Psalms 106:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:13
13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, judgment, salvation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 106:13
13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
Analysis
This verse describes the rapid collapse of Red Sea faith. 'They soon forgat his works' uses shakach (שָׁכַח), meaning to forget, ignore, or no longer care about. 'Soon' emphasizes the shocking speed of forgetfulness—mere days after witnessing the sea split and enemies drowned. 'They waited not for his counsel' means they didn't patiently wait for God's instruction but impulsively demanded immediate solutions. This reveals the root of unbelief: impatience with God's timing and methods. They wanted to dictate how and when God should provide. This pattern of demanding immediate gratification rather than waiting for God's revealed will characterizes much spiritual immaturity.
Historical Context
Israel's forgetfulness manifested first at Marah (Exodus 15:23-24), where bitter water led to complaints, then at the Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:2-3), where they grumbled about food scarcity. Each new challenge erased memory of past deliverance. This demonstrated that fallen human nature gravitates toward unbelief unless God's Spirit works to sustain faith. The psalm uses this pattern to warn subsequent generations against repeating ancestral folly.
Reflection
- What spiritual disciplines help believers remember and meditate on God's past faithfulness?
- How does impatience with God's timing reveal lack of trust in His wisdom?
- In what ways do you 'soon forget' God's works in your life?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 78:11, 107:11, Exodus 15:24, 16:2, 17:2, 17:7