King James Version
Psalms 106
48 verses with commentary
Give Thanks to the Lord
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse establishes the fundamental call to worship and thanksgiving. The imperative 'Praise ye the LORD' (Hallelujah in Hebrew) initiates a psalm of confession and remembrance. The phrase 'O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good' presents God's essential character - His inherent goodness that exists independent of human circumstances. The concluding statement 'for his mercy enduret...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1-5) These verses form an introduction to the psalm, and make it evident that while the writer spoke as one of a community, and for the community, he still felt his *personal *relation to Jehovah.
(1) This formula of praise in the Jewish Church occupied, as a choral refrain, a similar position to the *Gloria Patri *in Christian worship. The precise date of its first appearance cannot be ascertain...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4-8. Here the writer speaks in view of God's declaration, warning the wicked.
**Lift ... up the horn--**to exalt power, here, of the wicked himself--that is, to be arrogant or self-elated.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 106
Chapter Outline
The happiness of God's people.(1-5)
Israel's sins.(6-12)
Their provocations.(13-33)
Their rebellions in Canaan.(34-46)
Prayer for more complete deliverance.(47-48)
**Verses 1-5**
None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And tho...
Read full commentary →Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
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KJV Study Commentary
This rhetorical question emphasizes the impossibility of fully declaring God's mighty works. 'Utter' (<em>malal</em>, מָלַל) means to speak or declare. 'Mighty acts' translates <em>geburot</em> (גְּבוּרוֹת), God's mighty deeds of power. 'Shew forth all his praise' acknowledges that God's praiseworthy acts are inexhaustible—no human can fully catalog or adequately praise them all. This verse establ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Praise.**—*Tehillah, *a term that has become technical for a liturgic hymn. (*Tehillîm *is the general Hebrew word for the psalter. See Gen. Introduction.) The psalmist asks in this verse who is worthy or privileged to sing a *tehillah, *and replies himself that loyalty to the covenant confers this privilege.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4-8. Here the writer speaks in view of God's declaration, warning the wicked.
**Lift ... up the horn--**to exalt power, here, of the wicked himself--that is, to be arrogant or self-elated.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 106
Chapter Outline
The happiness of God's people.(1-5)
Israel's sins.(6-12)
Their provocations.(13-33)
Their rebellions in Canaan.(34-46)
Prayer for more complete deliverance.(47-48)
**Verses 1-5**
None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And tho...
Read full commentary →Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents a beatitude defining the blessed life through two parallel actions: keeping judgment and doing righteousness. The word 'Blessed' (Hebrew 'ashrei') indicates deep happiness and divine favor. 'Keep judgment' suggests maintaining justice and right discernment in all circumstances, implying consistency rather than momentary action. 'Doeth righteousness at all times' emphasizes cont...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-10. Contrasted is the lot of the pious who will praise God, and, acting under His direction, will destroy the power of the wicked, and exalt that of the righteous.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 106
Chapter Outline
The happiness of God's people.(1-5)
Israel's sins.(6-12)
Their provocations.(13-33)
Their rebellions in Canaan.(34-46)
Prayer for more complete deliverance.(47-48)
**Verses 1-5**
None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And tho...
Read full commentary →Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
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KJV Study Commentary
This is a personal prayer within the corporate psalm. 'Remember me' uses <em>zakar</em> (זָכַר), asking God to act favorably. 'With the favour that thou bearest unto thy people' requests inclusion in covenant blessings. 'Visit me' (<em>paqad</em>, פָּקַד) means to attend to, care for, or intervene on behalf of. The psalmist doesn't ask for unique blessings but to share in what God gives His people...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-10. Contrasted is the lot of the pious who will praise God, and, acting under His direction, will destroy the power of the wicked, and exalt that of the righteous.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 106
Chapter Outline
The happiness of God's people.(1-5)
Israel's sins.(6-12)
Their provocations.(13-33)
Their rebellions in Canaan.(34-46)
Prayer for more complete deliverance.(47-48)
**Verses 1-5**
None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And tho...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands the previous prayer's request. 'See the good of thy chosen' means to witness and experience the prosperity of God's elect people. 'Rejoice in the gladness of thy nation' shows desire to participate in corporate joy. 'Glory with thine inheritance' means to boast or exult together with God's special possession. The threefold parallelism ('chosen,' 'nation,' 'inheritance') emphasiz...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) The tone of this verse indicates a prospect of a speedy advent of good.; and serves itself to give a probable date to the psalm.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 106
Chapter Outline
The happiness of God's people.(1-5)
Israel's sins.(6-12)
Their provocations.(13-33)
Their rebellions in Canaan.(34-46)
Prayer for more complete deliverance.(47-48)
**Verses 1-5**
None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And tho...
