Wednesday, July 10 – Psalms 106, 107

1. How did the people of Canaan influence Israel? Psalms 106:34-39

2. How does creation help us understand the mercy of the Lord? Psalms 107:43

Commentary and Reflection:

“Ps. 106 is generally considered a sequel to Ps. 105. It is a national hymn of Israel, and like Ps. 105 reviews Israel’s early history to show God’s faithfulness to the covenant. However, it has this striking difference: the psalmist shows how chronic was Israel’s disloyalty and what awful consequences she suffered as a result of her sins. The psalm covers the history of Israel from Egypt through the wilderness wandering, and her history in the Holy Land through the period of the judges. This hymn exhibits a swing of thought between the weakness and folly of Israel and the strength of God as shown both in deliverance and in punishment, in alternating unequal stanzas. It begins and closes with praise and prayer. The psalm is the first of the so-called hallelujah psalms (Psalms 111-113; 117; 135; 146-150).” — CBA, Introduction to Psalm 106

The psalm begins with praise, continues with a personal prayer, and then goes on to acknowledge the historical sins of Israel from their time in Egypt to the period of the judges. Here is a list of some of these sins that the psalm recognizes and confesses:

1. They did not understand Your wonders (verse 7).
2. They did not remember God’s actions (verses 7, 13, 21).
3. They gave in to lustful desires (verse 14).
4. They envied Moses and Aaron, not respecting God’s chosen leaders (verse 16).
5. Idolatry (verses 19, 28, 37).
6. They did not believe (verse 24).
7. They murmured (verse 25).
8. They did not listen (verse 25).
9. They disobeyed (verse 34).
10. They mingled with the nations and learned their works (verse 35).

Referring to the experience in the desert when they grew tired of manna and asked for meat (Numbers 11), it says, “And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.” Psalms 106:15

If we insist, God may grant our requests, even if they are not His will. It is best to submit our requests to God’s will. Otherwise, they may cause us harm.

God always showed mercy to His rebellious people, “Nevertheless He regarded their affliction when He heard their cry.” Psalms 106:44

Regarding Psalm 107, the Adventist Bible Commentary says, “In point of poetic beauty this poem takes its place with the most sublime productions in any literature. It is of unique construction and was evidently intended to be sung in responses.” — SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 107

“Far more than we do, we should relate what Christ has done for us, and our love for Him will deepen as we give expression to it.” SDABC, Psalms 107:2

A recurring theme in Psalm 107 is that “the redeemed of the Lord” cry out to Him, and He hears and delivers them. Whether they were lost in the desert, dwelling in darkness and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons, suffering due to their rebellion, or sailors exposed to the fury of the elements, they cried out, and God saved them. Another recurring theme is the invitation to praise, even in times of trial.

Let us accept the invitation to praise and acknowledge the incredible and great works of the Lord.