What does Psalms 106:19 mean?

They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Psalms 106:19

Explanation

The verse “They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.” from Psalms 106:19 refers to a grievous incident of idolatry committed by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, the sacred site where Moses was given the Ten Commandments by God. The “calf” mentioned is an idol cast in the shape of a young bull, created using melted down gold. The literal understanding of this passage is the Israelites’ act of creating and worshiping a false god despite the miraculous works and the covenant they had witnessed and agreed to uphold. The deeper meaning reflects human tendencies towards tangible forms of worship and their struggle with faith in the unseen. It also demonstrates a breach of trust and loyalty in their relationship with God.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse comes from an episode in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 32, when Moses had ascended Mount Sinai to receive the laws from God. During this period, the people, impatient for Moses’ return, pressured Aaron to create gods for them to follow. With the gold collected from the people, Aaron fashioned a golden calf, and the Israelites began to worship this idol, attributing their deliverance from Egypt to it. This act of apostasy was a significant transgression of their covenant with God, who had explicitly forbidden the worship of graven images.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse emphasizes the profound sin of idolatry. The worship of the golden calf stands in direct opposition to the first two of the Ten Commandments, which forbid the worship of other gods and the making of graven images. This account demonstrates God’s mercy and justice. Even though God was prepared to destroy the Israelites for their unfaithfulness, Moses interceded on their behalf, and God relented, showing mercy. The event illustrates the need for intercessory prayer and God’s readiness to forgive if one repents.

Practical Applications

Practical applications of Psalms 106:19 remind believers of the importance of faithfulness and patience in times of uncertainty or when God’s presence seems distant. It is a caution against turning to material possessions or other “idols” such as money, power, or status for security. This passage calls for introspection to identify any modern-day “golden calves” that might take precedence over one’s relationship with God. It also highlights the significance of spiritual leadership and the dangers of communal pressure in swaying individual and group actions away from core beliefs.

Cross-References

• Exodus 32:4: “And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”
• Deuteronomy 9:8: “Also in Horeb, ye provoked the Lord to wrath, so that the Lord was angry with you to have destroyed you.”
• Nehemiah 9:18: “Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;”
• Acts 7:41: “And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.”

Language Study

The key words in this verse are:

• “calf” (עֵגֶ֣ל, egel): Typically, a young bull, often associated with strength and fertility in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
• “Horeb” (חֹרֵ֑ב, Horev): Another name for Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law.
• “molten” (מַסֵּכָ֣ה, massekhah): Refers to something that is melted down or cast, in this case, the gold that was fashioned into the shape of a calf.

The term “molten image” implicates a created and artificial object of worship, highlighting the folly of venerating a man-made item instead of the living God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Cultures surrounding ancient Israel, like those in Egypt and Canaan, commonly worshipped idols. The image of a bull was especially popular in these regions as a symbol of might and fertility, gods like Apis and Baal being prime examples. The Israelites falling into the practice of idol worship indicates the influence of these cultures despite their own theological principles forbidding such acts.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective may offer understanding in the processes of metallurgy and metalwork prominent at the time: how gold could be melted and reshaped. However, the creation of the golden calf is a matter of historical record and theological discourse rather than science. The psychological aspects of why people resort to idol worship could also be explored by modern psychology, investigating the human need for tangible representations of divine or supernatural power.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this passage:

• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the sin of idolatry, as well as the apostasy and ingratitude of the Israelites.
• John Calvin notes the ease with which people are drawn to tangible symbols and stray from the true worship of God.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the collective and individual responsibility of the Israelites in this transgression.
• The Jewish Study Bible reflects on the political and social dynamics at play, including Aaron’s role in the creation of the calf.

Overall, commentators view this episode as a crucial lesson on fidelity to God, warnings against idolatry, and the need for strong, principled leadership.