Psalms 106:23

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:23 stands as a profound theological and historical anchor within the Psalter, recounting the pivotal moment at Mount Sinai when God's righteous indignation against Israel's idolatry threatened their utter destruction. This verse powerfully illustrates the critical role of Moses, God's specially chosen servant, whose courageous and fervent intercession "in the breach" averted divine wrath, showcasing both the severe consequences of sin and the boundless mercy of God, moved by the faithful plea of a mediator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 106 is a historical psalm, part of Book IV of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106), serving as a national confession of sin and a recounting of Israel's rebellious history from the Exodus to the Babylonian exile. It meticulously chronicles the nation's repeated failures to keep God's covenant, despite His consistent faithfulness and miraculous interventions. Verse 23 specifically harks back to the incident of the golden calf, a foundational moment of apostasy immediately following the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This verse is embedded within a broader narrative of Israel's unfaithfulness, juxtaposed against God's enduring covenant love and patience, setting the stage for subsequent accounts of rebellion in the wilderness and beyond, such as the murmuring at [Meribah](/numbers/20-13 "Numbers 20:13 - The Waters of Meribah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 106:23 is the dramatic events recorded in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). After witnessing God's mighty deliverance from Egypt and receiving the Law directly from Him on Mount Sinai, the Israelites quickly succumbed to idolatry, fashioning a golden calf and attributing their deliverance to it. This act was a profound betrayal of the first two commandments and a direct affront to God's holiness and covenant. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a mediator or intercessor was not uncommon, often seen in the role of priests or prophets who stood between a deity and the people. Moses's action of "standing in the breach" would have resonated with the cultural understanding of a heroic figure defending his people against a devastating force, though in this case, the force was divine judgment against their profound rebellion against [the covenant](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - The Book of the Covenant").
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes woven throughout Psalms 106 and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Justice and Wrath**, demonstrating God's holy response to covenant infidelity and idolatry, as seen in His declaration to "destroy them" ([Exodus 32:10](/exodus/32-10 "Exodus 32:10 - God's Anger and Offer to Moses")). Simultaneously, it powerfully underscores the **Power of Intercession**, portraying Moses as the chosen mediator who "stood before him in the breach," effectively turning away God's righteous anger. This act reveals God's **Relenting Mercy and Compassion**, showing His willingness to withhold judgment in response to earnest prayer, even when His people are deserving of destruction. The incident also serves as a stark reminder of **Human Sinfulness and Propensity to Idolatry**, illustrating Israel's quick turn from worship of the true God to a created image, a recurring theme throughout the wilderness wanderings documented in books like [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses's Farewell Speeches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchîyr'_):** This term (H972) emphasizes Moses's unique status and divine appointment. He was not merely a leader but one specially selected by God for a sacred task, endowed with authority and a unique relationship with the Almighty. His "chosen" status made his intercession particularly potent, as he was God's representative to the people and the people's representative before God, an "elect" servant.
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This verb (H5975) signifies more than mere physical presence; it implies a firm, resolute, and enduring posture. Moses "stood" before God, indicating his steadfastness, courage, and determination in the face of divine wrath. It conveys the idea of taking a stand, maintaining a position, and enduring in his plea, rather than wavering or retreating.
* **Breach (Hebrew, _pereṣ'_):** This word (H6556) literally refers to a break, rupture, or gap, often in a wall or defensive fortification. In a metaphorical sense, it signifies a point of vulnerability or a place where destruction can enter. Moses "standing in the breach" paints a vivid picture of him physically placing himself in the path of God's impending judgment, acting as a barrier or a shield between divine wrath and the sinful nation. It implies a desperate, courageous act of defense on behalf of a condemned people, a "gap" through which ruin would otherwise pour.
* **Turn away (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** Derived from the root _shûwb_ (H7725), meaning "to turn back, return, restore," this verb indicates a change of direction or outcome. In this context, it signifies God's decision to reverse His declared intention of destruction due to Moses's intercession. It highlights the dynamic nature of God's interaction with humanity, where His righteous judgment can be averted by genuine repentance and faithful mediation, demonstrating His compassion and willingness to relent, to "cause to return" His anger.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** This term (H2534) denotes intense heat, figuratively representing burning anger, fury, or indignation. It underscores the profound depth of God's displeasure with Israel's idolatry, which was so severe that it provoked a "hot displeasure" deserving of immediate and complete destruction. The turning away of this "wrath" emphasizes the magnitude of Moses's intercession and God's great mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore he said that he would destroy them":** This clause directly references God's righteous declaration of judgment against Israel following their egregious sin with the golden calf. It underscores the absolute holiness of God and the severity of their idolatry, which warranted complete annihilation according to the covenant stipulations. This was not an arbitrary threat but a just consequence for their profound rebellion, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His own character and justice.
* **"had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach":** This pivotal phrase introduces the element of divine mercy mediated through human intercession. Moses, uniquely chosen by God (H972, _bâchîyr'_), positioned himself as a spiritual barrier. The imagery of "standing in the breach" (H6556, _pereṣ_) powerfully conveys his courageous act of placing himself between God's impending wrath and the deserving people, demonstrating his profound love for his nation and his intimate relationship with God. His steadfastness (H5975, _ʻâmad'_) in this position was crucial.
* **"to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them]":** This final clause reveals the purpose and efficacy of Moses's intercession. His fervent plea was effective in persuading God to "turn away" (H7725, _shûwb'_) His wrath (H2534, _chêmâh'_), preventing the complete destruction of the Israelite nation. It highlights the responsive nature of God to the prayers of His faithful servants and His willingness to show compassion even in the face of profound sin, ultimately preserving His covenant people for His redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:23 employs powerful **Imagery** and **Metaphor** to convey its message. The phrase "stood before him in the breach" is a vivid metaphor, likening God's impending judgment to an invading force or a destructive flood, and Moses to a courageous warrior or sentinel who plugs a gap in a defensive wall, preventing catastrophe. This **Anthropomorphism** (attributing human actions/emotions to God, i.e., "turning away His wrath") helps the reader grasp the intensity of God's anger and His subsequent relenting in a relatable way. The verse also functions as a **Synecdoche**, where Moses, an individual, represents the entire concept of intercession and mediation for the nation. The entire psalm, including this verse, is a form of **Historical Narrative** within a poetic framework, recounting past events to instruct and warn the present generation about the consequences of rebellion and the power of divine mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:23 profoundly illustrates the tension between God's righteous judgment and His boundless mercy, mediated through intercession. It reveals a God who is just in His anger against sin, yet compassionate and willing to relent when His chosen ones stand in the gap. This dynamic tension is a recurring theme throughout biblical theology, emphasizing that while sin incurs divine wrath, God's ultimate desire is for reconciliation and the preservation of His covenant people. Moses's act foreshadows the ultimate, perfect intercession that would fully satisfy divine justice while extending infinite mercy.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses's Intercession for Israel")
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ekeziel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - Seeking One to Stand in the Gap")
* [Jeremiah 15:1](/jeremiah/15-1 "Jeremiah 15:1 - God's Refusal of Intercession for Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:23 offers a timeless lesson on the profound power of intercessory prayer and the multifaceted character of God. It reminds us that our God is not only holy and just, responding to sin with righteous anger, but also merciful and compassionate, willing to turn away from judgment in response to the earnest cries of His people. Moses's courageous act of "standing in the breach" challenges believers today to consider their own role as intercessors. Do we truly grasp the spiritual battles being waged around us, and are we willing to place ourselves in the gap, through prayer and action, for those who are lost, suffering, or in rebellion against God? This verse calls us to a deeper commitment to prayer, not as a mere ritual, but as a vital, transformative engagement with the heart of God, knowing that our petitions can indeed influence divine action and bring about mercy where judgment is due. It fosters a humble dependence on God's grace and a fervent desire to see His will prevail, even in the darkest moments of human failure, encouraging us to emulate Moses's selfless devotion to God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses's intercession challenge my understanding of the power and purpose of prayer in my own life?**
* **In what "breaches" in my family, community, or nation might God be calling me to stand as an intercessor today?**
* **What does God's willingness to "turn away His wrath" reveal about His character, and how does this comfort me in my own failures and the failures of others?**

