Psalms 106:43-45
Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed here is that their rebellion wasn't just an external action, but a deeply ingrained "purpose" or inner will that was contrary to God's. It wasn't just what they did, but how they chose to plan and live, which brought them low.
This psalm recounts Israel's history of rebellion and God's consistent faithfulness, highlighting their repeated failures to obey despite numerous deliverances. The verses leading up to this one detail how, time and again, Israel would sin, bringing judgment upon themselves, only for God to mercifully intervene when they cried out. This verse serves as a summary of that cycle, emphasizing their persistent "rebellious purposes" and how their iniquity ultimately led to their downfall, even after God had shown them such steadfast love.
Has God ever felt distant, even when you know He's been there? This verse reminds us that God's faithfulness often plays out against a backdrop of human forgetfulness.
The first part of this verse, 'Many times he delivered them,' points to God's incredible, repeated acts of rescue for the Israelites. Their history, particularly during the time of the Judges, was marked by cycles of oppression followed by God's intervention. He consistently stepped in, providing deliverers and leading them to freedom, even when they had strayed far from Him.
A Pattern of Rescue
What does it mean to be 'rebellious in their purposes'? It's more than just straying; it's a willful choice against God's wisdom.
The phrase 'but they were rebellious in their counsel' is crucial. It shows that their sin wasn't accidental or a simple mistake. It was a deliberate choice, a willful turning away from God's guidance and wisdom.
Self-Will Over Divine Will
Understand the original words
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To deliver or rescue someone, often used of God acting on behalf of His people to save them from physical danger, enemies, or judgment.
marah · Hebrew Adjective
A state of defiance against God’s authority; it refers to a heart that refuses to submit to His revealed will and commands.
avon · Hebrew Noun
Moral perversity or deviation from the standard of God’s law; it denotes not just the act of sinning but the twisted nature of wrongdoing and its guilt.
beriyth · Hebrew Noun
The formal, binding agreement established by God with individuals or nations (such as with Abraham or Israel), characterized by God’s promises and requirements of faithfulness.
This verse reflects the recurring historical pattern of God's people repeatedly experiencing His deliverance, yet stubbornly choosing their own ways, leading to His chastening.
c. 13th Century BC
Exodus from Egypt and Wilderness Journey
Following their miraculous liberation from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites embarked on a lengthy journey through the wilderness. Despite God’s powerful interventions and provision, they repeatedly grumbled, rebelled, and failed to trust Him.
c. 13th-11th Century BC— this verse
Period of the Judges
After entering the Promised Land, Israel experienced cycles of disobedience, oppression by surrounding nations, and God raising up judges to deliver them. This period highlights repeated cycles of turning away from God and then being rescued.
c. 1050 BC
Establishment of the Monarchy
Saul was anointed the first king of Israel, ushering in a new era. However, the monarchy also saw periods of great faithfulness and significant rebellion against God's leadership.
c. 970-931 BC
United Monarchy under Solomon and Division
Solomon's reign saw the construction of the Temple, but his later years were marked by idolatry. After his death, the kingdom split into two: Israel (northern) and Judah (southern).
This passage directly illustrates the cycle described in Psalm 106:43, showing how Israel repeatedly fell into sin but was consistently delivered by God when they cried out.
Nehemiah 9:16-17This prayer echoes the theme of rebellion against God's will, highlighting how Israel refused to obey and forgot God's wondrous works, leading to their suffering despite God's deliverances.
Isaiah 63:10This verse speaks of Israel grieving the Holy Spirit through their rebellion, which parallels the idea in Psalm 106:43 that their inner purposes led them to provoke God.
Jeremiah 5:3This verse describes God's frustration with a people who have offended Him, noting that they have refused to repent and have hardened their hearts, much like the rebellious spirit described in Psalm 106:43.
clarkePsalms 106:43: "Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity."
Many times did he deliver them - See the Book of Judges; it is a history of the rebellions and deliverances of the Israelites.
bensonPsalms 106:43: "Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity."
Psalm 106:43-46 . Many times did he deliver them — This seems to refer to the times of the judges; when God, many times, raised up deliverers, and wrought deliverances for them; and yet they relapsed to idolatry. They provoked him with their counsel — By forsaking God’s counsel, and the way which he had appointed, and following after their own evil inclinations. Ne…
What's easily missed here is that their rebellion wasn't just an external action, but a deeply ingrained "purpose" or inner will that was contrary to God's. It wasn't just what they did, but how they chose to plan and live, which brought them low.
This psalm recounts Israel's history of rebellion and God's consistent faithfulness, highlighting their repeated failures to obey despite numerous deliverances. The verses leading up to this one detail how, time and again, Israel would sin, bringing judgment upon themselves, only for God to mercifully intervene when they cried out. This verse serves as a summary of that cycle, emphasizing their persistent "rebellious purposes" and how their iniquity ultimately led to their downfall, even after God had shown them such steadfast love.
This psalm recounts Israel's history of rebellion and God's consistent faithfulness, highlighting their repeated failures to obey despite numerous deliverances. The verses leading up to this one detail how, time and again, Israel would sin, bringing judgment upon themselves, only for God to mercifully intervene when they cried out. This verse serves as a summary of that cycle, emphasizing their persistent "rebellious purposes" and how their iniquity ultimately led to their downfall, even after God had shown them such steadfast love.
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We often want to escape the consequences of our sin, but this verse makes a clear connection between iniquity and being 'brought low.'
The final phrase, 'and were brought low through their iniquity,' lands with a sobering truth: sin has consequences. It doesn't just affect our relationship with God; it impacts our lives, weakening and diminishing us.
The Weight of Sin
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A rich theological term (Hebrew: chesed) referring to God’s loyal, sacrificial, and faithful love; it is love that keeps its promises regardless of the unworthiness of the recipient.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquered and exiled the northern kingdom of Israel due to their persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians, Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed, and many of its people were exiled. This was a consequence of generations of rebellion against God.
"Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembere…" — What's easily missed here is that their rebellion wasn't just an external action, but a deeply ingrained "purpose" or inner will that was contrary to God's. It wasn't just what they did, but how…
