Psalms 106:34

ΒΆ They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:

They did not destroy {H8045} the nations {H5971}, concerning whom the LORD {H3068} commanded {H559} them:

They failed to destroy the peoples, as ADONAI had ordered them to do,

They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them,

They did not destroy the peoples, As Jehovah commanded them,

Commentary

Psalm 106:34 KJV highlights a significant failure in ancient Israel's history: their disobedience to God's explicit commands regarding the inhabitants of the Promised Land. This verse is part of a larger historical psalm (Psalm 106) that recounts Israel's repeated rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness, despite their shortcomings.

Context

Upon entering the land of Canaan after the Exodus, the LORD gave Israel clear instructions to utterly destroy the pagan nations dwelling there. This command, detailed in passages like Deuteronomy 7:1-5 and Exodus 23:31-33, was not arbitrary. It was a divine measure to protect Israel from the idolatrous practices, moral corruption, and spiritual defilement that characterized these nations. The failure of the Israelites to fully carry out this command, as recounted in the book of Judges, led to centuries of spiritual compromise and suffering because these nations remained as thorns in their side.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disobedience to Divine Command: The primary theme is Israel's direct violation of a clear directive from God. This was not an oversight but a deliberate choice to disregard His will.
  • The Danger of Partial Obedience: The Israelites did not completely ignore God's commands, but their failure to "destroy the nations" fully illustrates the peril of partial obedience. Doing some of what God asks but neglecting other parts can be as detrimental as outright rebellion.
  • Compromise and its Consequences: By allowing some of the Canaanite inhabitants to remain, Israel opened the door to intermarriage, assimilation of pagan religious practices, and widespread idolatry, which became a recurring problem throughout their history (Judges 2:11-13).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "destroy" here is shamad (Χ©ΦΈΧΧžΦ·Χ“), which implies a complete annihilation or cutting off. It signifies a decisive, thorough action, often used in the context of utterly eliminating a people or a threat. The fact that Israel "did not destroy" them underscores the severity of their failure to execute God's absolute instruction and its far-reaching negative implications for their spiritual purity and national identity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 106:34 serves as a potent reminder of the importance of full obedience to God's Word. Just as the Canaanites represented spiritual dangers to Israel, there are "nations" or influences in our lives that God commands us to remove or avoid. These can include:

  • Habits and Sins: Areas of our lives that contradict God's moral standards, which we are called to put off (Ephesians 4:22).
  • Worldly Influences: Cultural norms, philosophies, or entertainment that draw us away from biblical truth and godliness.
  • Spiritual Compromise: Any tendency to blend Christian faith with ungodly practices or beliefs, which can dilute our devotion and lead us astray.

This verse challenges us to examine areas where we might be exercising partial obedience, reminding us that true spiritual health comes from wholeheartedly following the Lord's commands and diligently removing anything that hinders our walk with Him, trusting in His wisdom for our protection and prosperity (John 14:15).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 1:21 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

  • Deuteronomy 7:16 (6 votes)

    And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.

  • Deuteronomy 7:2 (6 votes)

    And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

  • Joshua 23:12 (4 votes)

    Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:

  • Joshua 23:13 (4 votes)

    Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

  • Matthew 17:19 (4 votes)

    Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

  • Matthew 17:20 (4 votes)

    And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.