What does Psalms 106:36 mean?

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Psalms 106:36

Explanation

The verse Psalms 106:36 states, “And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.” This verse is a part of a Psalm that recounts the history of Israel and their repeated unfaithfulness and disobedience toward God. The literal meaning of this verse is clear: the Israelites worshipped idols, directly contradicting the commandment to worship only the God who delivered them from Egypt. The deeper meaning here reflects on the consequences of their idolatry. The word “snare” suggests that idol worship was a trap that led to their spiritual and often physical downfall. It also implies that idolatry was not just a sin but something that ensnared them, making it difficult to escape its entanglements and the resultant judgement from God.

Historical Context

Psalms 106 belongs to the genre of historical Psalms, which often recount the history of God’s people. It is believed to have been written after the period of exile in Babylon, at a time when the Israelites were reflecting on their history and the reasons for their suffering and displacement. Idolatry was a persistent issue throughout the period of the judges and the united monarchy of Israel. The surrounding Canaanite culture and religions greatly influenced Israel, and despite clear prohibitions, they frequently turned to the worship of foreign gods, which included rituals and practices that were contrary to Judaic law.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the verse serves as a sharp reminder of the concept of divine exclusivity in the Abrahamic religions, particularly in Judaism. It underscores the belief that God is not just the supreme deity but the only one deserving worship. The ‘snare’ is a powerful metaphor in biblical theology, emphasizing the dangers of sin and the way it entraps individuals, diverting them from their divine purpose. It also touches on the concept of corporate responsibility and judgement, where the Israelites collectively faced consequences for their unfaithfulness.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical applications, the verse is a cautionary message about the perils of idolatry, which can be understood in a broad sense as putting anything above God in one’s life. This can extend to modern forms of ‘idols’ such as money, power, or pleasure. On a personal level, it urges individuals to examine their own lives for anything that may have taken an undue place of priority over their relationship with God. It serves as a call for continual vigilance against the influences that may lead away from spiritual fulfillment and integrity.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:3-5: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…”
• Deuteronomy 6:14: “Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;”
• Judges 2:12-13: “And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers… and followed other gods… and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.”

Language Study

Analyzing the original Hebrew language, the key word in Psalms 106:36 is “idols” (עֲצַבֵּיהֶם – `atsabbehem), which conveys the idea of things that cause pain or sorrow, as well as crafted images. The word “snare” (מוֹקֵשׁ – moqesh) also carries significance. It denotes a bait or trap that ensnares, illustrating how the idols seduced Israel into a trap, resulting in their downfall.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The condemnation of idolatry in Psalms 106:36 echoes themes present in a variety of ancient religions, but the exclusivity of worship in the Hebrew tradition is a marked contrast to the polytheistic practices in surrounding cultures like Canaanite religion. In such cultures, a pantheon of gods was worshipped, often associated with fertility, the natural world, and other aspects of life, without such prohibitions against idolatry.

Scientific Perspectives

In a scientific context, this verse does not directly intersect with specific scientific concepts. However, the psychology behind why individuals or societies might turn to idols is an area of interest in the social sciences. These studies explore the human tendency to seek tangible representations of the divine or to pursue immediate gratification through material objects or practices, which is what the Psalmist might be describing as a ‘snare.’

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various insights on this verse. Many agree that it underscores the recurring theme of God’s faithfulness in contrast to Israel’s unfaithfulness. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the ‘sorrow’ and ‘snare’ that idolatry brought upon Israel, indicating spiritual blindness and a forgetfulness of God’s works. John Gill comments on how these idols became a snare by leading Israel into practices abominable to God. The majority of commentaries focus on the clear violation of the first commandment and consider the repercussions that Israel faced due to their disobedience and lack of trust in God.