Psalms 106:40

KJV

Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore was the wrath {H639} of the LORD {H3068} kindled {H2734} against his people {H5971}, insomuch that he abhorred {H8581} his own inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this ADONAI's fury blazed up against his people, and he detested his heritage.

Berean Standard Bible

So the anger of the LORD burned against His people, and He abhorred His own inheritance.

American Standard Version

Therefore was the wrath of Jehovah kindled against his people, And he abhorred his inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 106:40 delivers a stark and solemn declaration of divine judgment against ancient Israel, revealing the profound intensity of God's displeasure. Following a comprehensive recounting of their persistent rebellion, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness, the verse asserts that the wrath of the LORD was kindled against His chosen people, reaching such a severe degree that He "abhorred His own inheritance." This powerful statement underscores God's absolute holiness, His unwavering justice, and the grave consequences of covenantal disobedience, even for a people uniquely set apart by Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, forming a crucial part of Book IV of the Psalter, which comprehensively recounts Israel's tumultuous journey from the Exodus through the period of the Judges and potentially into the Babylonian exile. It functions as a national confession and lament, meticulously detailing the nation's repeated cycles of sin, God's righteous judgment, and His eventual mercy in response to their cries. The opening word "Therefore" in verse 40 serves as a direct logical consequence, explicitly linking the divine wrath to the extensive litany of Israel's transgressions elaborated in the preceding verses. These transgressions include their rebellion at the Red Sea (as described in [Psalm 106:7](/psalms/106-7 "Psalm 106:7 - Rebellion at the Red Sea")), the egregious idolatry of the golden calf at [Horeb (Psalm 106:19)](/psalms/106-19 "Psalm 106:19 - The Golden Calf at Horeb"), their incessant grumbling in the wilderness, and the horrific practice of sacrificing their children to Canaanite idols (detailed in [Psalm 106:37-38](/psalms/106-37-38 "Psalm 106:37-38 - Child Sacrifice to Idols")). This verse marks a pivotal transition, shifting the narrative from the detailed description of Israel's sin to the direct, unequivocal declaration of God's holy and just response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm broadly spans the period from the Exodus deliverance to the Babylonian exile, with a particular emphasis on the wilderness wanderings and the tumultuous era of the Judges, a time notoriously characterized by repeated apostasy and cycles of oppression (compare [Judges 2:11-15](/judges/2-11-15 "Judges 2:11-15 - Cycles of Apostasy and Oppression")). As God's covenant people, Israel was divinely called to be distinct and set apart from the surrounding pagan nations, commanded to worship the LORD alone and to obey His divine laws. However, they consistently succumbed to the allure of the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, including the abhorrent Baal worship (as vividly seen in the incident at [Baal-peor in Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"), which is directly referenced in [Psalm 106:28](/psalms/106-28 "Psalm 106:28 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")), and even the utterly detestable practice of child sacrifice, which was an abomination to the LORD. This pervasive cultural assimilation and spiritual adultery represented direct and egregious violations of the Mosaic Covenant, inevitably provoking God's righteous indignation and leading to the withdrawal of His protective hand, resulting in defeat by enemies and various forms of divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 106 and the broader biblical narrative of redemption. It highlights the theme of **Divine Wrath and Justice**, demonstrating unequivocally that God's anger is not arbitrary or capricious, but rather a just, holy, and necessary response to persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness, even from His chosen people. It vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, showing how Israel's actions inevitably led to a fractured relationship with God and severe divine judgment, including His profound abhorrence. Furthermore, it underscores the **Nature of the Covenant**, reminding the reader that while God's covenant with Israel was rooted in His sovereign grace and unwavering faithfulness, it also contained explicit conditions of obedience and loyalty. The phrase "abhorred his own inheritance" profoundly emphasizes the intensity of God's disgust with their spiritual adultery and moral corruption, revealing His deep pain and revulsion at their actions despite His enduring love for them as His unique and cherished possession (as articulated in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** This term (H639) literally refers to the "nose" or "nostril," but is often used idiomatically to denote "anger" or "ire," particularly stemming from the rapid breathing associated with intense emotion. When applied to God, it signifies His righteous indignation and holy displeasure against sin. It is not an uncontrolled human passion, but a just and necessary manifestation of His character in response to the violation of His divine standards and covenant.
* **Abhorred (Hebrew, _taʻâb'_):** This strong verb (H8581) means "to loathe," "to detest," or "to be disgusted with." It denotes a profound moral aversion and revulsion, far beyond mere displeasure. In this context, it conveys the depth of God's grief and disgust at Israel's persistent and heinous sins, which were so offensive that they provoked a visceral rejection of their behavior, even while His covenant love for their ultimate redemption remained. It signifies an utter detestation of their actions, not necessarily their being.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** This term (H5159) refers to something inherited, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, or an allotted portion. In the biblical context, Israel is frequently called God's "inheritance" or "possession" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:20](/deuteronomy/4-20 "Deuteronomy 4:20 - Israel, God's Inheritance")). It signifies their unique status as a people chosen, set apart, and belonging exclusively to God. That God would "abhor" His own inheritance highlights the extreme nature of their sin and the immense pain it caused the divine heart, as His cherished possession had become defiled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people":** This initial clause establishes a direct and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship, explicitly linking God's righteous anger to Israel's preceding actions of rebellion, idolatry, and unfaithfulness detailed throughout the psalm. The verb "kindled" (from H2734, _chârâh_) emphasizes the intensity and the active nature of God's response, signifying a blazing indignation. It underscores that God, in His perfect holiness and justice, cannot tolerate persistent sin indefinitely, even from those He has chosen and loved. His wrath is thus presented as a just and necessary manifestation of His commitment to His own righteous character and the sanctity of His covenant.
