Psalms 106:33

Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.

Because they provoked {H4784} his spirit {H7307}, so that he spake unadvisedly {H981} with his lips {H8193}.

for when they embittered his spirit, [Moshe] spoke up without thinking.

For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips.

Because they were rebellious against his spirit, And he spake unadvisedly with his lips.

Psalms 106:33 offers a concise yet profound insight into a pivotal moment in biblical history, specifically highlighting a critical lapse by Moses, God's chosen leader. This verse underscores the severe consequences of human impatience and unadvised speech, even when provoked.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 106, a historical psalm that serves as a national confession of Israel's long history of rebellion and unfaithfulness, contrasted with God's enduring mercy and steadfast love. Verse 33 specifically refers to the incident at Meribah, or the "waters of strife," detailed in Numbers 20. The Israelites' persistent grumbling for water "provoked his spirit" (referring to Moses's spirit), leading Moses to strike the rock twice instead of merely speaking to it as God had commanded (Numbers 20:8). In doing so, he spoke "unadvisedly with his lips," likely expressing frustration or taking glory for himself, rather than fully sanctifying God before the people.

Key Themes

  • The Burden and Accountability of Leadership: Even a leader as close to God as Moses could be overwhelmed by the constant rebellion and provocation of the people, leading to a moment of human weakness. This highlights the immense responsibility of those in spiritual authority.
  • Consequences of Rash Speech and Disobedience: Moses's actions, though seemingly minor, were a direct disobedience to God's specific instructions and a failure to properly honor God. This led to the severe consequence of Moses being barred from entering the Promised Land.
  • God's Unwavering Holiness: The incident at Meribah emphasizes God's absolute holiness, which demands perfect obedience and reverence, especially from those who represent Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "provoked his spirit" comes from the Hebrew word `mara` (מָרָה), which means to be rebellious, bitter, or vexed. Here, it suggests that the Israelites' continuous disobedience and grumbling embittered or distressed Moses's spirit.
  • "Spake unadvisedly" translates from the Hebrew `bata` (בָּטָא), signifying speech that is rash, thoughtless, or impetuous. Moses's words were not carefully chosen to glorify God in that moment, but rather reflected his frustration.

Practical Application

Psalms 106:33 serves as a timeless reminder of the power and impact of our words. It teaches us several valuable lessons:

  • Control Your Tongue: We are called to exercise self-control, especially when provoked or under pressure. Rash or angry words can have lasting negative consequences and can dishonor God.
  • Trust God's Way: Moses's error stemmed from impatience and a failure to follow God's precise instructions. This verse encourages us to trust God's methods and timing, even when they differ from our own inclinations.
  • Humility in Leadership: The fallibility of Moses reminds us that even the most devoted individuals can stumble. It fosters humility and a greater reliance on God's grace, recognizing that no one is beyond the need for divine guidance and strength.

In conclusion, Psalms 106:33 powerfully illustrates that personal frustration and the provocation of others can lead to unadvised words and actions, even for those in positions of great spiritual authority. It stands as a testament to God's unwavering holiness and the crucial importance of self-control and complete obedience in all circumstances.

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.

  • Numbers 20:10

    And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

  • Numbers 20:11

    And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

  • Psalms 107:11

    Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

  • Psalms 39:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

  • James 3:2

    For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.

  • Psalms 78:40

    ¶ How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, [and] grieve him in the desert!

  • Psalms 141:3

    Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

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