Psalms 106:35

KJV

But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

KJV (with Strong's)

But were mingled {H6148} among the heathen {H1471}, and learned {H3925} their works {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but mingled with the nations and learned to follow their ways.

Berean Standard Bible

but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.

American Standard Version

But mingled themselves with the nations, And learned their works,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:35 serves as a poignant indictment of Israel's spiritual decline following their entry into the Promised Land, vividly illustrating how their failure to adhere to God's command for separation from the indigenous peoples led to a profound assimilation and the adoption of pagan practices. This verse, embedded within a historical psalm recounting God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's cyclical disobedience, idolatry, and subsequent divine judgment, encapsulates a critical turning point in their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It underscores the perilous consequences of spiritual compromise and the loss of a distinct, holy identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a lengthy historical psalm, forming part of Book IV of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106). It functions as a communal confession of sin, meticulously recounting God's steadfast love and patience with Israel from the Exodus, through their wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, and subsequent periods of exile. Verses 6-46 provide a detailed historical review of Israel's persistent rebellion against Yahweh. Specifically, verses 34-39 focus on the period immediately following the conquest of Canaan, where Israel's failure to fully drive out the inhabitants, as divinely commanded, directly precipitated the tragic consequences described in verse 35. This verse thus acts as a crucial pivot, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that detail the horrific idolatrous practices Israel adopted, including child sacrifice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Upon entering Canaan, God issued explicit and repeated commands for Israel to utterly destroy or drive out the native inhabitants and their idolatrous altars and practices. This divine mandate is clearly articulated in passages such as [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - God's Command to Drive Out the Nations") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenant with Inhabitants"). This was not merely a territorial conquest but a spiritual purification, designed to prevent the contamination of God's chosen people by the morally corrupt and idolatrous practices prevalent among the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, and other tribes. These "heathen" nations engaged in polytheism, fertility cults, ritual prostitution, and child sacrifice—practices utterly anathema to the holiness of Yahweh. Israel's tragic failure to adhere to this divine injunction, as chronicled extensively in the book of [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Israel's Disobedience and Cycles of Judgment"), directly led to the very mingling and adoption of "works" that Psalms 106:35 so lamentably describes.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 106:35 powerfully encapsulates several critical themes pervasive throughout Psalm 106 and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **Disobedience and Covenant Unfaithfulness**. Israel's actions directly violated their solemn covenant obligations to Yahweh, who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and faithfully brought them into the promised land. Second, the verse starkly underscores the profound danger of **Spiritual Assimilation and Syncretism**. Instead of maintaining their distinct identity as God's holy nation, Israel blended with pagan cultures, leading to the adoption of their "works"—their customs, religious rites, and moral depravities. This inevitably led to **Idolatry and Apostasy**, as the exclusive worship of Yahweh was corrupted by the inclusion of Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities, as seen in [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11-13 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Turn to Baal and Ashtaroth"). Finally, the verse foreshadows the **Consequences of Rebellion**, demonstrating how such unfaithfulness inevitably leads to divine judgment, oppression, and ultimately, exile, a pattern tragically repeated throughout the historical books, for example in [Judges 2:14-15](/judges/2-14-15 "Judges 2:14-15 - God Delivers Israel to Plunderers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mingled (Hebrew, _‘ârab'_):** This verb (H6148) signifies a deep, intimate mixing or blending, not merely casual interaction. It implies an interweaving or becoming thoroughly involved with something or someone, often in a way that blurs distinctions. In this context, it suggests Israel's profound integration and assimilation into the pagan cultures, leading to a loss of their distinct identity and sacred separation. This word is frequently used in contexts of intermarriage or commercial mixing, underscoring the comprehensive and compromising nature of their involvement.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471), often appearing in its plural form _gōyim_, refers to the foreign nations, typically carrying a pejorative connotation in biblical literature. It denotes peoples who do not worship Yahweh and whose practices are therefore considered idolatrous, immoral, and contrary to God's holy law. Here, it specifically refers to the Canaanite peoples whom Israel was commanded to dispossess, highlighting their spiritual and moral antithesis to God's chosen people.
* **Works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This noun (H4639) denotes deeds, actions, practices, or customs. In this specific context, it refers to the religious rites, moral behaviors, and cultural practices of the pagan nations, which were inherently idolatrous and often involved gross immorality, such as cultic prostitution and child sacrifice. "Learning their works" implies not just passive observation but active adoption, participation, and internalizing these abominable practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But were mingled among the heathen":** This initial clause highlights Israel's active choice to integrate with the surrounding pagan nations, a direct contravention of God's explicit command for separation. The "mingling" implies a profound loss of distinctiveness, an embrace of social, cultural, and ultimately religious ties with those who did not worship Yahweh. This was a foundational act of disobedience that fundamentally compromised their identity as a holy people set apart for God.
* **"and learned their works":** This second clause reveals the inevitable and tragic consequence of such intimate mingling. Proximity and integration inexorably led to spiritual and moral assimilation. "Learning their works" signifies the adoption of the pagan nations' customs, religious practices (including their idolatry), and immoral behaviors. This was not a passive absorption but an active embrace, demonstrating a profound spiritual decline and a deliberate turning away from the Law and covenant of Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:35 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of Israel's profound apostasy. The psalm's use of **Concision** and **Juxtaposition** is particularly striking; in just a few words, it powerfully contrasts God's clear commands for separation with Israel's tragic failure. The phrase "mingled among the heathen" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for spiritual contamination and the loss of a distinct, holy identity, implying a blending that erases divinely ordained boundaries. This is further reinforced by the subsequent phrase, "and learned their works," which uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "works" stands for the entire corrupt system of pagan religion, morality, and culture. The verse also serves as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, where the act of mingling is presented as the direct cause of learning and adopting pagan practices, leading inevitably to the subsequent divine judgment detailed throughout the rest of the psalm. The overall tone is one of **Lament** and **Confession**, reflecting the psalmist's deep sorrow over Israel's repeated and devastating failures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:35 serves as a profound theological warning against spiritual compromise and assimilation. It underscores the critical importance of God's people maintaining their distinctiveness and holiness, set apart from the world's values and practices. Israel's failure to do so led to widespread idolatry, moral corruption, and the breaking of their covenant with Yahweh, demonstrating that proximity to ungodliness without spiritual vigilance inevitably leads to the adoption of ungodly ways. This principle is foundational to understanding the repeated cycles of apostasy and judgment throughout Israel's history and remains a timeless caution for believers today regarding the pervasive and often subtle influence of culture.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2-4](/deuteronomy/7-2-4 "Deuteronomy 7:2-4 - Warnings Against Intermarriage and Idolatry")
* [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11-13 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Turn to Baal and Ashtaroth")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14-18 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:35 offers a timeless and urgent warning for believers in every age. Just as ancient Israel was called to be a distinct, holy nation, so too are Christians called to be "in the world but not of the world," a principle articulated by Jesus in [John 17:14-16](/john/17-14-16 "John 17:14-16 - In the World, Not of the World"). This verse challenges us to critically examine the influences we allow into our lives—through media, relationships, entertainment, and prevailing cultural trends. Are we "mingling" in ways that subtly or overtly compromise our faith and values? Are we "learning their works," adopting attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs that are contrary to God's Word and the character of Christ? True spiritual vitality requires active discernment and intentional separation from ungodly patterns, even when it means standing apart from the majority. Our divine call is to be salt and light, influencing the world for Christ, rather than being conformed to its patterns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be "mingling" with worldly influences in a way that compromises your spiritual distinctiveness?**
* **What "works" of the world might you be unconsciously "learning" or adopting that are contrary to biblical principles?**
* **How can believers actively maintain their spiritual purity and distinctiveness in a culture that often pressures conformity?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to guard your heart and mind against ungodly influences and cultivate greater spiritual separation?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so critical for Israel not to "mingle among the heathen"?**

