Psalms 106:34
They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים
the nations
H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים
the nations
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:16And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.Deuteronomy 7:2And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:Judges 1:21And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
Historical Context
Judges 1-2 records Israel's incomplete conquest. Tribe after tribe failed to drive out inhabitants, allowing Canaanites to dwell among them. Judges 2:1-3 records the Angel of the LORD rebuking them: 'I said, I will never break my covenant with you...but ye have not obeyed my voice...they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.' This prophecy was fulfilled throughout Judges and Kings as Canaanite religions continually led Israel into idolatry.
Questions for Reflection
- How is partial obedience actually disobedience?
- What areas of 'incomplete conquest' in the Christian life lead to ongoing spiritual problems?
- How does failure to fully obey God's commands regarding sin create future snares?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse recounts Israel's failure to complete the conquest of Canaan. 'They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them' shows direct disobedience. God had commanded total destruction (herem) of Canaanite nations to prevent religious contamination (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 20:16-18). Israel's failure to obey this difficult command stemmed from compassion, pragmatism, or incomplete trust in God's wisdom. This partial obedience was complete disobedience—it's not obedience if we only do what's comfortable or convenient. The failure to remove pagan nations became Israel's greatest ongoing temptation throughout the judges and monarchy periods.