Psalms 106:29
Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יַּכְעִיסוּ
Thus they provoked him to anger
H3707
וַ֭יַּכְעִיסוּ
Thus they provoked him to anger
Strong's:
H3707
Word #:
1 of 5
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
Historical Context
Numbers 25:9 records 24,000 deaths in the plague, ended only by Phinehas's zealous action in executing the flagrant offenders (Numbers 25:7-8). Phinehas's zeal for God's honor turned away wrath from Israel and earned him and his descendants a perpetual priesthood (Numbers 25:10-13). This demonstrated that righteous anger against sin and defense of God's honor can avert corporate judgment. Paul warns Christians against similar temptation, citing this incident (1 Corinthians 10:8).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between idolatry and divine jealousy/anger?
- How does Phinehas's zeal for God's honor inform appropriate responses to sin in the church?
- In what ways do human 'inventions' in worship provoke God today?
Analysis & 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' (kaas, כָּעַס) means to vex, anger, or provoke to jealous anger—appropriate since idolatry is covenant adultery. 'Their inventions' (maalal, מַעֲלָל) means their deeds, practices, or fabrications—emphasizing that idolatry is human invention, not divine revelation. 'The plague brake in upon them' refers to the plague that killed 24,000 (Numbers 25:9). Divine judgment was swift and severe, demonstrating God's jealous protection of His covenant relationship with Israel. The plague's 'breaking in' suggests violent, sudden onset—God's anger manifested in immediate judgment.