Psalms 106:12

Context of Psalms 106:12

Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, a powerful recounting of Israel's journey from Egypt to the promised land, focusing on their repeated rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness. Verse 12 immediately follows a vivid description of God's mighty acts of deliverance, particularly the miraculous destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea (verses 7-11). The "Then" in this verse signifies the immediate, awe-struck response of the Israelites to this overwhelming demonstration of divine power and salvation.

Meaning and Significance

This verse captures a pivotal moment of genuine faith and exuberant worship from the Israelites. After witnessing God's unparalleled intervention on their behalf, they responded with:

• Belief in His Words: This refers to their trust in God's promises and His power, as evidenced by the recent miracle. It echoes the statement in Exodus 14:31, "And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses." Their belief was not just intellectual assent but a profound recognition of God's sovereignty.
• Singing His Praise: This was the natural, spontaneous overflow of their belief and gratitude. It was a communal act of worship, likely referencing the Song of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15, a triumphant hymn of thanksgiving and adoration for God's victory. This act of singing praise signifies joy, relief, and deep reverence for their deliverer.

Key Themes

• Divine Deliverance and Human Response: The verse highlights the direct correlation between God's saving acts and the appropriate human response of faith and worship.
• Faith Born of Experience: The Israelites' belief was solidified by their direct experience of God's power and faithfulness.
• Praise as an Expression of Belief: Singing praise is presented as the natural and immediate outflow of a heart that truly believes and trusts in God.
• The Fleeting Nature of Faith: Crucially, this moment of profound belief and praise stands in stark contrast to the very next verse, Psalms 106:13, which reveals how quickly their faith wavered and they "soon forgat his works." This juxtaposition is a central message of Psalm 106, emphasizing the challenge of sustained faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "believed" is 'aman (אָמַן), which implies not just intellectual acceptance but firm trust, reliance, and faithfulness. It's the root from which we get "Amen," signifying "so be it" or "it is true." The phrase "sang his praise" uses the Hebrew shir tehillah, indicating a song of adoration or hymn of praise, emphasizing a public and joyful expression of worship.

Practical Application

Psalms 106:12 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. Just as the Israelites responded to God's mighty acts, we are called to:

1. Acknowledge God's Deliverance: Recognize and remember the ways God has intervened in our lives and in history.
2. Cultivate Genuine Belief: Allow God's demonstrated power and faithfulness to deepen our trust in Him, not just intellectually but wholeheartedly.
3. Express Heartfelt Praise: Let our belief naturally overflow into worship, gratitude, and adoration, making praise a regular part of our lives.
4. Guard Against Forgetfulness: Be vigilant against the tendency to quickly forget God's goodness, as the Israelites did. Sustained faith requires active remembrance and a continual turning to God's word.