Psalms 106:40
Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽחַר
kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 7
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֣ף
Therefore was the wrath
H639
אַ֣ף
Therefore was the wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּעַמּ֑וֹ
against his people
H5971
בְּעַמּ֑וֹ
against his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַ֝יְתָעֵ֗ב
insomuch that he abhorred
H8581
וַ֝יְתָעֵ֗ב
insomuch that he abhorred
Strong's:
H8581
Word #:
5 of 7
to loathe, i.e., (morally) detest
Cross References
Judges 2:14And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.Deuteronomy 9:29Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.Deuteronomy 32:19And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
Historical Context
God's 'abhorrence' led to judgment: oppression by enemies, exile, and covenant curses. Yet even in abhorrence, God didn't utterly forsake them (Leviticus 26:44). His discipline was redemptive, intended to turn them from sin. Similarly, God the Father's wrath fell on Christ (His beloved Son) when Christ bore our sin (Isaiah 53:10; Mark 15:34). God can 'abhor' sin even in those He loves, which necessitated the cross where wrath and love met.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God simultaneously love His people and abhor them because of sin?
- What does God's abhorrence of sin teach about His holiness?
- How does the Father's wrath toward Christ on the cross demonstrate both justice and love?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes God's response to Israel's adultery. 'Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people' shows righteous anger. God's wrath isn't capricious but justified response to covenant-breaking. 'Insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance' uses taab (תָּעַב), meaning to abhor, loathe, or detest. The language is shocking—God 'abhorred' His own treasured possession. This doesn't mean God stopped loving Israel but that their sin made them abhorrent to His holiness. Just as a spouse's adultery makes them loathsome to the betrayed partner, Israel's spiritual prostitution made them detestable despite God's covenant love. This teaches that sin makes us abhorrent to God's holiness even while we remain objects of His covenant love.