Read full commentary →We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse begins corporate confession. 'We have sinned with our fathers' acknowledges generational participation in rebellion. The three-fold confession ('sinned,' 'committed iniquity,' 'done wickedly') uses different Hebrew terms: <em>chata</em> (חָטָא, missed the mark), <em>avah</em> (עָוָה, twisted/perverted), and <em>rasha</em> (רָשַׁע, acted wickedly). This comprehensive confession acknowled...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **We.**—Regard must be paid to the fact that the confession includes the speaker and his generation, as well as the ancestors of the race. The psalm proceeds from the period of the Captivity, when the national conscience, or at all events that of the nobler part of the nation, was thoroughly alive to the sinfulness of idolatry.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 76 Psa 76:1-12. On Neginoth--(See on Psa 4:1, title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's deliverance of His people by a signal interposition of power against their enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated in 2Ki 19:35; Is 37:1-28. (Compare Psa 46:1-11).
1-2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse specifies the first generation's failure. 'Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt' shows intellectual and spiritual blindness—they saw miracles but failed to comprehend their meaning. 'Understood not' (<em>sakal</em>, שָׂכַל) means they didn't act wisely or gain insight. 'Remembered not the multitude of thy mercies' indicates forgetfulness despite abundant evidence. 'Provoked h...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **At** **the sea.**—LXX., “going up to the sea.” (12) An epitome of Exodus 14:31; Exodus 14:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 76 Psa 76:1-12. On Neginoth--(See on Psa 4:1, title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's deliverance of His people by a signal interposition of power against their enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated in 2Ki 19:35; Is 37:1-28. (Compare Psa 46:1-11).
1-2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals the theological tension between human sin and divine purpose. Despite Israel's rebellion at the Red Sea (detailed in Exodus 14), God 'saved them for his name's sake.' This phrase is theologically rich: God's deliverance is not primarily motivated by Israel's merit but by His own reputation and character. The salvation is 'for his name's sake' - to demonstrate His power, faithful...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. brake ... the arrows--**literally, "thunderbolts" (Psa 78:48), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Psa 18:14; Ep 6:16).
**the battle--**for arms (Ho 2:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts God's response to Israel's Red Sea panic. 'He rebuked the Red sea' uses <em>gaar</em> (גָּעַר), meaning to rebuke or reprimand—the same word used for rebuking demons or natural forces (Mark 4:39). God speaks to the sea as to a servant, commanding obedience. 'It was dried up' shows instant response to divine command. 'He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness' co...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Thou--**God.
**mountains of prey--**great victorious nations, as Assyria (Is 41:15; Eze 38:11, 12; Zec 4:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains God's purpose in the Red Sea deliverance. 'He saved them from the hand of him that hated them' identifies Pharaoh and Egypt as enemies who hated Israel. 'Redeemed them from the hand of the enemy' uses <em>gaal</em> (גָּאַל), the kinsman-redeemer term, indicating God acted as Israel's family defender to buy them back from bondage. This redemption language establishes the exodus ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. slept their sleep--**died (Psa 13:3).
**none ... found ... hands--**are powerless.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the drowning of Pharaoh's army. 'The waters covered their enemies' refers to the sea returning after Israel crossed (Exodus 14:26-28). 'There was not one of them left' emphasizes total destruction—Egypt's military power was completely annihilated. This demonstrates divine justice: those who pursued God's people to destroy them were themselves destroyed. The totality of judgmen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. chariot and horse--**for those fighting on them (compare Psa 68:17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes Israel's immediate response after the Red Sea deliverance. 'Then believed they his words' shows that the Red Sea miracle produced faith—at least momentarily. 'They sang his praise' refers to the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15), Israel's great hymn of victory. However, the word 'then' is ominous—it implies their faith was temporary and situation-dependent. The next verse confirms t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. may ... sight--**contend with Thee (De 9:4; Jos 7:12).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-12**
Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the...
