Psalms 106:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:37
37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, salvation, fellowship. 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 106:37
37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
Analysis
This verse describes the depths of Israel's idolatrous depravity. 'Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils' refers to child sacrifice to Molech and other Canaanite deities. 'Devils' (shedim, שֵׁדִים) means demons or evil spirits, revealing the demonic reality behind idols (1 Corinthians 10:20). Child sacrifice was expressly forbidden (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5) and represented the most abhorrent violation of God's law—murdering one's own children to appease false gods. This demonstrates how far covenant-breaking can descend: from tolerating pagans to adopting their practices to murdering innocent children. When God's law is rejected, there's no bottom to human depravity.
Historical Context
Child sacrifice to Molech occurred in the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) outside Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:10; Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5-6). Kings Ahaz and Manasseh made their sons pass through fire (2 Kings 16:3; 21:6). Josiah's reforms temporarily ended the practice, but it resumed until judgment fell. The horror of child sacrifice reveals how thoroughly Canaanite religion corrupted Israel. Jesus later used Gehenna (same valley, become the garbage dump) as imagery for hell.
Reflection
- How does rejecting God's law lead to increasingly horrific evil?
- What modern practices parallel ancient child sacrifice in sacrificing children for convenience or prosperity?
- What does the reality of demons behind idols teach about spiritual warfare?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach) H2076 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- Evil: 2 Kings 17:17, 21:6
- Sacrifice: Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17, 1 Corinthians 10:20
- Parallel theme: 2 Kings 16:3, Isaiah 57:5, Jeremiah 7:31, Ezekiel 20:26, 23:37