Who is the author of Psalm 105? This question has intrigued scholars and theologians for centuries. Psalm 105 is one of the 150 psalms found in the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness to the Israelites throughout their history. Determining the exact author of this psalm has been a subject of debate, with various theories proposed over the years.
The traditional view suggests that Psalm 105 was written by Moses, the lawgiver and prophet of the Israelites. This theory is based on the fact that Psalm 105 begins with a reference to “Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who call on His name” (Psalm 105:15). Furthermore, the psalm recounts the story of the Exodus, which is traditionally attributed to Moses. However, this view is not without its critics.
Some scholars argue that Psalm 105 was written by an anonymous author who lived during the time of the Second Temple period, around the 5th or 6th century BCE. This theory is supported by the psalm’s focus on the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God, which aligns with the themes of the Second Temple period. Additionally, the psalm contains references to events and figures that are not mentioned in the books of Moses, suggesting that the author may have had access to later sources.
Another theory proposes that Psalm 105 was composed by the Deuteronomist, the same individual or group of individuals who are believed to have written the Deuteronomistic History, which includes the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. This theory is based on the psalm’s emphasis on the law and the historical narrative, which are central themes in the Deuteronomistic History.
Despite these various theories, the true author of Psalm 105 remains a mystery. The beauty and depth of the psalm, however, are not diminished by the uncertainty surrounding its authorship. Psalm 105 continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Christians and Jews alike, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and the importance of remembering and recounting the history of His people.
