What does Psalms 106:40 mean?

Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. Psalms 106:40

Explanation

The verse in question comes from Psalm 106, which is a retrospective and confessional Psalm, wherein the author both acknowledges the goodness and steadfast love of God and recounts the repeated failures and sins of the Israelites. The verse — [Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.] — reflects the intense anger of the Lord towards the people of Israel because of their continuous disobedience and idolatry. “Wrath” denotes God’s judicial reaction to sin, “abhorred” expresses a strong aversion, and “inheritance” refers to the chosen people, Israel, whom God had set apart as His own. This is a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God.

Historical Context

Psalm 106 is believed to have been composed after the return from the Babylonian exile, during a time of reflection on the nation’s history. It serves as a summary of the history of Israel, cataloging a series of disobediences and the ensuing divine punishments. The overarching theme is the unfaithfulness of the people contrasted with God’s enduring faithfulness and mercy. The cultural context of this verse would have been a monotheistic society where the covenant relationship with Yahweh was central to identity and where such breaches of covenant were seen as leading to national disaster.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse reflects the concept of divine retribution, where God’s wrath is an aspect of His righteousness. Conversely, it also touches upon the themes of repentance and restoration, as the entire Psalm does not end with despair but with hope for salvation and the acknowledgment of God’s enduring mercy. Other theological viewpoints might see this verse as an anthropomorphic depiction of God, ascribing human emotions to the divine, or as a reflection of the cosmic battle between good and evil.

Practical Applications

In the daily lives of believers, this verse serves as a potent reminder that actions have consequences. It encourages self-reflection, repentance, and the striving for obedience to divine teachings. It highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship with the Divine, honoring commitments, and upholding moral values. It is also a warning against the temptation to turn away from God’s ways, whatever form that might take in contemporary society.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 9:29 “Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.”
• Leviticus 26:30 “And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, an cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.”
• 2 Chronicles 36:16 “But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Hebrew of this verse include:

• “Wrath” (Hebrew: חֵמָה, chemah): often signifies heat, rage, or fierce anger.
• “Kindled” (Hebrew: חָרָה, charah): to burn or to be kindled with anger.
• “Abhorred” (Hebrew: גָּעַל, ga’al): to reject, abhor, loathe, or be disgusted with.
• “Inheritance” (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, nachalah): assigned portion, heritage, or property, often referring to the land or people God has chosen.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, deities often reacted to human actions with favor or punishment, not unlike the biblical God’s response to Israel’s behavior. Similar themes of gods turning away from or punishing their people can be seen, for example, in the Epic of Gilgamesh or the myths surrounding the Egyptian god Osiris. These myths also included themes of restoration and reconciliation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, understanding ancient texts like the Bible often involves exploring the human condition, social structures, and behavioral patterns of past societies. While science does not confirm supernatural causes for natural events, it can shed light on the psychological and sociological factors that might provoke a community to interpret certain events as divine retribution.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have long reflected on the themes of Psalm 106. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, regards it as a confession both of sin and praise, acknowledging human shortcomings and God’s mercy. Theologian John Gill comments on this verse highlighting Israel’s idolatry, which was the heinous sin that provoked God to “abhor” them. It is recognized broadly in commentaries that this verse, and indeed the entire Psalm, serves to admonish the faithful to remember and learn from the mistakes of the past.