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.
Psalm 106, found in the Book of Psalms in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, is a profound and complex hymn that primarily focuses on recounting Israel's history. It is a psalm of confession, a psalm of remembrance, and a psalm of intercession. It underscores the recurring themes of Israel's disobedience and rebellion against God, His merciful and forgiving nature, and the importance of praising and thanking Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
The psalm commences with an exhortation to praise God, affirming His enduring mercy and the blessedness of those who act in justice and righteousness. This opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which oscillates between the acknowledgement of God's goodness and a lament over Israel's repeated failings.
Psalm 106 recounts numerous incidents from Israel's past, beginning with their time in Egypt, followed by their journey through the wilderness, and culminating in their settlement in Canaan. These historical narratives serve as reminders of the nation's repeated disobedience and rebellion against God.
The psalmist cites various instances of Israel's disobedience. For instance, the people's impatience and lack of faith in God during their time in the wilderness led them to make a golden calf, an act of blatant idolatry. They also grumbled against God and Moses at the Red Sea and in the wilderness, and they did not believe in God's promise, leading to their refusal to enter the Promised Land.
Despite Israel's repeated rebellion, the psalmist highlights God's mercy and forgiveness. Each act of disobedience was met with divine punishment, but God, in His abundant mercy, consistently forgave the people and saved them from their distress. He made a way through the Red Sea, provided manna and quails in the wilderness, and eventually led them to a land flowing with milk and honey.
Psalm 106 is also a psalm of confession. The psalmist openly acknowledges Israel's sins and shortcomings, admitting their failure to remember God's kindness and their quickness to sin even after witnessing God's miracles. It is a public confession, a communal lament over the nation's past and present failings.
However, the psalmist doesn't stop at confession. He also intercedes on behalf of the people, pleading with God to save them once again. He implores God to remember His covenant promises and to rescue His people from their troubles so that they might thank Him and rejoice in His love. The psalmist's plea for salvation is not just for deliverance from physical or national distress but also for a spiritual revival and a return to obedience and faithfulness.
Throughout the psalm, the psalmist underscores the importance of praising and thanking God for His steadfast love and faithfulness. Despite the people's repeated failings, God's love never ceases. His mercy endures forever, and for this, He deserves all praise and thanks.
The psalm concludes just as it began, with an exhortation to praise God. The psalmist calls on all creation to join in this praise, emphasizing that God's love and mercy are not just for Israel but for the whole world.
In summary, Psalm 106 offers a candid reflection on Israel's history, highlighting the nation's repeated disobedience and God's unfailing mercy. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, but it also provides assurance of God's enduring love and forgiveness.
The psalm teaches that confession and repentance are essential steps towards restoration and reconciliation with God. It also underscores the importance of intercession, of praying for the salvation and spiritual revival of others.
Furthermore, Psalm 106 emphasizes the importance of praising and thanking God. Despite our failings, God's love and mercy never cease. He is always ready to forgive and save those who turn to Him. Therefore, He deserves our utmost praise and thanksgiving.
Finally, the psalm reminds us of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Even when we fail, God remains faithful. He never forgets His promises, and He will ultimately fulfill His purpose for His people.
In essence, Psalm 106 invites us to look back on our own lives and reflect on God's enduring mercy in the face of our repeated failings. It encourages us to confess our sins, intercede for others, and offer praise and thanks to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness. It is a call to remember, repent, intercede, and rejoice in the goodness and mercy of God.
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