Psalms 106:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:21
21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, obedience. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 106:21
21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
Analysis
This verse describes the theological amnesia underlying the golden calf sin. 'They forgat God their saviour' uses shakach (שָׁכַח), the same 'forgot' as verse 13. Forgetting God isn't mere mental lapse but willful ignorance and practical atheism. 'God their saviour' (El moshiam, אֵל מוֹשִׁיעָם) emphasizes that the One they forgot was their Redeemer. The verse then catalogs what they forgot: 'great things in Egypt' (the ten plagues), 'wondrous works in the land of Ham' (Ham being Egypt's ancestor, Genesis 10:6), and 'terrible things by the Red sea' (the sea-splitting and army-drowning). Despite these recent, massive demonstrations of power, they forgot. This teaches that human memory of God's works is tragically unreliable without the Spirit's sustaining work.
Historical Context
The golden calf was made mere months after the Red Sea crossing and plagues. The generation that witnessed God's greatest Old Testament miracles forgot Him almost immediately. This shows that witnessing miracles doesn't produce lasting faith—only regeneration by the Spirit creates enduring trust. Deuteronomy repeatedly commands 'remember' and 'don't forget' (Deuteronomy 6:12; 8:11-14), recognizing human tendency toward forgetfulness.
Reflection
- How do believers today 'forget' God despite past experiences of His faithfulness?
- What spiritual disciplines help maintain remembrance of God's saving works?
- Why doesn't witnessing miracles guarantee lasting faith?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 10:21
- Parallel theme: Psalms 106:13, Jeremiah 2:32