What does Psalms 106:21 mean?

They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; Psalms 106:21

Explanation

The verse Psalms 106:21 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reflects on a moment of collective amnesia and ingratitude among the Israelites concerning their past deliverance by God. The verse states, “They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;”. This refers to the Israelites’ failure to remember and honor God, who had rescued them from slavery and oppression in Egypt through miraculous acts. The deeper meaning implies a spiritual forgetfulness and a lack of faithfulness that can affect believers when they do not keep God’s deeds and commandments in their hearts.

Historical Context

Psalms 106 is part of the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of religious songs, prayers, and poems. This specific psalm is classified as a historical psalm, recounting the history of Israel, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God’s continuous mercy. The mention of “great things in Egypt” refers to the biblical account of the Exodus, where the Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage by God through the leadership of Moses. This event included several miracles, most notably the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse underscores the sin of forgetfulness and ingratitude toward God’s redemptive works. It also illustrates the human tendency to stray from faith during times of trial or when facing temptations. Theologically, the forgetfulness of God’s people and their rebellion serves as a backdrop against which God’s faithfulness and steadfast love are displayed. The verse may also be interpreted allegorically, representing the spiritual deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a sobering reminder to individuals and communities of faith to remember God’s presence and actions in their lives. Practically speaking, this can be cultivated through regularly participating in worship, prayer, Bible study, and the sharing of testimonies. It warns against complacency and encourages believers to maintain a spirit of thankfulness and to recount the blessings and deliverances they have experienced.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 6:12 – “Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”
• Exodus 13:3 – “And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: no leavened bread shall be eaten.”

Language Study

• “Forgat” or “forgot” (שָׁכַח, shakach in Hebrew) implies the failing to remember or the ignoring of something important.
• “God” (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim in Hebrew) is one of the names for God in the Old Testament, used to denote the supreme being and creator.
• “Saviour” (מוֹשִׁיעַ, moshi’a in Hebrew) indicates someone who saves or delivers, and in this context, it refers to God as the deliverer of Israel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a god or gods intervening in human history is common in many ancient myths. For example, in Greek mythology, deities often interfered in human affairs. However, the biblical narrative stands out by having a single monotheistic God who is continually saving a chosen people and asking for moral and spiritual faithfulness in return.

Scientific Perspectives

The “great things in Egypt,” which include the plagues and parting of the Red Sea, often prompt discussions regarding scientific explanations for these events. Some researchers have looked for natural phenomena that could explain the biblical miracles, such as volcanic activity, red algae blooms, or coastal storms. However, within a scientific framework, these events remain extraordinary, and for people of faith, they are considered acts of divine intervention.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes that this verse shows how the Israelites’ forgetfulness leads to further sin and rebellion. Henry sees the history of Israel as full of lessons for believers on the necessity of remembering God’s works.
• The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon comments on this verse, stressing the tragedy of Israel’s forgetfulness and the need for constant mindfulness of God’s mercy and power.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible highlights the ingratitude of the Israelites which is seen as reprehensible given the magnitude of the miracles God performed for them in Egypt.