Psalm 106

Psalm 106

This is considered the first of the Hallelujah Psalms because it begins and ends with hallelujah (הלליה), which is “Praise the Lord.”

The key to this passage and the other historical psalms is to remember. In Psalm 105, remember because of the great things God has done; in Psalm 106, it is remembering that bad things we have done and turn from them. This psalm is a rehearsal of those things Israel did in rebellion to the good things God had done for them. Before we start pointing the finger, we need to remember that we do the same today. Think of God’s grace and forgiveness; then, ponder the things that we have done that abuse that grace and forgiveness. Paul summed it up in Romans 6 with an emphasis on our not sinning because of God’s grace.

Verses 1-3-The psalmist begins with praise and will end with praise as-well. He is calling us to observe what we have done and to pursue justice instead.

Verses 4-5-These verses are likened to Luke 23.42 where the repentant thief asks Jesus to remember him when He enters His kingdom.

Now we arrive at the reason for the repentance and petition.

Remember

• Verse 6-He wants us to remember that we are as capable of committing these sins as those who actually committed them.
• Verses 7-12-Red Sea Rebellion (Exodus 14)
• Verses 13-15-Complaints in the Desert (Numbers 11)-They forgot; they did not remember.
• Verses 16-18-Dathan and Abiram, the Rebels (Numbers 16)
• Verses 19-23-The Golden Calf (Exodus 32)
• Verses 24-27-The Evil Report of the Spies (Numbers 13-14)
• Verses 28-31-Sin with People of Moab (Numbers 25)
• Verses 32-33-Trouble at Meribah (Numbers 20.1-13)
• Verses 34-39-In Canaan—Nothing Ever Changes (see the studies on the book of Joshua)
• Verses 40-46-The Times of the Judges (see the studies on the book of Judges)

Verse 47-This is a call to national repentance and a call to give God the glory due His name.

Verse 48-This doxology is what began the psalm. Whatever our lot in life, we need to remember to praise the Lord.

In each case of the remembering, Moses or another leader pleads on behalf of the people for God to forgive them. They stand in the gap for those who have rebelled (Ezekiel 22.30). We are called to do the same thing (Galatians 6.1-3 and Matthew 18.15-17).

Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph View all posts by Pastor David