Psalm 106 A

This psalm is a twin to Psalm 105 but a fraternal twin and not an identical one.

The emphasis on Psalm 105 is on God's goodness and mercy to Israel. The emphasis in Psalm 106 is on the wickedness and sinfulness of Israel.  God's grace is even more amazing in light of Israel's sin and Israel's sin looks even more hideous against the background of God's lovinigkindness.

Praise the LORD is an inclusion in vs. 1 and vs. 48.  How can a psalm that stresses Israel's sin be a reason for praise. The thought of the gracious and merciful God  underlines every section whether it is mentioned specifically or not because it is the reason that God does not give up on the people.

Nine portions of Israel's history and Israel's Scriptures  are used to stress Israel's unfaithfulness and God's mercy in spite of their sin.

106:6-12 The events in Egypt and at the Red Sea- Exodus 14-15

106:13-15 The lusting or craving for quail in the wilderness- Numbers 11

106:16-18 The rebellion of Dathan and Abiram- Numbers 16

106:19-23 The worship of the calf at Mt. Horeb- Exodus 32

106:24-27 The spies discourage the  people from taking the land- Num. 13-14

106:28-31 The idols of Baal-peor- Num. 25

106:32-33 The rebellion at the waters of Meribah- Num. 20:2-13

106:34-39 The failure of Israel to drive out the Canaanites- Josh. 15:63; 16:10; 17:12-13; Judges 1:27-36

106:40-46 The time of the Judges where the people sink down into sin yet God deliveres them time after time- Judges 3:7-16:31.