Read full commentary →They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: They soon: Heb. They made haste, they forgat
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the rapid collapse of Red Sea faith. 'They soon forgat his works' uses <em>shakach</em> (שָׁכַח), meaning to forget, ignore, or no longer care about. 'Soon' emphasizes the shocking speed of forgetfulness—mere days after witnessing the sea split and enemies drowned. 'They waited not for his counsel' means they didn't patiently wait for God's instruction but impulsively demanded...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13-33) These twenty verses cover the desert wanderings, beginning with *the *discontented spirit mentioned in Exodus 15:23.
(13) **They waited not . . .**—They could not *wait *for the natural and orderly outcome of the counsel of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Psa 9:12; 10:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. lusted: Heb. lusted a lust
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes Israel's lustful craving in the wilderness. 'Lusted exceedingly' translates the Hebrew construction <em>avah taavah</em> (אָוָה תַּאֲוָה), an intensive form meaning they lusted with strong lust—emphasizing the intensity and sinfulness of their desire. 'In the wilderness' notes the location of their rebellion, a place where they should have been especially dependent on God. 'Te...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Lusted.**—See margin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8-9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Psa 9:12; 10:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's response to Israel's lustful demand for meat. 'He gave them their request' shows God granted what they craved—quail in abundance (Numbers 11:31-32). 'But sent leanness into their soul' uses <em>razon</em> (רָזוֹן), meaning leanness, wasting, or emaciation. While their bellies were filled, their souls were starved. This teaches a sobering principle: God sometimes grants s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Leanness.**—The LXX., Vulg., and Syriac read *“*satiety.” As Mr. Burgess points out, by accepting this reading, and giving *nephesh *its very usual signification of “lust” (comp. Psalm 78:18, where also the word rendered “request” occurs) we get two exact synthetical clauses:—
*“*And he gave them their request,
And sent satiety for their lust.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10. Man's wrath praises God by its futility before His power.
**restrain--**or, "gird"; that is, Thyself, as with a sword, with which to destroy, or as an ornament to Thy praise.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16). 'They envied Moses' shows the sin was jealousy of leadership. 'Aaron the saint of the LORD' emphasizes Aaron's consecrated status as high priest—he was the LORD's holy one (<em>qadosh</em>, קָדוֹשׁ), set apart for sacred service. The rebels challenged both civil (Moses) and religious (Aaron) authority, essentially questio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16-18) The poet has Numbers 16, 17 in his mind.
(16) **Saint.**—The holy one. The complaint of the disaffected party was that Moses and Aaron usurped this title, which belonged to all the congregation (Numbers 16:3-5).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. Invite homage to such a God (2Ch 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (Da 5:23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's judgment on the Korah rebellion. 'The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan' records the miraculous and terrifying judgment (Numbers 16:31-33). 'Covered the company of Abiram' shows the earth closed over the rebels and their families. This unprecedented judgment demonstrated God's fierce protection of His appointed leadership and the seriousness of challenging divinely-es...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) The omission of Korah is in keeping with the historical accounts, which indicate a difference both in the attitude of Korah and his family from that of Dathan and Abiram, and also a difference of fate. (Comp. Numbers 16:23, *seqq.; *Deuteronomy 11:6; Numbers 26:10.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. Invite homage to such a God (2Ch 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (Da 5:23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing judgment on Korah's rebellion. 'A fire was kindled in their company' refers to the fire from the LORD that consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:35). These men had presumed to offer incense, a privilege reserved for Aaron's priesthood. 'The flame burned up the wicked' emphasizes that this was divine fire executing judgment. Fire is frequently associated ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts the golden calf incident (Exodus 32). 'They made a calf in Horeb' refers to the golden calf Aaron fashioned while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. 'Horeb' is another name for Sinai. 'Worshipped the molten image' shows they bowed to a metal statue—violating the second commandment before Moses even descended with the tablets. The irony is devastating: while God was est...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **In Horeb.**—This expression, which is Deuteronomic (see Deuteronomy 4:15; Deuteronomy 5:2, &c), shows that Deuteronomy 9:8-12, as well as Exodus 32, was before the poet.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 77 Psa 77:1-20. To Jeduthun--(See on Psa 39:1, title). In a time of great affliction, when ready to despair, the Psalmist derives relief from calling to mind God's former and wonderful works of delivering power and grace.
