What does Psalms 106:3 mean?

Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Psalms 106:3

Explanation

The verse Psalms 106:3, “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times,” speaks directly to the Jewish understanding of the concepts of judgment and righteousness. Literally, it suggests that individuals who adhere to God’s laws and enact just decisions (“keep judgment”) and those who practice righteousness consistently (“doeth righteousness at all times”) are considered blessed or fortunate. On a deeper level, it emphasizes the importance of continuous moral and ethical behavior in God’s sight, suggesting such consistency leads to divine favor or blessing.

Historical Context

Psalm 106 is part of the Book of Psalms, which is a compilation of religious songs, prayers, and poems that date back to various periods in the history of ancient Israel. This particular Psalm is considered a historical psalm, reflecting on the history of Israel and acknowledging their frequent disobedience and God’s mercy. The verse in question comes from a period when the Israelites were reflecting on their covenant relationship with God and the importance of living according to His laws.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates a core principle seen throughout the Bible: righteousness and justice are attributes that God deeply values and are integral to the life of a believer. God’s nature is inherently just and righteous, and He calls those who follow Him to emulate these characteristics. The notion of being blessed for righteousness suggests that there is divine approval and reward for such behavior, an idea which is echoed in various theological traditions within Christianity. Different denominations may interpret the degree and nature of this blessing in diverse ways, from spiritual fulfillment to material prosperity or providential protection.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be seen as a call to live a life of integrity and moral uprightness. Individuals are encouraged to make just decisions in their dealings with others and to practice righteousness not just in public or when convenient, but consistently across all facets of life. This might involve standing up for what is right, behaving ethically in business, or practicing kindness and charity. Emphasizing “at all times” removes any notion of part-time morality or selective justice, instead, it pushes for a holistic and unwavering approach to ethical living.

Cross-References

• Micah 6:8 – “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
• Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
• James 1:25 – “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Language Study

The Hebrew word for “keep” in this context is “shamar,” which means to guard or to observe. The word for “judgment” is “mishpat,” which denotes justice or the act of deciding a case. “He that doeth righteousness” translates from “asah tzedakah,” where “asah” means to fabricate or to make, and “tzedakah” has a range of meanings that include righteousness, justice, and charity. “At all times” comes from “bechol-eth,” with “bechol” meaning “in every” and “eth” being a general term for time. This language study thus informs us that the original text conveys an active, ongoing commitment to living justly and righteously.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Psalms 106:3 with other ancient religious texts, it’s apparent that many cultures emphasized a life of justice and moral rectitude. For instance, in Confucianism, there’s a strong focus on the moral behavior of individuals and rulers. In Ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of Ma’at involved living a life that was in harmony with truth, balance, order, and justice. The verse echoes these universal principles while situated within the unique covenantal context of the relationship between the Israelites and God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, discussions about morality and justice are often explored within the realm of evolutionary biology, psychology, and sociology. While these fields don’t necessarily confirm or deny biblical teachings, they do look at how moral and ethical behaviors may have evolved as advantageous for social cohesion and survival. The consistency of moral behavior, as suggested by the Psalm, might be analyzed in terms of its evolutionary benefits in creating stable, cooperative societies.

Commentaries

Experts and theologians have long considered Psalm 106 a reflection of Israel’s tendency to forget God’s works, juxtaposed with God’s gracious response. For example, Matthew Henry’s Commentary underlines the faithfulness of God in contrast with the fickleness of human nature. Biblical scholars like John Gill and Charles Spurgeon echoed the sentiment that those who consistently follow God’s commandments find favor with Him. Spurgeon, particularly, notes the beauty of the phrase “at all times” as emphasizing the need for constancy in righteous deeds, regardless of circumstances. These commentaries enrich our understanding of the verse as a testament to the blessings associated with devout and consistent living according to God’s precepts.