I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

PSALMS 143:5KJV
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Psalms 143:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 143:5 mean?

Psalms 143:5 describes the writer looking back on earlier times, thinking deeply about everything God has done, and reflecting on the things God has made. The verse shows someone intentionally remembering and considering God’s actions and creative work as a way to find hope or perspective.

David, the writer, is speaking to God during a time of distress. He chooses to focus his mind on God’s past deeds and the works of God’s hands instead of his current troubles. This verse highlights a deliberate act of remembering and pondering, suggesting that recalling God’s faithfulness in the past can bring comfort or guidance in difficult moments.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 143:5

  • "remember" (זָכַר, zakar, H2142): This word means more than just recalling facts; it often involves bringing something to mind with intention and purpose, especially in prayer or meditation.
  • "meditate" (הָגָה, hagah, H1897): This word carries the sense of deep, thoughtful reflection, sometimes even murmuring or speaking quietly to oneself. It suggests an active, engaged kind of thinking.
  • "muse" (שִׂיחַ, siach, H7878): This word is about pondering or considering deeply, often with emotional involvement. It goes beyond surface-level thought, implying a heartfelt engagement with the subject.

Why Psalms 143:5 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that faith is only about present feelings; it shows that looking back and thoughtfully remembering God’s past actions is an important part of spiritual life.
  • The verse emphasizes that reflection and meditation are not passive but active choices, especially in hard times.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse connects David’s personal struggles with a broader history of God’s faithfulness, reminding readers that their own stories fit into something larger.

Where else these words appear

“muse” Hebrew H7878 · used in 20 verses

  • Judges 5:10 Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.
  • Psalms 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
  • Psalms 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

“meditate” Hebrew H1897 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
  • Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
  • Isaiah 16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.

“works” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 28:4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

“old” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 18:20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
  • Psalms 139:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.