Psalms 106:36

KJV

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they served {H5647} their idols {H6091}: which were a snare {H4170} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went on to serve their idols, which became a snare for them.

Berean Standard Bible

They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.

American Standard Version

And served their idols, Which became a snare unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:36 poignantly captures a critical failure in Israel's covenant relationship with God after entering the Promised Land, detailing how their adoption of Canaanite worship led to spiritual entrapment and devastating consequences. This verse, embedded within a historical psalm of national confession, highlights the perilous nature of idolatry and its deceptive power to ensnare those who turn away from the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 functions as a sweeping historical review, a national confession of Israel's persistent rebellion against God from the Exodus through the Babylonian exile, despite His enduring faithfulness. Verses 34-39 specifically recount Israel's failure to obey God's clear command to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations upon entering the land, a directive given to prevent spiritual contamination (as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:2 - God's Command Regarding the Canaanites](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - God's Command Regarding the Canaanites")). Instead, the Israelites "mingled with the heathen, and learned their works" ([Psalms 106:35 - Mingling with the Heathen](/psalms/106-35 "Psalms 106:35 - Mingling with the Heathen")), leading directly to the serving of idols described in verse 36. This verse thus marks a pivotal turning point in their descent into deeper apostasy, setting the stage for the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice mentioned immediately after in [Psalms 106:37-38 - Sacrificing Children to Idols](/psalms/106-37-38 "Psalms 106:37-38 - Sacrificing Children to Idols")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this verse is the period immediately following Israel's conquest of Canaan, primarily during the time of the Judges. God had explicitly warned Israel that if they did not drive out the inhabitants, those nations would become "thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you" ([Numbers 33:55 - Canaanites as a Snare](/numbers/33-55 "Numbers 33:55 - Canaanites as a Snare")). Canaanite religion was polytheistic, characterized by fertility cults centered on deities like Baal and Asherah, often involving ritual prostitution and, tragically, child sacrifice. The allure of these practices—promising agricultural prosperity, social integration, or perceived control over natural forces—proved irresistible to a people who struggled to trust in the invisible God who had delivered them from Egypt. The cultural pressure to conform to the practices of their neighbors, combined with spiritual complacency, led Israel to adopt the very idolatry God sought to protect them from.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 106 and the broader biblical narrative. First, it underscores the **peril of idolatry**, highlighting Israel's repeated and grievous violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") against worshiping other gods. Second, it vividly portrays the **deceptive nature of sin**, particularly idolatry, through the metaphor of a "snare." What initially appeared appealing or beneficial ultimately proved to be a trap, leading to spiritual bondage, moral corruption, and divine judgment. The idols, far from being sources of blessing, became instruments of their undoing. Finally, the verse emphasizes the severe **consequences of disobedience**. Israel's failure to obey God's clear commands regarding spiritual purity directly resulted in self-inflicted harm, as their idolatry led to cycles of oppression and suffering, demonstrating that turning from God inevitably leads to ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idols (Hebrew, _'elilim'_):** This term is often translated as "worthless things," "nothings," or "vanities." It carries a strong pejorative connotation, emphasizing the impotence, futility, and non-existence of the objects of false worship. Unlike the living, omnipotent God of Israel, these "gods" are lifeless, powerless, and utterly incapable of delivering on their perceived promises. The use of this term underscores the profound foolishness and spiritual blindness of turning from the true God to serve such empty entities.
* **Snare (Hebrew, _moqesh'_):** This word literally means a trap, a gin, or a lure, often used in the context of hunting. It powerfully describes something that entangles, captures, and leads to destruction. In a spiritual sense, it illustrates how sin, particularly idolatry, operates deceptively. It promises freedom or fulfillment but ultimately binds, enslaves, and brings ruin. What might appear appealing or harmless on the surface becomes a destructive force, leading the victim into a state of captivity and vulnerability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they served their idols":** This clause describes a deliberate and active choice on the part of the Israelites. "Served" (עָבַד, _'avad_) implies not merely passive acknowledgment but active worship, devotion, allegiance, and even servitude. By choosing to "serve their idols," Israel consciously transferred their loyalty and worship from YHWH, the God of their covenant, to the false gods of the Canaanites. The possessive "their" highlights the tragic adoption of these foreign deities as their own, indicating a deep spiritual apostasy and a profound betrayal of their unique identity as God's chosen people.
* **"which were a snare unto them":** This phrase reveals the devastating consequence of their idolatrous choice. The idols, far from bringing the promised blessings or power, became a "snare"—a trap that entangled, enslaved, and ultimately led to their downfall. This "snare" manifested in various forms: spiritual bondage (leading to further sin like child sacrifice), moral degradation, social chaos, and ultimately, divine judgment and oppression by their enemies, as detailed throughout the book of Judges and later in the psalm. The idols were not benign; they were actively destructive, proving to be a source of ruin rather than salvation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "snare" serves as a vivid comparison for the destructive and entrapping nature of idolatry. This metaphor effectively communicates that what seems alluring or beneficial on the surface ultimately leads to spiritual bondage and ruin, much like an animal caught in a hunter's trap. There is also a strong sense of **Irony** present; the very objects Israel served in hopes of gaining blessing or security became the instruments of their undoing. Furthermore, the verse clearly establishes a **Cause and Effect** relationship: the action of serving idols is directly linked to the inevitable negative outcome of being ensnared. This straightforward linkage underscores the direct and unavoidable consequences of spiritual disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of idolatry as spiritual adultery, a profound violation of God's exclusive claim on His people's worship. Throughout Scripture, God consistently portrays Himself as a jealous God who demands singular devotion, for He alone is the source of life, blessing, and true freedom. Israel's persistent turning to idols was not merely a ceremonial offense but a fundamental betrayal of their covenant relationship, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's sufficiency and a desire to control their own destiny through tangible, man-made deities. This pattern of idolatry and its destructive consequences is a recurring theme from the wilderness wanderings to the Babylonian exile, serving as a timeless warning against any allegiance that competes with God for ultimate priority in our lives.