1. expresses the purport of the Psalm.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse interprets the golden calf's theological significance. 'Changed their glory' uses <em>muwr</em> (מוּר), meaning to exchange or substitute. 'Their glory' refers to Yahweh, Israel's glory and distinction among nations (Jeremiah 2:11). 'Into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass' emphasizes the absurdity—they exchanged the Creator for the image of a grass-eating animal. Paul echoes thi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Their glory**—*i.e.,* Jehovah, as shown by Jeremiah 2:11.
**Similitude.**—This is also a Deuteronomic word (Deuteronomy 4:16; Deuteronomy 4:18), meaning originally “structure,” from a root meaning “to build,” and so “form,” “model.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. his importunacy.
**my sore ran ... night--**literally, "my hand was spread," or, "stretched out" (compare Psa 44:20).
**ceased not--**literally, "grew not numb," or, "feeble" (Ge 45:26; Psa 38:8).
**my soul ... comforted--**(compare Ge 37:35; Jr 31:15).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the theological amnesia underlying the golden calf sin. 'They forgat God their saviour' uses <em>shakach</em> (שָׁכַח), the same 'forgot' as verse 13. Forgetting God isn't mere mental lapse but willful ignorance and practical atheism. 'God their saviour' (<em>El moshiam</em>, אֵל מוֹשִׁיעָם) emphasizes that the One they forgot was their Redeemer. The verse then catalogs what t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Forgot God their saviour.**—With evident allusion to Deuteronomy 6:12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues cataloging God's works that Israel forgot (from verse 21). 'Wondrous works in the land of Ham' refers to the ten plagues in Egypt. 'Ham' was Noah's son and ancestor of Egyptians through his son Mizraim (Genesis 10:6). 'Terrible things by the Red sea' uses <em>yare</em> (יָרֵא), meaning awesome, fearful, or terror-inducing deeds—the splitting of the sea and drowning of Pharaoh'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Land of Ham.**—A synonym for Egypt, peculiar to the historic psalms (Psalm 78:51; Psalm 105:23; Psalm 105:27).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes Moses's intercessory role during the golden calf crisis. 'Therefore he said that he would destroy them' shows God's righteous intention to judge the idolatrous nation. 'Had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach' uses military imagery—Moses stood in the gap like a defender in a breached wall. 'Stood before him' indicates priestly intercession (Deuteronomy 10:8). '...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Stood before him in the breach . . .**—This is generally explained after Ezekiel 22:30, where undoubtedly it is an image taken from the defence of a besieged town. (Comp. Ezekiel 13:5.) But it is possible that we should render, “Had not Moses stood before him (*i.e., *submissively; see Genesis 41:46; Deuteronomy 1:38) in the breaking forth (of his anger),” since the verb from which the subs...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: the pleasant: Heb. a land of desire
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts Israel's refusal to enter Canaan (Numbers 13-14). 'They despised the pleasant land' uses <em>ma'as</em> (מָאַס), meaning to reject, refuse, or despise. The 'pleasant land' (<em>eretz chemdah</em>, אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה) was the desirable, delightful Promised Land. To despise God's gift shows contemptible ingratitude. 'They believed not his word' explains the root: unbelief in God's pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24-27) The rebellion that followed the report of the spies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing Israel's unbelief at Kadesh. 'Murmured in their tents' shows they privately complained and spread discontent among families. 'Murmured' (<em>ragan</em>, רָגַן) means to grumble or complain in a low, muttering way—indicating conspiracy and undermining leadership. 'Hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD' shows they refused to obey God's command to enter the land. Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: to overthrow: Heb. to make them fall
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse records God's oath of judgment. 'Therefore he lifted up his hand against them' describes taking an oath—hand-raising symbolized swearing (Genesis 14:22; Deuteronomy 32:40). 'To overthrow them in the wilderness' declares the sentence: the generation would die during 40 years of wandering. This fulfilled God's word in Numbers 14:28-35. Divine oaths are irrevocable—when God swears judgment...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Lifted up his hand.**—Not to strike, but to give emphasis to the oath pronounced against the sinners. (See Exodus 6:8, margin; Deuteronomy 32:40; comp. Psalm 144:8.) The substance of the oath here referred to is given in Numbers 14:28-35.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. to overthrow: Heb. to make them fall
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands God's oath of judgment beyond the wilderness generation. 'To overthrow their seed also among the nations' prophesies exile—Israel's descendants would be scattered among pagan nations. 'To scatter them in the lands' uses <em>zarah</em> (זָרָה), meaning to winnow, disperse, or scatter like chaff. This was fulfilled in the Assyrian exile (722 BC) and Babylonian captivity (586 BC), ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Overthrow.**—This verse is evidently copied from Ezekiel 20:23, but the psalmist has either intentionally or accidentally changed the prophet’s verb “scatter” into “overthrow,” just used in Psalm 106:26. The error, if an error, is as old as the LXX. version.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-9. His sad state contrasted with former joys.
