Psalm 106:24-48
Q.1. How low did Israel stoop, thus causing God to remove His people from the Promised land? Are similar sins committed by our nation? – (Ps.106:24-42)
The Psalmist recorded more of Israel’s grumbling and infidelity in their wilderness journeys (Ps.106:24-27). Then, when they entered the Promised Land – they mingled with the nations and learned their practices, and served their idols, which became a snare to them (Ps.106:35-36). However, worse was to come. They polluted the Promised Land with blood – they even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons and shed innocent blood (Ps.106:37-38). This seems unimaginable, until we recognize that every day innocent and defenceless lives are being taken in every nation, by abortion. It is recorded that – therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against His people and He abhorred His inheritance (Ps.106:40). This evil is quietly accepted in our nation, but God has declared that He is not unmoved by such evil (Ps.106:41-42).
Q.2. What promise did God make to the family of the zealous priest, Phinehas? Why? –(Ps.106:28-31)
On the wilderness journeys, Israel played the harlot with the daughters of Moab. God commanded Moses to slay the ringleaders – so that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel (Num.25:4). A plague broke out against Israel, taking twenty-four thousand victims. This led to much weeping at the tent of meeting, with people crying out for God’s mercy. In the midst of this, an Israelite man brazenly entered the camp with a Midianite woman. Phinehas took a spear – and he went after the man of Israel in his tent and pierced both of them through … SO THE PLAGUE ON THE SONS OF ISRAEL WAS CHECKED! (Num.25:7-8). Not only did the zealous action of Phinehas save multitudes from death, but God’s Word recorded that – 30 Phinehas stood up and interposed so the plague was stayed. 31 And it was reckoned to him for righteousness, To all generations forever (Ps.106:30-31).
Q.3. What does it reveal about the heart of God, when He refuses to break His Covenant in spite of Israel’s failure? – (Ps.106:43-48)
The wickedness of Israel could not be ignored, nor could it go unrewarded. When the nation refused to repent, God gave them into the hands of their enemies. They had repeatedly broken their Covenant with Him. However, this was not the end of the Covenant between God and Israel. God does not treat sinners in such a way – 44 Nevertheless He looked upon their distress When He heard their cry; 45 AND HE REMEMBERED HIS COVENANT FOR THEIR SAKE AND RELENTED ACCORDING TO THE GREATNESS OF HIS LOVINGKINDNESS. 46 He also made them objects of compassion In the presence of all their captors (Ps.106:44-46). We observe that God alone is holy. He stands alone with His for kindness, mercy, and grace. There is no one like the Lord – Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting … Praise the Lord (Ps.106:48).