Psalms 106:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:23
23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, obedience, 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 106:23
23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Analysis
This verse describes Moses's intercessory role during the golden calf crisis. 'Therefore he said that he would destroy them' shows God's righteous intention to judge the idolatrous nation. 'Had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach' uses military imagery—Moses stood in the gap like a defender in a breached wall. 'Stood before him' indicates priestly intercession (Deuteronomy 10:8). 'To turn away his wrath' shows Moses's prayer averted deserved judgment. This prefigures Christ's intercessory work—standing between God's wrath and sinful humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Moses's intercession (Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34) demonstrates covenant mediator principles: an appointed representative pleads for mercy on behalf of guilty people.
Historical Context
Exodus 32:7-14 records God's anger and intention to destroy Israel and start over with Moses. Moses interceded, appealing to God's glory among nations, His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His covenant faithfulness. God 'repented of the evil' He said He would do—anthropomorphic language showing Moses's intercession was effective. This established the pattern of prophetic intercession seen throughout Israel's history (cf. Abraham for Sodom, Samuel for Israel, Jeremiah for Judah).
Reflection
- How does Moses's intercession prefigure Christ's mediatorial work?
- What does 'standing in the breach' teach about the role of intercessory prayer?
- How should God's willingness to hear intercession affect our prayer life?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H2534 - Wrath, anger
Cross-References
- Judgment: Matthew 12:18
- Parallel theme: Psalms 105:6, Exodus 32:32, Numbers 16:5, Deuteronomy 9:25, Ezekiel 13:5, 20:8