We Are Just Like Israel
When we read about the continual sin of the nation of Israel it can be tempting to think that we would not have rebelled against the Lord like they did. Yet, in our hearts we struggle with the same categorical sins: rebellion, discontent, idolatry, and immorality. The psalmist desires all who read to understand their own personal sin and confess that they are guilty and plead for the salvation of the Lord (47).
The psalmist begins this psalm with a call for all believers to praise the Lord, for He is good, and faithful to His promises (106:1-5). YHWH does not change.
Israel was continually unfaithful, despite the mighty works of God on their behalf (106:6-39). The psalmist recounts the sins of Israel and confesses that “we have sinned like our fathers...” (106:6). The unbelief of the nation of Israel was clear even in their deliverance from bondage in Egypt (106:7-12). Then in the wilderness, controlled by their lust, they demanded that God meet their desires (106:14). They continued by rebelling against God’s chosen leaders (106:16) and even exchanged YHWH worship for idol worship (106:19). They grumbled and refused to believe God’s word concerning the promised land (106:24). Israel committed acts of immorality and broke their covenant with God (106:28); and refused to trust God that He would provide, provoking the Lord to anger (106:32). Finally, they refused to obey God’s word regarding the peoples of the land and became like them, polluting the land by I imitating their vile practices (106:34-39). God disciplined His covenant people, yet even amid His judgment He still showed great compassion to His people (106:40-46).
Brethren, Paul says in 1 Cor 10:11 that these things are written for the instruction of all believers. Remember Israel’s failures and God’s faithfulness and “Praise the Lord!”