failures. This consistency demonstrates His unchanging nature and steadfast love. "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:5).

Understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant helps us see that His promises are not just for the past but are also relevant to our lives today. His covenant of grace, fulfilled through Jesus Christ, assures us of His ongoing presence and support. Historian Philip Schaff once noted, "God’s faithfulness is the solid foundation upon which we build our hope and trust."

As we reflect on these psalms, we are reminded that God is always working in our lives, even when we may not see it. His faithfulness provides us with a sense of security and hope, knowing that He will continue to lead and guide us. By trusting in His promises, we can live with confidence and courage, making a positive impact on the world around us.

1: Introduction to the Psalms – Encouragement and Motivation - Psalms 71:17-18

2: Rooted in Righteousness: The Worshiper’s Walk - Psalms 1-9

3: From Valley to Victory: Walking with the Shepherd - Psalms 23-29

4: Psalms of Lament – Seeking God in Times of Trouble- Psalms 6, 13, 22, 42-43, 88

5: Broken and Made Whole: The Power of Repentance - Psalms 51, 32, 26, 31

6: Trust in God’s Sovereignty- Psalms 2, 46, 47, 93, 97

7: Generations of Grace: A History of God’s Faithfulness - Psalms 78, 105, 106

8: The Lord Has Done Great Things: Giving Him Thanks - Psalms 100, 103, 107, 111, 116

9: Majesty and Mercy: The King Who Reigns Forever - Psalms 24, 45, 47, 72, 110

10: Wisdom Psalms – Living Wisely in God’s World- Psalms 37, 49, 73, 112, 127

11: The God Who Judges and Delivers- Psalms: 11, 14, 35, 40, 52, 57, 71

12: Worship in Community and Temple - Psalms: 27, 48, 84, 122, 133