* [Deuteronomy 7:16](/deuteronomy/7-16 "Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "The Futility of Idolatry")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern society may not typically worship physical statues, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our hearts and lives—be it wealth, career, relationships, power, comfort, technology, self-image, or even good causes—can become an idol. These modern "idols" often promise satisfaction, security, or identity, yet, like the Canaanite idols, they ultimately become a "snare." They subtly ensnare us in cycles of striving, anxiety, comparison, and emptiness, leading to spiritual barrenness, moral compromise, and a diminished capacity to experience God's true blessings and purpose. This verse serves as a timeless warning to constantly guard our hearts, to exercise spiritual discernment, and to regularly examine our allegiances. True freedom and abundant life are found not in pursuing the fleeting promises of the world but in wholeheartedly serving the one true God, who alone is worthy of our ultimate devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" might subtly compete for my ultimate allegiance in today's world, promising satisfaction or security that only God can provide?**
* **In what ways can seemingly harmless pursuits or desires become a "snare" in my life, leading to spiritual emptiness or moral compromise?**
* **How does recognizing God's exclusive claim on my worship shape my daily choices, priorities, and the way I engage with cultural pressures?**

### FAQ
**Why was idolatry such a persistent problem for Israel, despite God's clear warnings and miraculous interventions?**

Answer: Idolatry was a persistent problem for Israel due to a complex interplay of factors, including the powerful allure of pagan practices (especially fertility cults promising agricultural prosperity), the desire to conform to surrounding nations, and a fundamental lack of faith in the invisible God. The sensual and tangible nature of idol worship often seemed more appealing or controllable than the demanding holiness of YHWH. Furthermore, the human heart has a natural tendency to worship something, and when it turns away from the true God, it inevitably creates substitutes. This spiritual blindness and stubbornness, despite God's repeated warnings (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:15-19 - Warning Against Idolatry](/deuteronomy/4-15-19 "Deuteronomy 4:15-19 - Warning Against Idolatry")), led to cycles of sin, judgment, and repentance throughout their history.

**How does the concept of "snare" apply to modern forms of idolatry?**

Answer: The concept of a "snare" applies powerfully to modern idolatry because anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives, while promising fulfillment, ultimately leads to entrapment. For example, the pursuit of wealth can become a snare, leading to greed, anxiety, and the neglect of relationships or spiritual growth ([Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")). The pursuit of social media validation can ensnare individuals in comparison, insecurity, and a distorted sense of self-worth. Even seemingly good things, like career success or family, can become idols if they become ultimate concerns, leading to an unbalanced life and a disconnect from God's purpose. These "snares" promise liberation or satisfaction but deliver bondage, emptiness, and separation from true life found in God ([John 10:10 - Abundant Life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:36, with its stark depiction of Israel's enslavement to idols, powerfully foreshadows humanity's universal need for liberation from all that ensnares us. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ emerges as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant and the definitive answer to the problem of idolatry. He is the one true God made manifest in flesh ([John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), providing the tangible object of worship that Israel often sought in vain through their idols. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Christ breaks the power of sin and the dominion of all false gods and spiritual forces that seek to ensnare humanity ([Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He offers true freedom from the bondage of sin and idolatry, declaring that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")). Through faith in Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to turn from "idols to serve the living and true God" ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning to God from Idols](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning to God from Idols")), worshipping Him "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Christ is not merely a warning against idolatry but the very means by which we are delivered from its snare and brought into a life of genuine worship and communion with God.

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 7:16

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.

Judges 2:3

Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

Exodus 23:33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Psalms 78:58

For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Judges 2:15

Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.

Joshua 23:13

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.