Answer: It was critical because God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, a peculiar people set apart to bear His name and reveal His character to the world. Mingling with the pagan nations, who engaged in rampant idolatry, polytheism, and immoral practices (such as child sacrifice, as mentioned in [Psalms 106:37-38](/psalms/106-37-38 "Psalms 106:37-38 - Israel's Child Sacrifice")), would inevitably lead to spiritual contamination and the corruption of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. God knew that proximity without separation would inevitably lead to assimilation, as indeed it did, causing Israel to "learn their works" and turn away from Him. This command was not about racial purity but about spiritual and theological purity, safeguarding the integrity of God's covenant people and the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

**What does "learned their works" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "Learned their works" refers to Israel's adoption of the customs, religious practices, and moral behaviors of the Canaanite nations. This included, but was not limited to, worshipping their gods (such as Baal, Asherah, and Molech), participating in fertility rites, engaging in cultic prostitution, and even sacrificing their children to idols. It signifies a comprehensive spiritual and moral assimilation, where Israel began to live and worship like the very nations they were commanded to dispossess, completely abandoning the Law and covenant of Yahweh. This phrase encapsulates the tragic outcome of their spiritual compromise.

**Does this verse mean Christians should avoid all interaction with non-believers?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for complete isolation from non-believers. The New Testament calls Christians to be "salt and light" in the world ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - You Are the Salt and Light of the World")) and to share the Gospel with all people ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). However, it does strongly warn against intimate "mingling" or forming "unequal yokes" ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers")) in ways that compromise one's faith, values, or commitment to Christ. The crucial distinction lies in influencing the world for Christ versus being conformed to the world's ungodly patterns ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World")). We are to engage with the world, demonstrating God's love and truth, but remain spiritually distinct, guarding our hearts and minds against adopting practices or beliefs contrary to God's Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:35, lamenting Israel's profound spiritual compromise and assimilation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel's repeated failure to maintain separation and holiness, leading to their adoption of pagan "works," underscores humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's commands and live righteously. This consistent cycle of sin and judgment in the Old Testament narrative points to the desperate need for a perfect deliverer. Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law and maintained absolute purity and separation from the world's sin, even while engaging with sinners and ministering among them (e.g., [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Was Tempted in Every Way")). He did not "mingle" with the world's works in a way that compromised His divine nature or mission, but rather came to redeem those caught in the "works" of darkness. Through His atoning sacrifice and the power of His resurrection, Christ provides the means for believers to be truly set apart and holy, not by their own flawed efforts to avoid "mingling" but by being "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the one who enables His followers to live a life of true distinction, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the world's temptations and to learn His "works" of righteousness, rather than the "works" of the heathen. The New Covenant, established in His blood, provides the spiritual transformation that Israel repeatedly failed to achieve on its own, offering a new heart and the divine power to obey ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

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

Judges 3:5

And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:

Judges 3:6

And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

1 Corinthians 5:6

Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Judges 1:27

Neither did Manasseh drive out [the inhabitants of] Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

Judges 1:36

And the coast of the Amorites [was] from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Judges 2:2

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?