King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:13 Mean?

Psalms 106:13 in the King James Version says “They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: They soon: Heb. They made haste, they forgat” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: They soon: Heb. They made haste, they forgat”

Psalms 106:13 · KJV

Context

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: They soon: Heb. They made haste, they forgat

14

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. lusted: Heb. lusted a lust

15

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the rapid collapse of Red Sea faith. 'They soon forgat his works' uses shakach (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 immediate solutions. This reveals the root of unbelief: impatience with God's timing and methods. They wanted to dictate how and when God should provide. This pattern of demanding immediate gratification rather than waiting for God's revealed will characterizes much spiritual immaturity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's forgetfulness manifested first at Marah (Exodus 15:23-24), where bitter water led to complaints, then at the Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:2-3), where they grumbled about food scarcity. Each new challenge erased memory of past deliverance. This demonstrated that fallen human nature gravitates toward unbelief unless God's Spirit works to sustain faith. The psalm uses this pattern to warn subsequent generations against repeating ancestral folly.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual disciplines help believers remember and meditate on God's past faithfulness?
  2. How does impatience with God's timing reveal lack of trust in His wisdom?
  3. In what ways do you 'soon forget' God's works in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מִֽ֭הֲרוּ1 of 6

“They soon”

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

שָׁכְח֣וּ2 of 6

“forgat”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

מַעֲשָׂ֑יו3 of 6

“his works”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

לֹֽא4 of 6
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חִ֝כּ֗וּ5 of 6

“they waited”

H2442

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await

לַעֲצָתֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“not for his counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 106:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 106:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:11Exodus 15:24Exodus 16:2Isaiah 48:17-18Proverbs 1:25Psalms 107:11

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