King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:32 Mean?

Psalms 106:32 in the King James Version says “They angered him also at the waters of strife , so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They angered him also at the waters of strife , so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

Psalms 106:32 · KJV


Context

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:


Commentary

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 cost Moses entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 32:51-52). The verse teaches that leaders can be drawn into sin by those they lead, and that even faithful servants aren't exempt from consequences when they fail. It also shows the serious burden of leadership—others' sins can contribute to a leader's downfall.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This was the second water-from-rock incident. Forty years earlier, Moses struck the rock at Horeb as commanded (Exodus 17:6). At Meribah/Kadesh, God told Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses struck it twice in anger, saying 'Must we fetch you water out of this rock?' (Numbers 20:10). Moses's 'we' suggested human rather than divine agency, and striking (rather than speaking) violated God's command. The struck rock at Horeb represented Christ struck once for sin; the spoken-to rock at Kadesh should have shown Christ's ongoing provision without repeated striking. Moses's error obscured this typology.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can leaders be drawn into sin by those they lead?
  2. What does Moses's exclusion from Canaan teach about the seriousness of dishonoring God?
  3. How did Moses's striking (rather than speaking) obscure the rock as a type of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַ֭יַּקְצִיפוּ1 of 7

They angered

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

עַל2 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֵ֥י3 of 7

him also at the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מְרִיבָ֑ה4 of 7

of strife

H4808

quarrel

וַיֵּ֥רַע5 of 7

so that it went ill

H3415

properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e., (figuratively) to fear

לְ֝מֹשֶׁ֗ה6 of 7

with Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בַּעֲבוּרָֽם׃7 of 7
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that


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 106:32 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 106:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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