**was troubled--**literally, "violently agitated," or disquieted (Psa 39:6; 41:5).
**my spirit was overwhelmed--**or, "fainted" (Psa 107:5; Jon 2:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts Israel's worship of Baal at Peor (Numbers 25). 'They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor' uses <em>tsamad</em> (צָמַד), meaning to be yoked or joined—indicating covenant allegiance. They entered covenant relationship with a false god. 'Ate the sacrifices of the dead' refers to eating meat offered to idols. 'The dead' may mean lifeless idols or could refer to ancestor worship/...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28-31) The licentious character of the cult of Baal-peor in Numbers 25 is expressed in the word “joined,” better, *yoked. *LXX. and Vulg., “were initiated,” *i.e., *by prostitution.
(28) **Ate the sacrifices of the dead**—*i.e.*, the sacrifices of a *dead *divinity. Numbers 25:2, “and they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods,” shows that here we must not see any allusion to necrom...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Omitting the supplied words, we may read, "This is my affliction--**the years of," &c., "years" being taken as parallel to affliction (compare Psa 90:15), as of God's ordering.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the effect of Baal-peor worship. 'Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions' shows their idolatry aroused God's wrath. 'Provoked' (<em>kaas</em>, כָּעַס) means to vex, anger, or provoke to jealous anger—appropriate since idolatry is covenant adultery. 'Their inventions' (<em>maalal</em>, מַעֲלָל) means their deeds, practices, or fabrications—emphasizing that idolat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. He finds relief in contrasting God's former deliverances. Shall we receive good at His hands, and not evil? Both are orderings of unerring mercy and unfailing love.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse celebrates Phinehas's intervention. 'Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment' describes his decisive action. He executed the Israelite man (Zimri) and Midianite woman (Cozbi) engaged in blatant immorality (Numbers 25:14-15). 'Executed judgment' (<em>palal</em>, פָּלַל) means to intervene, mediate, or arbitrate—Phinehas acted as God's instrument of justice. 'So the plague was staye...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Executed judgment.**—The Prayer Book has “prayed,” following the Chaldee and Syriac. The LXX. and Vulg. have “appeased.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-12. He finds relief in contrasting God's former deliverances. Shall we receive good at His hands, and not evil? Both are orderings of unerring mercy and unfailing love.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse records the lasting significance of Phinehas's action. 'And that was counted unto him for righteousness' uses the same language applied to Abraham's faith (Genesis 15:6). Phinehas's zealous deed was reckoned as righteousness—not that the act earned salvation, but that it demonstrated covenant faithfulness that God accepted. 'Unto all generations for evermore' emphasizes the perpetual pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Thy way ... in the sanctuary--**God's ways of grace and providence (Psa 22:3; 67:2), ordered on holy principles, as developed in His worship; or implied in His perfections, if "holiness" be used for "sanctuary," as some prefer translating (compare Ex 15:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →They angered him also at the waters of strife , so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts the incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13). 'They angered him also at the waters of Meribah' refers to Israel's quarreling over water scarcity. 'So that it went ill with Moses for their sakes' explains that Moses suffered consequences because of the people's provocation. When the people quarreled, Moses struck the rock in anger rather than speaking to it as God commanded. This c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32, 33) The insurrection against Moses and Aaron at Meribah Kadesh, entailing on the Lawgiver the forfeiture for himself of entering into Canaan. (See references in the margin.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains Moses's failure at Meribah. 'Because they provoked his spirit' shows the people's quarreling agitated Moses's spirit (<em>ruach</em>, רוּחַ). 'So that he spake unadvisedly with his lips' describes Moses's angry, rash words: 'Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?' (Numbers 20:10). 'Spake unadvisedly' (<em>bata</em>, בָּטָא) means to speak rashly, thought...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **They provoked his spirit.**—The natural interpretation is to take this of Moses’ spirit. So LXX. and Vulg., “they embittered his spirit.” The usage of the phrase is, however, in favour of referring the words to the temper of the people towards God,” they rebelled against His spirit.”
