Psalms 106:33
Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִמְר֥וּ
Because they provoked
H4784
הִמְר֥וּ
Because they provoked
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
2 of 6
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רוּח֑וֹ
his spirit
H7307
רוּח֑וֹ
his spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
4 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Psalms 78:40How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!Psalms 107:11Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:Psalms 39:1I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.Job 2:10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.James 3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Historical Context
Moses's rash words and actions at Meribah marred an otherwise exemplary life of faithful leadership. Despite leading Israel for 40 years through incredible hardships, this one incident of frustrated anger cost him the Promised Land. It demonstrates that God holds leaders to high standards, especially in public representation of His character. Moses's failure also shows that even the most faithful servants can stumble, pointing to the need for a perfect Mediator—Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How should leaders respond when provoked by those they serve?
- What does God's judgment of Moses teach about the responsibility of spiritual leadership?
- How can we guard against speaking 'unadvisedly' when frustrated or angry?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains Moses's failure at Meribah. 'Because they provoked his spirit' shows the people's quarreling agitated Moses's spirit (ruach, רוּחַ). 'So that he spake unadvisedly with his lips' describes Moses's angry, rash words: 'Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?' (Numbers 20:10). 'Spake unadvisedly' (bata, בָּטָא) means to speak rashly, thoughtlessly, or hastily. Though provoked, Moses's response was sinful—he spoke in anger rather than representing God's character accurately. This teaches that provocation doesn't excuse sinful response. Leaders especially must guard their words and responses, even when provoked, since they represent God to the people.