Bible Teachers:What does Psalm chapter 106 mean?
Chapter Context
This is the last entry in what is often called "Book Four" of the psalms (Psalms 90—106). The psalm focuses on confession and humility; many reminders are given about Israel's failures compared to God's faithfulness. Notable mentions are the idol at Horeb (Exodus 32), the first arrival at Canaan (Numbers 14), and the era of Israel's judges (Judges 2:16–19). Despite these sins, the Lord maintained Israel's existence, even as He brought them punishment. Similar confessions appear in Isaiah 63, Ezekiel 20, and Nehemiah 9.
What does Psalm chapter 106 mean?
Psalm 105 explained God's faithfulness and ended with the word
hallelujah. This psalm opens with "hallelujah" and goes on to describe Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. God is to be praised because of His incredibly merciful, loyal love for Israel. Despite their persistent sin, He preserved the nation and kept them from utter destruction. This is the last entry in "book Four" of the psalms (Psalms 90—106).
The psalm begins with appeal to worship and honor the Lord God. This tone of appreciation is the foundation of the rest of the song, most of which recalls Israel's repeated failures. Despite these sins and errors, the Lord has made good on His promises, not allowing the nation to be destroyed (Psalm 106:1–5).
Israel was rescued from slavery in Egypt thanks to multiple spectacular miracles. Despite this, when the people were caught between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea, they assumed they would die (Exodus 14). Instead, God parted the waters (Exodus 14:16, 21–22) and drowned the entire enemy horde (Exodus 14:17–18, 23–28). This brought the people back to faith, but only temporarily (Psalm 106:6–12).
While travelling in the wilderness, Israel often complained and even rebelled against God. Despite having miraculous food from heaven, they demanded meat and were punished with sickness (Numbers 11:4, 32–33). Several families were destroyed in Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16). Perhaps worst of all, the people formed an idol and worshipped it while Moses was busy (Exodus 32:2–5). That nearly led to the death of the entire people (Exodus 32:9–10). However, God kept the people intact and alive (Psalm 106:13–23).
Israel arrived at the borders of the Promised Land. It was just as wonderful as God had promised (Exodus 6:8; Numbers 13:27; 14:7–9). However, the people were stubborn and fearful (Numbers 14:1–4). God forced them back into the wilderness, wandering forty years until they could return (Numbers 14:30–33). That He did not destroy them entirely is evidence of His mercy and loyal love (Psalm 106:24–27).
While in the wilderness, Israel began to mix with the pagan Moabites. This even led to worshipping an idol, Baal (Numbers 25:1–3). God sent a plague for punishment, which ended when one of the priests graphically killed an Israeli man and a Moabite woman (Numbers 25:4–9). The people complained about water at Meribah (Numbers 20:2–5). That incident led to Moses' own exclusion (Numbers 20:10–13) from the Promised Land (Psalm 106:28–33).
Once they returned to Canaan, the people failed to follow God's instructions. Rather than destroying the deeply wicked Canaanites, Israel instead mirrored the pagans' bad habits. This began a recurring cycle of idolatry, oppression, repentance, and rescue which lasted for generations (Judges 2:16–19). Again, the purpose of describing these events is a reminder of how loyal and loving God is (Psalm 106:34–46).
After celebrating the Lord's loyal love, despite so many human failures, the psalmist once again prays for Israel's salvation (Psalm 106:47).
The final verse of this psalm may be a separate note, meant to separate "Book Four" and "Book Five." Similar statements (Psalm 41:13, 72:19; 89:52) are made between other "Books" (Psalm 106:48).
