Psalms 106:43
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:43
43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, mercy, prayer. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 106:43
43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
Analysis
This verse transitions to God's merciful response. 'Many times did he deliver them' emphasizes repeated rescue despite repeated rebellion. God's covenant faithfulness outlasted Israel's unfaithfulness. 'But they provoked him with their counsel' shows that after each deliverance, they returned to rebellion. 'Provoked' again uses marah (מָרָה), meaning to be rebellious or bitter. 'With their counsel' (etsah, עֵצָה) means with their plans or decisions—they chose rebellion. 'Were brought low for their iniquity' shows that their lowly state resulted from their own sin. The cycle repeats: deliverance → rebellion → judgment → deliverance. Only God's covenant faithfulness explains why He didn't utterly destroy them.
Historical Context
The Book of Judges explicitly describes this cycle: 'And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them...And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers' (Judges 2:18-19). Despite experiencing God's deliverance repeatedly, each generation returned to idolatry. God's patience endured this cycle for centuries before bringing exile. Even after exile, the pattern continued in lesser forms.
Reflection
- Why does God continue delivering those who repeatedly rebel after each rescue?
- What does the rebellion-judgment-deliverance cycle teach about human nature?
- How should God's repeated deliverances affect our response to His grace?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Sin: Psalms 1:1
- Parallel theme: Psalms 81:12