**Spake unadvisedly.**—Compare the same verb with the same addition, “with the lips,” in Leviticus 5:4. This...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-33**
Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have l...
Read full commentary →They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts Israel's failure to complete the conquest of Canaan. 'They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them' shows direct disobedience. God had commanded total destruction (herem) of Canaanite nations to prevent religious contamination (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 20:16-18). Israel's failure to obey this difficult command stemmed from compassion, pragmatism, or incom...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34-39) The national sin after the settlement in Canaan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the consequence of incomplete conquest. 'But were mingled among the heathen' shows Israel mixed with pagan nations rather than remaining separate. 'Mingled' (<em>arab</em>, עָרַב) means to mix, mingle, or intermingle—the opposite of the separation God commanded. 'And learned their works' shows religious syncretism—Israel adopted pagan practices. This violated the separation pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing Israel's spiritual corruption. 'They served their idols' shows they didn't just tolerate but actively worshiped false gods. 'Which were a snare unto them' uses <em>moqesh</em> (מוֹקֵשׁ), meaning trap or snare for catching birds or animals. What seemed harmless tolerance became a deadly trap, entangling Israel in covenant-breaking. This fulfilled God's warning that C...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the depths of Israel's idolatrous depravity. 'Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils' refers to child sacrifice to Molech and other Canaanite deities. 'Devils' (<em>shedim</em>, שֵׁדִים) means demons or evil spirits, revealing the demonic reality behind idols (1 Corinthians 10:20). Child sacrifice was expressly forbidden (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5) and r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **Devils.**—Literally, *lords, *meaning, of course, the false deities. The word is, no doubt, chosen to represent the meaning of the heathen gods’ names *Ba’alîm, Adonîm. *For the same Hebrew word, see Deuteronomy 32:17 (Judges 2:11, Baalim).
The Arabic equivalent of the Hebrew word became in Spain *the Cid, *and exists still in the Moorish *sidi, i.e.*, “my lord.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse expands on child sacrifice's horror. 'They shed innocent blood' emphasizes the victims' innocence. 'Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters' personalizes the tragedy—these were their own children. 'Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan' identifies the false gods as Canaanite deities like Molech, Baal, and Asherah. 'And the land was polluted with blood' uses <em>chane...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **Innocent blood.**—Human sacrifice, and especially that of *children, *was a Canaanite practice. It seems to have been inherent in Phoenician custom, for Carthage was, two centuries after Christ, notorious for it. (See Sil. Ital., iv. 767.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14-20. Illustrations of God's power in His special interventions for His people (Ex 14:1-31), and, in the more common, but sublime, control of nature (Psa 22:11-14; Ha 3:14) which may have attended those miraculous events (Ex 14:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse summarizes Israel's spiritual adultery. 'Thus were they defiled with their own works' shows their actions polluted them. 'Defiled' (<em>tame</em>, טָמֵא) means ritually unclean or polluted—they became ceremonially unfit for covenant relationship. 'Went a whoring with their own inventions' uses prostitution imagery for idolatry. 'Whoring' (<em>zanah</em>, זָנָה) means to commit fornicati...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's response to Israel's adultery. 'Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people' shows righteous anger. God's wrath isn't capricious but justified response to covenant-breaking. 'Insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance' uses <em>taab</em> (תָּעַב), meaning to abhor, loathe, or detest. The language is shocking—God 'abhorred' His own treasured possessi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(40-43) Having made review of the sinful past, the poet briefly but impressively describes the punishment which once and again had fallen on the nation. But as his purpose is to make his generation look on the Captivity as a supreme instance of this punishment, and to seek for deliverance by repentance, he mentions only the judgments inflicted by foreign foes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 78 Psa 78:1-72. This Psalm appears to have been occasioned by the removal of the sanctuary from Shiloh in the tribe of Ephraim to Zion in the tribe of Judah, and the coincident transfer of pre-eminence in Israel from the former to the latter tribe, as clearly evinced by David's settlement as the head of the Church and nation. Though this was the execution of God's purpose, the writer here sh...