What does Psalms 106:37 mean?

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, Psalms 106:37

Explanation

Psalms 106:37 refers to an egregious practice in which the Israelites, having strayed from their worship of Yahweh, engaged in the pagan rituals of the nations around them. The verse explicitly mentions child sacrifice, a horrific act in which the Israelites offered their own sons and daughters as sacrifices to demonic entities or idols referred to as “devils.” The verse is a condemnation of this practice, highlighting the extreme apostasy and moral decay that had infiltrated the community of God’s chosen people. It is an expression of the profound betrayal of the covenant between God and Israel, wherein Israel was meant to be set apart and holy, engaging in practices that honored and revered Yahweh, not the heathen gods of surrounding peoples.

Historical Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of the history of the Israelites, particularly during the period of the judges and the early monarchy when they frequently turned away from the worship of God to adopt the pagan practices of the Canaanites and neighboring nations. Child sacrifice was a known ritual among ancient near-eastern cultures, particularly in worship of gods like Moloch or Baal. This practice was strictly forbidden by Yahweh, as stated in the laws given through Moses (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31). The context of Psalm 106 is a reflection on the faithfulness of God despite the repeated unfaithfulness of the Israelites, and it serves as a historical confession of the nation’s sins.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Psalm 106:37 confronts the issue of idolatry and its severe consequences. The Israelites’ actions are seen not only as violations of the first and second commandments but also as a violation of the sanctity of human life, which was created in the image of God. From a Christian perspective, such acts would be considered a perversion of worship and a direct offense against God’s righteous nature. Additionally, it suggests the reality of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness seek to lead God’s people astray. This verse calls attention to the need for repentance, restoration, and reliance on the mercy of God.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a stark reminder to modern believers about the dangers of cultural assimilation when it conflicts with divine principles. The principle of not sacrificing our own moral convictions or family for the sake of societal acceptance or material gain can be drawn from this passage. For contemporary application, it implores individuals to consider how they may be “sacrificing” their time, resources, or relationships in ways that do not honor God. It prompts a reevaluation of priorities and an admonition to ensure that our actions reflect our allegiance to divine values over and above cultural norms.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 18:21: “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”
• Deuteronomy 12:31: “Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.”
• Jeremiah 7:31: “And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.”

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, the word translated as “devils” is “שֵׁדִים” (shedim), which could refer to deities or demons that were worshiped through these abominable practices. Sacrificed is from the Hebrew “זָבַח” (zavach), which generally refers to slaughtering an animal for sacrifice—it’s deeply disturbing that this term is applied to children in the verse. “Sons” and “daughters” are from “בָּנִים” (banim) and “בְּנוֹת” (benot), emphasizing that it was the Israelites’ own offspring, the very symbols of their future and hope, that were the victims of these sacrifices.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Child sacrifice was present in several ancient cultures, including the Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and various Mesopotamian tribes. These practices were often associated with agricultural fertility rituals and deities such as Moloch, where it was believed that offering the lives of precious offspring would ensure prosperity and favor from the gods. The condemnation in Psalm 106 stands in stark opposition to these practices, indicating a moral and religious worldview that values the sanctity of human life.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, modern archaeology and anthropology have provided insights into the practices of ancient civilizations, including the grim reality of child sacrifice. These findings reinforce the historical accuracy of biblical accounts that describe such practices—though there is an ongoing debate among scholars regarding the extent and prevalence of such rituals. The psychological and sociological dynamics of why cultures would engage in such extreme behavior is also studied, offering a better understanding of the societal pressures and religious beliefs that could lead to child sacrifice.

commentaries

Commentaries on Psalm 106:37 tend to emphasize the verse as an illustration of the depth of Israel’s sin and the violation of God’s laws. Matthew Henry’s Commentary describes it as the utmost limit to which idolatry had driven the Israelites and a testament to their spiritual adultery. The Pulpit Commentary echoes this sentiment, framing the verse within the broader theological themes of rebellion and redemption found throughout the Book of Psalms. Similarly, biblical scholars like John Gill discuss the connection between the Israelites’ practices and those of neighboring heathen nations, portraying the verse as a call to recognize and return from the brink of spiritual and moral collapse.