1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? [who] can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed [are] they that keep judgment, [and] he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour [that thou bearest unto] thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked [him] at the sea, [even] at the Red sea.
8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
16 They envied Moses also in the camp, [and] Aaron the saint of the LORD.
17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, [and] terrible things by the Red sea.
23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].
24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:
25 But murmured in their tents, [and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
26 Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:
27 To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.
28 They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
29 Thus they provoked [him] to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.
30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and [so] the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.
32 They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
38 And shed innocent blood, [even] the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
40 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked [him] with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, [and] to triumph in thy praise.
48 Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Overview of Psalm 106
Psalm 106 is a historical psalm that reflects on the relationship between God and the Israelites, focusing on their repeated disobedience and God’s enduring mercy. It serves as both a confession of sin and a reminder of God’s faithfulness despite the people’s failures.
Structure of Psalm 106
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Verses 1-5: A Call to Praise
- Verses 6-12: A Recap of Israel’s Sinful History
- Verses 13-23: The Consequences of Disobedience
- Verses 24-27: The Rebellion in the Wilderness
- Verses 28-31: The Idolatry of Baal Peor
- Verses 32-39: The Cycle of Sin and Judgment
- Verses 40-46: God’s Mercy and Redemption
- Verses 47-48: A Final Plea for Deliverance
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-5: A Call to Praise
The psalm opens with a call to praise the Lord, emphasizing His goodness and steadfast love. This section sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, highlighting the importance of gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s enduring nature.
Verses 6-12: A Recap of Israel’s Sinful History
Here, the psalmist confesses that the Israelites have sinned, recounting their history of rebellion against God. Key events include:
- The Israelites’ lack of faith at the Red Sea.
- The miraculous crossing of the sea, where God saved them from their enemies.
This section emphasizes the contrast between God’s mighty acts and the people’s forgetfulness of His deeds.
Verses 13-23: The Consequences of Disobedience
The psalmist reflects on the Israelites’ quick forgetfulness and their complaints in the wilderness. The consequences of their disobedience are highlighted, including:
- God’s anger at their lack of faith.
- The judgment that befell them for their rebellion.
This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God.
Verses 24-27: The Rebellion in the Wilderness
This section recounts the Israelites’ refusal to enter the Promised Land due to fear and doubt. Their rebellion led to a generation being condemned to wander in the wilderness, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith.
Verses 28-31: The Idolatry of Baal Peor
The psalmist addresses the incident of idolatry at Baal Peor, where the Israelites engaged in immoral practices and worshipped false gods. This act provoked God’s anger, yet Phinehas’s zealous action to stop the plague is noted as a turning point, showing that faithfulness can lead to mercy.
Verses 32-39: The Cycle of Sin and Judgment
This section outlines the repeated cycle of sin, judgment, and repentance experienced by the Israelites. Key themes include:
- The recurring nature of Israel’s disobedience.
- The consequences they faced as a result of their actions.
It highlights the idea that sin has tangible consequences, yet God’s mercy is always present.
Verses 40-46: God’s Mercy and Redemption
Despite the people’s failures, this section emphasizes God’s mercy. The psalmist acknowledges that God is aware of their plight and responds to their cries for help. God’s faithfulness to His covenant is a central theme, showcasing His willingness to redeem His people.
Verses 47-48: A Final Plea for Deliverance
The psalm concludes with a plea for salvation and restoration. The psalmist calls for God to gather His people from among the nations, highlighting the desire for unity and restoration of the relationship between God and Israel. The closing doxology reinforces the theme of praise and recognition of God’s enduring sovereignty.
Theological Implications
Psalm 106 serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of humanity’s relationship with God, characterized by:
- Rebellion and sinfulness.
- God’s unwavering mercy and grace.
- The importance of remembrance and gratitude in faith.
This chapter encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, recognize their shortcomings, and seek God’s forgiveness and redemption.
