King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:7 Mean?

Psalms 106:7 in the King James Version says “Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at t... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Psalms 106:7 · KJV


Context

5

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.

6

We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

7

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.

8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.


Commentary

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' (sakal, שָׂכַל) means they didn't act wisely or gain insight. 'Remembered not the multitude of thy mercies' indicates forgetfulness despite abundant evidence. 'Provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea' refers to Israel's fear when trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea (Exodus 14:10-12). Despite witnessing all ten plagues, they panicked at the first post-exodus challenge. This teaches that seeing miracles doesn't guarantee faith—spiritual understanding requires God's illuminating work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

At the Red Sea, Israel complained bitterly, preferring Egyptian slavery to trusting God's deliverance (Exodus 14:11-12). This occurred mere days after witnessing the death of Egypt's firstborn and their own miraculous preservation. The psalm identifies this as the pattern for all subsequent rebellion: seeing God's power but failing to trust His ongoing provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can people witness God's work yet fail to trust Him?
  2. What is the difference between seeing miracles and having spiritual understanding?
  3. In what ways do believers 'forget' God's past mercies during present trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אֲב֘וֹתֵ֤ינוּ1 of 15

Our fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְמִצְרַ֨יִם׀2 of 15

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לֹא3 of 15
H3808

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

הִשְׂכִּ֬ילוּ4 of 15

understood

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

נִפְלְאוֹתֶ֗יךָ5 of 15

not thy wonders

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

לֹ֣א6 of 15
H3808

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

זָ֭כְרוּ7 of 15

they remembered

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת8 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹ֣ב9 of 15

not the multitude

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

חֲסָדֶ֑יךָ10 of 15

of thy mercies

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וַיַּמְר֖וּ11 of 15

but provoked

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

עַל12 of 15
H5921

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

בְּיַם13 of 15

him at the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

בְּיַם14 of 15

him at the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

סֽוּף׃15 of 15

even at the Red

H5488

a reed, especially the papyrus


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 106:7 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 106:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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