Psalm 106

People often wonder if there is a logic in the order of the Psalms, if they are collected in any sequence.  You can certainly see an order in this current section.  We are in the midst of some historical Psalms (they review Old Testament history).  Further, Psalm 105 and 106 are quite connected.  In 105 we see God’s covenant faithfulness declared to the great men, the Fathers, of Israel.  In 106 we see that same covenant faithfulness in the context of the rebellious nation.  Marvel at God’s mercy and grace to Israel and give Him praise for the same in your own life as you consider this great Hymn of Faith.

·         106:1-5: The opening call to praise focuses on God’s enduring mercy (this is a song about God’s faithfulness in spite of Israel’s constant rebellion) and includes a prayer to see God’s salvation.  It is written at a time when Israel is in exile (106:47).  Consider now the situations in which God maintained His faithfulness to Israel.

·         106:6-12: God was faithful when Israel rebelled by the Red Sea (Ex. 14).

·         106:13-33: God was faithful when Israel rebelled frequently in the wilderness.

o   106:13-15: when they demanded meat to eat (Num. 11:4-9,31-35).

o   106:16-18: in the rebellion of Korah (Num. 16).

o   106:19-23: at the time of the golden calf (Ex. 32).

o   106:24-27: when they refused to enter the land (Num. 14).

o   106:28-31: when they worshiped Baal in the land of Peor (Num. 25).

o   106:32-33: when Moses became angry with them (Num. 20:1-13).

·         106:34-46: God was faithful when Israel rebelled frequently in the land.

o   106:34-39: when they didn’t destroy the nations but intermingled with them (Judges 1:27-2:6).

o   106:40-43: thus God gave them into the hands of the Gentiles (Judges 2:11-15).

o   106:44-46: nevertheless He remembered His covenant (Judges 2:16-18).  This cycle of apostasy (Israel sins, God judges, Israel cries out, God sends a deliverer) happened repeatedly (Judges 2:19-23).

·         106:47-48: The Psalm ends as it began, with a prayer for salvation (this time for the nation, not just the Psalmist) and a call to praise the Lord.

This Psalm is amazing in that it recalls Israel’s frequent sin.  But we must take heart and see ourselves in this as well.  We are by nature people who are desperately wicked, who are given to the same grumbling and rebellion as Israel.  It is critical that we see Christ here.  God did and does punish His people, but not as their sins deserve (Ps. 103:10).  Ultimately God provided atonement for Israel, and for all who will receive it, through Christ.  He judged our sin in Christ.  Jesus has born our sins on the cross.  God kept His promise to Adam and Even to send a Savior who would be of the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15).  Let us not despair of our depravity; rather let us turn to Christ in saving faith!