Psalms 106:43

Authorized King James Version

Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פְּעָמִ֥ים
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#2
רַבּ֗וֹת
Many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#3
יַצִּ֫ילֵ֥ם
did he deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#4
וְ֭הֵמָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#5
יַמְר֣וּ
them but they provoked
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
#6
בַעֲצָתָ֑ם
him with their counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#7
וַ֝יָּמֹ֗כּוּ
and were brought low
to tumble (in ruins); figuratively, to perish
#8
בַּעֲוֺנָֽם׃
for their iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection