Psalms 106:25

KJV

But murmured in their tents, [and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But murmured {H7279} in their tents {H168}, and hearkened {H8085} not unto the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they complained in their tents, they didn't obey ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD.

American Standard Version

But murmured in their tents, And hearkened not unto the voice of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:25 powerfully encapsulates a pivotal moment of profound rebellion and faithlessness during Israel's wilderness journey, specifically highlighting their collective discontent and deliberate refusal to obey the divine instructions and promises of the LORD. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual danger inherent in distrusting God's provision and rejecting His authoritative voice, leading to severe consequences for the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 106 is a historical psalm, part of Book IV of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106), which frequently reflects on God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness in light of Israel's tumultuous history. This psalm functions as a confessional lament, meticulously recounting the repeated cycles of Israel's sin, God's righteous judgment, and His enduring mercy. Verse 25 is strategically situated within a lengthy catalogue of Israel's rebellions during the wilderness wanderings, specifically following their impatience and testing of God at Massah and Meribah (Psalm 106:13-15) and their idolatry with the golden calf (Psalm 106:19-23). It directly precedes God's solemn oath that the rebellious generation would not enter the Promised Land (Psalm 106:26-27), firmly establishing it as a pivotal moment of national failure that profoundly impacted their destiny and served as a cautionary tale for future generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse refers to a critical event that occurred shortly after the Exodus from Egypt, during the Israelites' wilderness journey, specifically at Kadesh-Barnea. After receiving God's law at Sinai and witnessing numerous miracles of provision and deliverance, the Israelites were on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan ([Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan")), and upon their return, ten brought a fearful report, exaggerating the strength of the inhabitants and expressing profound doubt in God's ability to fulfill His promise. This report ignited widespread panic and discontent among the people, leading them to "murmur in their tents" ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")). Culturally, "murmuring" was not merely grumbling but a public, collective act of rebellion against divinely appointed leadership (Moses and Aaron) and, by extension, against God Himself, challenging His authority, faithfulness, and the very foundation of His covenant with them as their deliverer and guide.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 106 and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Disobedience and Rebellion**, illustrating Israel's persistent refusal to obey God's commands and promises, choosing instead to follow their own fears and desires despite overwhelming evidence of God's power and faithfulness. This rebellion is rooted in a profound **Lack of Faith and Trust**, as their murmuring stemmed from a deep-seated distrust in God's ability to deliver on His word, despite His miraculous provision and protection. Consequently, the verse highlights the severe **Consequences of Complaining and Unbelief**, as this specific act of rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea led to God's judgment that the entire generation, save Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land, a narrative vividly detailed in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Wilderness Judgment"). Finally, the phrase "hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD" emphasizes the critical necessity of **Attentive Obedience to God's Voice**, revealing that true faith is demonstrated by actively listening to and complying with divine instruction and authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Murmured (Hebrew, _râgan'_):** From the primitive root H7279, _râgan_ signifies "to grumble, i.e. rebel; murmur." In this context, it describes the Israelites' widespread, internal yet vocal, expression of distrust and opposition to God's plan and Moses' leadership. It denotes a discontent that is not merely casual but often rebellious, challenging authority, and expressing a profound dissatisfaction with one's circumstances or leadership, ultimately directed against God Himself.
* **Hearkened not (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The verb H8085, _shâmaʻ_, means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." Therefore, "hearkened not" (לא שמעו) means much more than simply failing to perceive sound; it signifies a deliberate, willful refusal to listen to, understand, and comply with God's commands, promises, and guidance. It represents a conscious rejection of divine authority and a failure to act in faith upon what was heard, indicating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion.
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From H6963, _qôwl_ refers to "a voice or sound." In this context, "the voice of the LORD" refers to God's direct communication, His commands, promises, and authoritative declarations given through Moses and His miraculous acts. It underscores that the Israelites had clear, audible, and undeniable divine instruction, yet they chose to disregard it.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_ refers to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His faithful relationship with Israel. The fact that they "hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD" highlights the gravity of their sin as a direct affront to the very God who had delivered them and entered into covenant with them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But murmured in their tents":** This clause paints a vivid picture of the widespread discontent among the Israelite community. The reference to "tents" emphasizes that this was a collective, internal rebellion, occurring within their private dwelling places but manifesting as a pervasive spirit of complaint throughout the camp. It highlights the insidious nature of their grumbling, which was not just an individual complaint but a communal expression of distrust and defiance against God's plan to lead them into the Promised Land, revealing a deep-seated lack of faith and gratitude.
* **"[and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD":** This second clause reveals the ultimate spiritual offense and the root cause of their murmuring. The grumbling was not merely an emotional outburst but a direct consequence of their deliberate refusal to obey God's clear instructions and promises. Despite having heard God's voice through Moses, through His miraculous acts of deliverance, and through His covenant declarations, they chose to disregard His authority. This signifies a profound lack of faith, prioritizing their fears and desires over the divine will, thereby breaking the very essence of their covenant relationship with God and inviting divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:25 employs several literary techniques to underscore its message. The phrase "in their tents" serves as a **Synecdoche**, where "tents" represent the entire community of Israel, indicating that the murmuring was a pervasive, collective act affecting the whole nation, not just isolated individuals. There is an implicit **Parallelism** between the two clauses, where "murmuring in their tents" is presented as the outward manifestation and consequence of "not hearkening unto the voice of the LORD." This highlights a clear cause-and-effect relationship: their internal rebellion (murmuring) stemmed directly from their external disobedience (not listening to God's authoritative voice). The "voice of the LORD" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (voice) to God, emphasizing His direct communication and personal authority over His people. Furthermore, the verse participates in the broader **Repetition** or **Echo** of the "murmuring" motif found throughout the wilderness narratives (Exodus and Numbers), reinforcing Israel's persistent pattern of rebellion and unfaithfulness, making this specific instance a representative example of a recurring national sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:25 stands as a powerful testament to the recurring biblical theme of humanity's propensity for rebellion against divine authority, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of God's faithfulness and power. It illustrates that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but active obedience, and that a spirit of complaint often stems from a deeper root of distrust in God's sovereignty and goodness. This verse underscores the gravity of rejecting God's word, showing that while God is merciful, He is also just, and persistent disobedience carries severe consequences for His covenant people. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding believers that a relationship with God requires ongoing trust and a willingness to submit to His voice, even when circumstances seem daunting or contrary to human reasoning.

* [Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea")
* [Deuteronomy 1:26-33](/deuteronomy/1-26-33 "Deuteronomy 1:26-33 - Moses Recounts Israel's Disobedience")
* [1 Corinthians 10:10-11](/1_corinthians/10-10-11 "1 Corinthians 10:10-11 - Warning Against Grumbling and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:25 offers timeless spiritual lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a profound cautionary tale against the insidious dangers of murmuring and disobedience. In our own lives, when faced with challenges, delays, or circumstances that do not align with our expectations, it is easy to fall into the trap of complaining, questioning God's goodness, or doubting His promises. This verse calls us to examine the root of our discontent: does our "murmuring" stem from a lack of trust in God's sovereign plan and His unfailing provision? Are we truly "hearkening unto the voice of the LORD" by actively seeking His will and obeying His commands, even when they require sacrifice or go against our natural inclinations? True faith is demonstrated not merely by hearing God's word, but by actively doing it, cultivating a spirit of gratitude and confident reliance on Him, regardless of our present circumstances. This verse challenges us to replace our complaints with prayer, our doubts with trust, and our rebellion with humble obedience, remembering that God's ways are always perfect, even when they are beyond our understanding, and His voice is always trustworthy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my own "murmuring" or complaining reveal a deeper lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "not hearkening" to God's voice, perhaps out of fear, impatience, or a desire for self-reliance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and active obedience, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific event that triggered the murmuring in Psalms 106:25?**

Answer: The murmuring described in Psalms 106:25 refers to the Israelites' rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, which was triggered by the return of the twelve spies from Canaan. Ten of the spies brought back a fearful and discouraging report about the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, causing the entire community to lose faith in God's ability to deliver the Promised Land. Instead of trusting the LORD, they wept, grumbled, and expressed a desire to return to slavery in Egypt, as detailed in [Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - The People Rebel at Kadesh").

**Why is "hearkened not" so significant in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "hearkened not" (Hebrew: _lo' shama'u_) is highly significant because it implies a deliberate and active refusal to obey, not merely a failure to hear. In Hebrew thought, the verb _shamaʻ_ (שמע) often means "to hear and obey" or "to listen attentively and respond with compliance." Therefore, when the Israelites "hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD," it signifies a conscious rejection of God's commands, promises, and divine authority. This act of disobedience was a profound breach of their covenant relationship, demonstrating a deep-seated lack of faith and a preference for their own fears over God's revealed will. It was the ultimate act of rebellion against their divine leader and deliverer.

**What were the consequences of this murmuring and disobedience for the Israelites?**

Answer: The consequences of this specific act of murmuring and disobedience were severe and far-reaching. Because of their rebellion and lack of faith, God judged that the entire generation of Israelites who were twenty years old or more, except for Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land. They were condemned to wander for forty years, one year for each day the spies explored the land, until that rebellious generation had passed away. This judgment is clearly articulated in [Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26-35 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"), serving as a stark reminder that disobedience and unbelief carry divine consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:25, with its depiction of Israel's failure to "hearken unto the voice of the LORD" and their murmuring in the wilderness, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel, as God's chosen people, repeatedly failed to trust and obey, leading to judgment and exclusion from the Promised Land. In stark contrast, Jesus embodies perfect obedience and unwavering trust in the Father. He is the true Israel, the faithful Son who always "hearkened" to the voice of God, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Where Israel grumbled and rebelled, Jesus perfectly submitted, declaring, "Not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His perfect obedience atoned for the disobedience of humanity, including Israel's failures, providing the path to salvation and true rest. Through His finished work, believers are granted entry into the ultimate "Promised Land"—eternal life and communion with God—not by their own flawed obedience, but by faith in His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. He is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness for the very murmuring and rebellion that characterized Israel's wilderness journey and continues to plague humanity, thereby fulfilling the covenant promises that Israel could not.

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

Hebrews 3:7

¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Deuteronomy 1:26

Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:

Deuteronomy 1:27

And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

Hebrews 3:15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Numbers 14:22

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Psalms 95:7

¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,