What does Psalms 106:12 mean?

Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. Psalms 106:12

Explanation

Psalm 106:12, “Then believed they his words; they sang his praise,” reflects a moment of trust and worship towards God by the Israelites. The verse captures a collective response of faith and joy immediately following an experience of God’s deliverance or intervention. Literally, the verse is saying that upon witnessing or experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises first-hand, the people came to believe and express their belief through singing praises.

However, the deeper meaning reflects the often-fluctuating faith of humanity. It conveys the notion that belief can be strengthened by witnessing divine acts or miracles. Furthermore, it evokes the imagery of communal worship, which is an important aspect of many religious experiences, where a group of people come together to express their faith through song.

Historical Context

Psalm 106 is a historical psalm that recounts the repeated unfaithfulness and disobedience of the Israelites despite the consistent mercy and miraculous deeds performed by God, especially during their exodus from Egypt and the subsequent journey to the Promised Land. This verse, in particular, might refer to the moment following the crossing of the Red Sea, where the Israelites, seeing the destruction of the Egyptians, believed in Moses and God and sang the song recorded in Exodus 15.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the proper human response to it. In Christianity, it highlights the need for belief and the expression of that belief through worship. In Jewish tradition, the Passover Seder recalls the same events that would resonate with the message of Psalm 106:12, acknowledging God’s deliverance and praising Him for His mighty works.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to remember and praise God for His past acts of salvation and deliverance in their lives. When people go through difficult times, recalling God’s faithfulness can inspire renewed faith and hope. It also advocates for expressing faith through worship, suggesting that singing praises can be an outward manifestation of inward belief and thankfulness.

Cross-References

• Exodus 14:31 – “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”
• Exodus 15:1 – “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.”
• Psalm 105:43 – “And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:”
• Psalm 107:21-22 – “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, key words in this verse are “believed” (אָמַן – ‘aman), which conveys a sense of firmness or faithfulness, and “praise” (שִׁיר – shiyr), which is often associated with singing or musical expression. Analyzing these words sheds light on the significance of the faith and praise being described. The use of the past tense indicates a specific moment when this trust and joy were expressed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient cultures featured celebrative songs and hymns following victories or divine interventions. For example, the ancient Egyptians composed hymns to the gods thanking them for victories in battles or deliverance from peril. This kind of expression is not unique to the Hebrew tradition but is a common cultural response across various religious practices to divine acts or blessings.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation to the praise and belief described in Psalm 106:12, the study of neuroscience has shown that music and singing can have positive effects on the brain, leading to emotional responses such as joy and contentment. From a psychological perspective, the practice of communal singing, as implied in this verse, can promote a sense of belonging and well-being, reinforcing group identity and shared beliefs.

Commentaries

Commentaries by biblical scholars regarding Psalm 106:12 often focus on the ironic and fleeting nature of the Israelites’ faith. Matthew Henry’s commentary points out that while the Israelites believed and sang God’s praise at this moment, their faith soon wavered, underscoring the human tendency towards forgetfulness and inconsistency in faith. Similarly, the Expositor’s Bible Commentary highlights the contrast between this moment of fervor and subsequent acts of rebellion, drawing lessons from the Israelites’ experience applicable to the reader’s spiritual journey.