Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

Therefore he said {H559} that he would destroy {H8045} them, had not {H3884} Moses {H4872} his chosen {H972} stood {H5975} before {H6440} him in the breach {H6556}, to turn away {H7725} his wrath {H2534}, lest he should destroy {H7843} them.

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, [and he would have,] had not Moshe his chosen one stood before him in the breach to turn back his destroying fury.

So He said He would destroy them— had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, Had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, To turn away his wrath, lest he should destroythem.

Psalms 106:23 vividly recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting both God's righteous anger against sin and His profound mercy, which was moved by the intercession of His chosen servant, Moses.

Context

This verse directly refers to the dramatic events surrounding the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai, as detailed in Exodus 32. After God had delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage and given them the Law, the people quickly turned to idolatry and worshipped a molten image. God's wrath was justly kindled, and He declared His intention to destroy them and make a great nation from Moses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wrath and Justice: The phrase "Therefore he said that he would destroy them" underscores God's absolute holiness and His just response to the rebellion and idolatry of His people. Their sin was a direct breach of the covenant they had just made with Him.
  • The Power of Intercession: Moses' action of "stood before him in the breach" emphasizes the critical role of an intercessor. He placed himself between God's impending judgment and the people's sin, appealing to God's character and covenant promises. This fervent plea turned away divine wrath.
  • God's Relenting Mercy: Despite His righteous anger, God relented because of Moses' passionate prayer. This demonstrates God's willingness to show compassion and mercy when His people, or their representatives, humble themselves and seek His face. It foreshadows the ultimate intercession.
  • Human Sinfulness: The verse serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's propensity to quickly turn away from God, even after experiencing His mighty acts of deliverance and receiving His direct commands.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stood before him in the breach" is highly significant. It evokes the imagery of a soldier or protector standing in a gap in a wall or defense, preventing an enemy from entering and causing destruction. Moses literally positioned himself as a spiritual defender, facing God's wrath on behalf of the sinful nation. This concept of "standing in the gap" is also seen in other prophetic books, signifying one who intercedes on behalf of others, often for the nation or a community.

Practical Application

Psalms 106:23 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Prayer: It powerfully illustrates the impact of intercessory prayer. Just as Moses' prayers averted disaster for Israel, our prayers can make a difference in the lives of others, our communities, and even nations, as we approach God with earnest supplication.
  • The Need for a Mediator: This historical event points forward to the ultimate and perfect intercessor, Jesus Christ. He did not just stand in the breach; He became the breach, taking the full wrath of God for our sins, offering a new covenant through His perfect sacrifice on the cross.
  • God's Enduring Patience: The verse reassures us of God's patience and willingness to show mercy, even when His people fail. While He is just and holy, He is also "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" (Psalm 86:15), always ready to forgive those who turn to Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 9:25

    Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down [at the first]; because the LORD had said he would destroy you.

  • Deuteronomy 9:13

    Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

  • Deuteronomy 9:14

    Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

  • James 5:16

    Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • Ezekiel 22:30

    And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

  • Numbers 16:5

    And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

  • Psalms 105:6

    O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

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