A Nation Asks For Forgiveness

Topic: Confession
Passage: Psalms 106:1–15

March 28, 2021

Commentary

Psalm 105 covers events up to the Exodus from Egypt, and Psalm 106 covers events from the Exodus to the Babylonian captivity. Like Psalm 105 this Psalm traces the history of Israel but for a different purpose. In Psalm 105 the emphasis was on God’s grace and faithfulness. In this Psalm the focus is on the people’s faithfulness and the Lord’s justice. It starts with “Praise ye the Lord” (v. 1). The more we think about what God has done the more we will appreciate Him for all He has done for us individually. Who can put into words all the mighty deeds He has done (v. 2)? Our birth, our friends, our family, our salvation, etc. Those who are in a right standing with God are blessed (v. 3). Remember me Lord and let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones (vv. 4-5). The Psalmist introduces the theme of confession. He says, “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly” (v. 6). He uses three great words for sin: First, “sinned” means to miss the mark, suggesting sin by practice. Second, “committed iniquity” mean to be bent, crooked or perverse suggesting sin by nature. Third, “done wickedly” means lawlessness, suggesting sin by choice.

The writer recounts the people’s sin at the crossing of the Red Sea and in the wilderness (v. 7). As soon as the people heard that Pharaoh’s army was headed their way they began to grumble. But God overlooked their faults (v. 8) and overcame their fears (v. 9). He saved and redeemed them from the [Egyptian] enemy who hated them. (vv. 10-11). Israel believed His words and sang His praise (v. 12). In the wilderness, the people were so intent on getting food and water (immediate physical gratification) that they became blind to what God wanted (lasting spiritual satisfaction). With such a great deliverance from the Egyptians it is almost incredible that “they soon forgot His works” (v. 13) and failed to see the unfolding plan of God. Instead, they “lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert” (v. 14). As a result of their lustful desire God “sent leanness to their soul” (v. 15). Several times God gave the people what they thought they wanted, but with the gift came His judgment.

Application

If I am ever tempted to grumble about something, I just need to stop and list the miracles God has performed for me. After all God has done for me, I certainly have no right to complain.

Psalms 106:1– 15 (NET)

1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, and his loyal love endures.

2 Who can adequately recount the Lord’s mighty acts, or relate all his praiseworthy deeds?

3 How blessed are those who promote justice, and do what is right all the time.

4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people. Pay attention to me, when you deliver,

5 so I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, rejoice along with your nation, and boast along with the people who belong to you.

6 We have sinned like our ancestors; we have done wrong, we have done evil.

7 Our ancestors in Egypt failed to appreciate your miraculous deeds. They failed to remember your many acts of loyal love, and they rebelled at the sea, by the Red Sea.

8 Yet he delivered them for the sake of his reputation, that he might reveal his power.

9 He shouted at the Red Sea and it dried up; he led them through the deep water as if it were a desert.

10 He delivered them from the power of the one who hated them, and rescued them from the power of the enemy.

11 The water covered their enemies; not even one of them survived.

12 They believed his promises; they sang praises to him.

13 They quickly forgot what he had done; they did not wait for his instructions.

14 In the wilderness they had an insatiable craving for meat; they challenged God in the wastelands.

15 He granted their request, then struck them with a disease.