Psalms 106:37

Authorized King James Version

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּזְבְּח֣וּ
Yea they sacrificed
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְּ֭נֵיהֶם
their sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
בְּנֽוֹתֵיהֶ֗ם
and their daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
לַשֵּֽׁדִים׃
unto devils
a dmon (as malignant)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection