Psalms 106:42
Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּלְחָצ֥וּם
also oppressed
H3905
וַיִּלְחָצ֥וּם
also oppressed
Strong's:
H3905
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress
וַ֝יִּכָּנְע֗וּ
them and they were brought into subjection
H3665
וַ֝יִּכָּנְע֗וּ
them and they were brought into subjection
Strong's:
H3665
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
Historical Context
The cycle of oppression-repentance-deliverance in Judges exemplifies this. Each oppression brought Israel to desperate circumstances until they cried out. Assyria's conquest of the northern kingdom and Babylon's destruction of Judah and Jerusalem represented the ultimate fulfillment of subjection under enemies. The exile was the covenant curse fully realized—God's people removed from the Promised Land and subjected to pagan empires.
Questions for Reflection
- How does subjection to enemies demonstrate the reversal of God's purposes for His people?
- What is the relationship between corporate sin and corporate suffering under oppressive powers?
- How should oppression drive God's people to repentance rather than bitterness?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues describing oppression. 'Their enemies also oppressed them' uses lachats (לָחַץ), meaning to press, oppress, or afflict. 'They were brought into subjection under their hand' shows total domination—reduced to servitude. This reversed the dominion mandate (Genesis 1:28) and covenant promises of prosperity and ruling over enemies (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Being subjected by enemies is the opposite of God's design for His image-bearers. Yet this humiliation was covenant curse for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:43-48). The psalm emphasizes that Israel's subjection wasn't random historical misfortune but God's judgment for covenant-breaking.