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes God's judgment. 'And he gave them into the hand of the heathen' means God delivered Israel to pagan oppressors. Throughout Judges and Kings, God used foreign nations as instruments of discipline. 'They that hated them ruled over them' shows the oppressors were hostile, not benevolent. Being ruled by enemies who hate you is severe humiliation and judgment. This fulfilled covena...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing oppression. 'Their enemies also oppressed them' uses <em>lachats</em> (לָחַץ), meaning to press, oppress, or afflict. 'They were brought into subjection under their hand' shows total domination—reduced to servitude. This reversed the dominion mandate (Genesis 1:28) and covenant promises of prosperity and ruling over enemies (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Being subjected by ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. brought: or, impoverished, or, weakened
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse transitions to God's merciful response. 'Many times did he deliver them' emphasizes repeated rescue despite repeated rebellion. God's covenant faithfulness outlasted Israel's unfaithfulness. 'But they provoked him with their counsel' shows that after each deliverance, they returned to rebellion. 'Provoked' again uses <em>marah</em> (מָרָה), meaning to be rebellious or bitter. 'With thei...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse shows God's attentiveness to His people despite their rebellion. 'Nevertheless he regarded their affliction' uses <em>raah</em> (רָאָה), meaning He saw, looked upon, or paid attention to their distress. 'When he heard their cry' shows God responds to genuine repentance and desperate prayer. Even when affliction was deserved judgment for sin, God remained attentive to their cry. This dem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains the basis of God's merciful response. 'And he remembered for them his covenant' uses <em>zakar</em> (זָכַר)—not that God forgot but that He acted according to covenant commitment. God's deliverance flowed from covenant oath, not Israel's merit. 'Repented according to the multitude of his mercies' uses anthropomorphic language—God 'changed His mind' about judgment. 'Repented' (<...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes an additional mercy beyond deliverance. 'He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives' means God softened oppressors' hearts toward captive Israel. Even in exile and dispersion, God moved pagan rulers to show compassion. This was fulfilled in Persian kings who allowed return and rebuilding (Ezra, Nehemiah), and in various diaspora contexts where Jews ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(46) **Made them also to be pitied.**—Literally, *gave them for companions, *a phrase found in Solomon’s prayer (1Kings 8:50, and also in Daniel 1:9, Heb.).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse is a corporate prayer for restoration, revealing the context of dispersion among the nations. 'Save us, O LORD our God' acknowledges dependence on divine intervention for deliverance. 'Gather us from among the heathen' indicates the people are scattered, likely during or after exile. The purpose of gathering is twofold: 'to give thanks unto thy holy name' and 'to triumph in thy praise.'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(47) **Save us.**—For this prayer the whole psalm has prepared the way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah
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KJV Study Commentary
This concluding doxology serves as both the end of Psalm 106 and the conclusion of Book IV of the Psalter. 'Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting' declares God's eternal nature and covenant relationship with Israel. 'From everlasting to everlasting' (Hebrew 'min ha'olam ve'ad ha'olam') emphasizes God's existence before time began and His continuation beyond all ages. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(48) **Blessed . . .**—The doxology, which is only slightly altered from that at the end of the second book, is quoted as part of the psalm in 1Chronicles 16:36—an indication that by that time this book was complete, if not the whole collection.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9-11. The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1Ch 5:1, 2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Ge 48:1). The supremacy of the tribe thus intimated was recognized by its position (in the marching of the nation to Canaan) next to the ark (Nu 2:18-24), by the selection of the first permanent locality for the ark within its borders at Shiloh, and by the extensive and fertile province ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 34-48**
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who ...
Read full commentary →