Then they believed his words; they sang his praise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While they were witnessing God's incredible power firsthand, the Israelites' faith was immediate and strong, expressed in immediate praise. This powerful moment, however, is highlighted precisely because it was fleeting, setting the stage for their swift return to disbelief.
Then they believed his words; they sang his praise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm recounts Israel's history of forgetting God's mighty deeds, beginning with their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and passage through the Red Sea. At that moment, witnessing God's power firsthand, they finally believed His promises and sang His praises. However, this faith was short-lived, as the following verse immediately highlights their subsequent grumbling and distrust.
What does it mean to believe God, especially when His power is right in front of you?
This verse captures a pivotal moment for the Israelites. After witnessing the incredible power of God in their deliverance (likely crossing the Red Sea, as the commentaries suggest), they immediately believed His words and sang His praise.
This wasn't a deep, theological assent to every doctrine, but an immediate, visceral response to God's action. It's faith born from undeniable evidence. Think of it as 'I saw it, I experienced it, therefore I believe and praise.' This kind of faith is powerful, but the commentary reminds us it's often fleeting, tied directly to the miracle itself.
Why does the Bible so often highlight Israel's tendency to forget God's goodness, even after experiencing it?
The commentaries point out a crucial aspect of this verse: it's often presented as a precursor to forgetting. The amazing faith and praise shown at the Red Sea were, sadly, short-lived. Psalm 106 itself is a lament over Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
This highlights a common human struggle. We experience God's grace, we sing His praises, but as the immediate pressure or wonder fades, the memory of His deeds can grow dim. This forgetfulness then leads to doubt, grumbling, and further sin. The psalm uses this moment of belief to contrast with the ongoing pattern of their rebellion.
Understand the original words
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aman · Hebrew Verb
To have faith in, rely upon, or trust in the truthfulness of God's promise. In the Old Testament, it signifies entering into a firm, secure relationship with God based on His character.
This verse captures that powerful, immediate moment of faith and praise that erupts when God's people witness His mighty acts firsthand, a faith that tragically proved short-lived in the wilderness.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Following God's intervention in the plagues, the Israelites depart from slavery in Egypt. This marks the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Crossing the Red Sea
God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army. The Egyptians are then drowned when the waters return.
c. 1446 BC
Song of Moses
Immediately after their miraculous deliverance, Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to God, celebrating His power and faithfulness.
c. 1446 BC
Journey into the Wilderness
The Israelites begin their journey through the wilderness towards Mount Sinai, facing immediate challenges and demonstrating a pattern of doubt and praise.
This passage directly parallels the Israelites' belief in God's words and their praise after witnessing His miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, which is the event referenced in Psalm 106.
Exodus 15:1-21This is the 'Song of Moses' sung by the Israelites in celebration of their freedom from Egypt. It vividly illustrates the 'singing His praise' mentioned in Psalm 106:12, flowing from their belief.
Psalm 105:1-45This psalm focuses on remembering God's mighty deeds and faithfulness. It serves as a thematic complement to Psalm 106, which highlights Israel's tendency to forget and distrust God despite His wondrous acts.
Deuteronomy 1:32-33This passage shows a contrast where the Israelites failed to believe God despite His leading them, underscoring that the belief described in Psalm 106:12 was a specific, though often fleeting, moment of faith.
Nehemiah 9:17This passage also recounts Israel's history and mentions their refusal to enter the promised land. It echoes the themes of forgetting God's deeds and His persistent patience, which provides context for the brief belief and subsequent relapse described in Psalm 106.
clarkePsalms 106:12: "Then believed they his words; they sang his praise."
Then believed they - Just while the miracle was before their eyes.
pulpitPsalms 106:12: "Then believed they his words; they sang his praise."
Verse 12. - Then believed they his words. So in Exodus 14:31, "The people feared the Lord and believed the Lord" - believed, that is, when they could no longer disbelieve. They sang his praise. The allusion is to the "Song of Moses" (Exodus 15:1-18), in which the Israelites generally joined (Exodus 15:1, 20).
While they were witnessing God's incredible power firsthand, the Israelites' faith was immediate and strong, expressed in immediate praise. This powerful moment, however, is highlighted precisely because it was fleeting, setting the stage for their swift return to disbelief.
The psalm recounts Israel's history of forgetting God's mighty deeds, beginning with their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and passage through the Red Sea. At that moment, witnessing God's power firsthand, they finally believed His promises and sang His praises. However, this faith was short-lived, as the following verse immediately highlights their subsequent grumbling and distrust.
The psalm recounts Israel's history of forgetting God's mighty deeds, beginning with their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and passage through the Red Sea. At that moment, witnessing God's power firsthand, they finally believed His promises and sang His praises. However, this faith was short-lived, as the following verse immediately highlights their subsequent grumbling and distrust.
"Then they believed his words; they sang his praise." — While they were witnessing God's incredible power firsthand, the Israelites' faith was immediate and strong, expressed in immediate praise. This powerful moment, however, is highlighted precisely bec…
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Last reviewed October 2026