What does Psalms 106:7 mean?

Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Psalms 106:7

Explanation

Psalm 106:7 speaks to the spiritual shortsightedness and ingratitude of the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. The verse laments the failure of the ancestors to perceive and appreciate the myriad of wonders and acts of mercy that God performed on their behalf. The reference to provocations at the sea, specifically the Red Sea, is a direct reminder of the instances when the Israelites questioned God’s power and intentions, even after the miraculous crossing where the waters were parted for their escape from Pharaoh’s army.

The verse suggests a deeper meaning of forgetting as a form of rebellion. It underlines the human tendency to forget past blessings and to focus on present difficulties, which might lead to doubt and challenge to divine authority and benevolence.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the Book of Psalms, which is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and is located in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. While the exact author and date of Psalm 106 are not definitively known, traditionally it has often been attributed to King David, and its composition is generally placed somewhere between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

The events alluded to occurred during what is known as the Exodus, the foundational narrative of ancient Israel’s emergence into history after being delivered from slavery in Egypt, as depicted in the Book of Exodus. This event is dated by scholars to sometime in the second millennium BCE.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse confronts human sinfulness in the form of ingratitude towards God’s acts. In Judeo-Christian thought, remembering and recounting God’s deeds is a form of worship and a mandate for the faithful. Thus, failing to remember is seen as a spiritual failing. This verse condemns this attitude and serves as a cautionary reminder to uphold faithfulness.

Various theological viewpoints might emphasize different aspects of this narrative. For example, some may interpret this as a demonstration of God’s enduring patience and mercy in the face of human failings, while others may focus on the Israelites’ lack of faith as a warning against unbelief.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Psalm 106:7 teaches the importance of memory and gratitude in spiritual and ethical life. Remembering the ‘multitude of thy mercies’ can inspire individuals to remain faithful during their own challenges. This verse may also serve as a reminder to appreciate and acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of others, refraining from taking such kindness for granted.

Additionally, it can be seen as a call to self-reflection on one’s own attitudes and behaviours, recognizing when one is being ungrateful or rebellious, and to make changes accordingly.

Cross-References

• Exodus 14:11-12 – And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
• Numbers 14:11 – And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
• 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.
• Nehemiah 9:17 – And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Language Study

The Hebrew word for “understood” is “bin,” which implies discernment or insight. The implication is that the Israelites saw the miracles but failed to internalize their significance.

“Wonders” translates from the Hebrew “niflaot,” which conveys acts that are extraordinary or miraculous, indicating that what took place in Egypt defied natural explanation.

“Remembered not” uses the Hebrew word “zakar,” emphasizing the mental act of recalling or bringing to mind, while “multitude” from “rob,” conveys abundance or great number, underscoring the extensive mercies shown.

“Provoked” comes from the Hebrew root “marah,” referring to rebellion or provocation, often in a context of challenging authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of divine deliverance from oppression and the subsequent lack of faith or gratitude by humans is a motif that appears in other cultural and religious narratives. For instance, in some ancient mythologies, gods rescue mortals, who then fail to honor them appropriately. However, the biblical narrative of the Exodus is distinctive in its monotheistic context and the covenant relationship it depicts between God and the Israelites.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not lend itself directly to scientific analysis, the discussions of miracles like the parting of the Red Sea often engage scientific inquiry. Some researchers have attempted to explain such biblical events through natural phenomena. However, from a faith perspective, these events are often understood as miracles beyond the scope of natural laws and scientific explanation.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Psalm 106:7 offer varied insights. Some focus on the historical act of God’s deliverance and the miraculous events that accompanied the Exodus. They emphasize the Israelites’ failure to trust and remember God’s deeds and the human tendency to forget divine grace amidst current struggles.

Others may draw out the liturgical elements of the Psalms, understanding this verse as part of a communal confession designed to remind the faithful of their shared history and provoke reflection and repentance. It’s pointed out that this Psalm, and indeed this verse, serves a didactic purpose in teaching not only about past events but also about present and continuous reliance on God’s mercy.