### FAQ
**What does "stood before him in the breach" mean literally and metaphorically?**

Answer: Literally, "breach" (Hebrew _pereṣ_) refers to a gap or break in a wall, often a defensive structure. A soldier or protector would stand in such a breach to prevent an enemy from entering and causing destruction. Metaphorically, in Psalms 106:23, it means Moses placed himself in the path of God's impending judgment, acting as a spiritual shield or barrier between God's righteous wrath and the sinful Israelite people. He courageously interceded on their behalf, appealing to God's character and covenant promises, effectively "plugging the gap" that their sin had created. This concept is also seen in [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - Seeking One to Stand in the Gap"), where God seeks someone to "stand in the gap" on behalf of the land, demonstrating the enduring need for intercessors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:23, with Moses standing "in the breach" to avert divine wrath, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. While Moses stood *before* God *in* the breach, Jesus *became* the breach, fully absorbing God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross. Moses's intercession was effective because of his chosen status and intimate relationship with God, but it was limited and temporary, a foreshadowing. Christ, however, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator, Christ Jesus"), offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that eternally satisfied divine justice. His blood, not mere words, turned away God's wrath, establishing a [new covenant](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - The New Covenant") that grants full forgiveness and reconciliation for all who believe. Unlike Moses, who pleaded for a people still prone to rebellion, Jesus's intercession continues eternally in heaven, as He [ever lives to make intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"), ensuring the salvation and preservation of His redeemed people. Thus, Moses's act was a shadow, while Christ is the glorious, complete reality of God's wrath averted and mercy poured out, the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.