Psalms 106:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:20
20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, fellowship, judgment. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 106:20
20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
Analysis
This verse interprets the golden calf's theological significance. 'Changed their glory' uses muwr (מוּר), meaning to exchange or substitute. 'Their glory' refers to Yahweh, Israel's glory and distinction among nations (Jeremiah 2:11). 'Into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass' emphasizes the absurdity—they exchanged the Creator for the image of a grass-eating animal. Paul echoes this in Romans 1:23: humanity 'changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.' The fundamental sin is exchange—trading the infinite for the finite, the Creator for creation. This reveals idolatry's essential foolishness.
Historical Context
The calf likely represented Apis, the Egyptian bull-god, or imitated Canaanite Baal worship. Having lived 400 years in Egypt, Israel was steeped in pagan imagery. The golden calf showed they hadn't mentally separated from Egypt's gods despite physical deliverance. Jeroboam later repeated this sin when he set up golden calves at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-30), demonstrating how patterns of idolatry recur across generations.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'exchange' God's glory for lesser things?
- How does idolatry fundamentally involve exchanging the infinite for the finite?
- What modern 'oxen' (created things) do people worship instead of the Creator?
Word Studies
- Glory: כָּבוֹד (Kavod) H3519 - Glory, weight, honor
Cross-References
- Glory: Psalms 89:17, Jeremiah 2:11