Answer
In giving praise to the Lord, the writer of Psalm 105 (probably Asaph and his relatives) exhorts readers to “make known His deeds among the peoples!” (Psalm 105:1, NKJV) and then models beautifully how to do that.
We can sing praises to God and speak of His wonders (Psalm 105:2). Our songs and our speech are vehicles to “make known His deeds.” We can glory in His name (Psalm 105:3a). What we value is what we want to talk about and share. If we glory in God’s name—find our joy and awe in Him—that will mean we are much better prepared and predisposed to “make known His deeds.” This principle is fortified by the encouragement that immediately follows: “Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad” (Psalm 105:3b). Glad hearts are willing to express their gladness to others. The writer instructs readers to continually seek God and to remember all that He has done (Psalm 105:45), and he reminds readers of some of those memorable works (Psalm 105:6–45). In conclusion, the psalmist exhorts readers to praise the Lord (Psalm 105:45).
First Chronicles 16 provides background for Psalm 105 as David commissioned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the Lord, ultimately making known His deeds (1 Chronicles 16:7). That context begins with the same admonition to “make known His deeds” among the peoples. The psalm was sung to all the people of Israel, and as it concluded, the people said, “Amen,” and they praised God (1 Chronicles 16:36).
Psalm 105 provides an excellent example of how we can “make His deeds known” to others. The psalm instructs readers on specific priorities and actions, and it reminds in detail of some of God’s great historical works. In order to communicate well and make known His deeds to others, we first need to be familiar with His works. Those works are evident in creation (Romans 1:18–21) but are mostly revealed and recounted in the Scriptures. It is by learning there of what He has done that we are equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17)—including making Him known to others.
Isaiah prophesies that there is a day coming when Israel will give thanks to the Lord and will make known His deeds among the peoples. They will remember that His name is exalted (Isaiah 12:4). In the meantime, Isaiah’s readers are told to praise the Lord in song because He has done excellent things that should be made known throughout the earth (Isaiah 12:5).
The theme of making God known through song is prominent in Scripture. Paul explains that one of the ways believers teach each other is through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). He adds that we ought to be speaking to one another in that way and making melody to the Lord in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19).
Song is a magnificent way to fellowship with each other and with God. It is also a time-tested method to “make known His deeds” to others.
