Psalms 106:36
And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּעַבְד֥וּ
And they served
H5647
וַיַּעַבְד֥וּ
And they served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
1 of 6
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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.Exodus 23:33They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.Judges 2:3Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
Historical Context
Throughout Judges, Israel repeatedly fell into the cycle: sin (idolatry) → judgment (oppression) → repentance (crying out) → deliverance (judge raised up). Each generation 'served the Baals' and other idols. Under the monarchy, high places remained and foreign gods were worshiped. Ahab made Baal worship official in the northern kingdom. Even godly kings like Asa and Jehoshaphat didn't fully remove high places. The 'snare' progressively tightened until exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How do seemingly small compromises become deadly spiritual snares?
- What idols serve as 'snares' in contemporary Christian life?
- How can churches identify and avoid the 'snare' of cultural accommodation?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues describing Israel's spiritual corruption. 'They served their idols' shows they didn't just tolerate but actively worshiped false gods. 'Which were a snare unto them' uses moqesh (מוֹקֵשׁ), meaning trap or snare for catching birds or animals. What seemed harmless tolerance became a deadly trap, entangling Israel in covenant-breaking. This fulfilled God's warning that Canaanite gods would be 'snares' (Exodus 23:33; Judges 2:3). Idolatry ensnares by promising satisfaction while delivering spiritual death. The progression is significant: incomplete obedience (v. 34) → mixing with pagans (v. 35) → learning their ways (v. 35) → serving their idols (v. 36) → becoming ensnared.