Psalms 106:45
And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
Psalms 106:45
Verse 45 presents the turning point of divine mercy: “And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.” The Psalmist uses strong, almost paradoxical language—God “repented” (in Hebrew, shoes) in response to human need with a multitude of mercies. It signals a God who remains true to His promises even when humans falter, and who responds with compassion that outpaces human sin. “Remembered” emphasizes God’s fidelity to His covenant; He acts not because humanity deserves it but because He is bound by His gracious promises. The combination of memory and mercy points to a redemptive arc: even when Israel reneges, God’s commitment to restoration prevails.
Historically, this aligns with the exilic and post-exilic periods where God’s people experienced restoration through His covenant faithfulness, not through their merit.
Theologically, this verse anchors God’s mercy in the framework of covenants. It demonstrates that divine mercy is not contingent on perfect obedience but rests on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to His promises. The “multitude of his mercies” underlines abundance—God’s compassion exceeds human sin, offering a path toward renewal. The verse also illuminates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility: God initiates mercy; humanity responds with repentance and faith. The covenant memory becomes a catalyst for revival.
Practically, this verse invites you to trust God’s covenant faithfulness even when your circumstances look bleak. When you’ve messed up, recall God’s promises and ask Him to renew you according to His mercies. Action steps: re-read relevant promises (Genesis 12, Exodus 20, Jeremiah 31), confess failures, and embrace a new beginning in community with others who can encourage healing and accountability. Let mercy shape your posture toward others—extend grace, forgive quickly, and pursue reconciliation. Allow the assurance of God’s mercies to embolden you to take risks for good, such as repairing damaged relationships or pursuing righteous paths that you previously avoided.
Cross-References: Lamentations 3:22-23; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 103:8-12; Exodus 34:6-7