* **"insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance":** This second phrase profoundly amplifies the severity of God's displeasure, moving beyond mere anger to a deep and visceral sense of loathing or disgust. The use of "abhorred" (H8581, _taʻâb_) is exceptionally strong, indicating a profound revulsion at their spiritual depravity and moral corruption. The object of this abhorrence is "his own inheritance," which is Israel—the very people He chose, delivered from slavery, and covenanted with. This highlights the tragic irony and the immense pain caused by their persistent unfaithfulness, as their actions made them repugnant to the very God who had claimed them as His own special possession. It signifies a temporary, yet profound, withdrawal of His favor and protective presence due to their grievous and repeated sin.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 106:40 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Anthropomorphism** is strikingly evident in the description of God's "wrath...kindled" and His "abhorrence," attributing human-like emotions and actions to God. This is not to suggest that God is subject to human passions or limitations, but rather to make His righteous response to sin comprehensible and impactful to the human audience, conveying the intensity and reality of His holy indignation. The phrase "abhorred his own inheritance" functions as a form of intense **Figurative Language** or **Hyperbole**, powerfully emphasizing the extreme nature of Israel's sin and the depth of God's reaction to it. While God's covenant love is ultimately eternal, this strong language conveys the temporary but profound alienation caused by their rebellion. The verse also clearly utilizes **Cause and Effect**, with the opening word "Therefore" explicitly linking Israel's prior transgressions to God's subsequent, inevitable judgment. Finally, the concept of Israel as God's "inheritance" is a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the unique, intimate, and proprietary relationship God had with His chosen people, which makes their betrayal and spiritual adultery all the more grievous and painful to the divine heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of God, the gravity of sin, and the intricate dynamics of the covenant relationship. It reveals that God's holiness demands a just and righteous response to defilement and rebellion, even from His own beloved people. His wrath is not capricious or arbitrary but a just and necessary reaction to covenant unfaithfulness, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to righteousness and His own character. While God's foundational love for Israel is enduring and His promises are steadfast, their persistent sin provoked a deep divine revulsion, leading to periods of judgment and the temporary withdrawal of His protective presence. This profound tension between God's steadfast love and His holy wrath is a recurring and vital theme throughout the Old Testament, underscoring the immense gravity of human sin and the absolute necessity of genuine repentance and faithful obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God Hides His Face from Israel")
* [Jeremiah 12:7](/jeremiah/12-7 "Jeremiah 12:7 - God Forsakes His Heritage")
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sins Separate from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 106:40 serves as a timeless and profoundly sobering warning for all who claim to be God's people, both individually and corporately. It powerfully reminds us that God is unequivocally holy, and sin, even from those He has chosen and loves, provokes His righteous anger and deep displeasure. We must never presume upon His abundant grace or take His long-suffering patience for granted, for His character of justice is as immutable and certain as His boundless love. This verse calls us to profound humility, compelling us to acknowledge that our actions have real and spiritual consequences, and that a genuine relationship with God demands sincere obedience and unwavering faithfulness. It challenges us to meticulously examine our own lives for any forms of spiritual idolatry, subtle compromise with worldly values, or persistent rebellion that might grieve the Holy Spirit. While God's ultimate desire is always for repentance, reconciliation, and restoration, this verse underscores the immense seriousness of straying from His righteous path and the profound pain our unfaithfulness causes Him. It compels us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's holiness and an unreserved commitment to living in faithful alignment with His revealed will, understanding that true love for God is intrinsically expressed through our obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly presuming upon God's grace or taking His patience for granted?**
* **What "idols" or worldly compromises, perhaps even subtle ones, might be provoking God's displeasure in my own life or within the contemporary church?**
* **How does understanding God's "abhorrence" of sin deepen my appreciation for His profound mercy and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on my behalf?**
* **What practical and tangible steps can I take this week to cultivate a greater reverence for God's holiness and foster a more consistent walk of obedience in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly "abhor" His people, or is this just strong language used for emphasis?**

Answer: The language used in Psalm 106:40, particularly the Hebrew word _taʻâb_ (H8581), translated as "abhorred," is indeed exceptionally strong, signifying a deep loathing or moral disgust. It's crucial to understand this within the specific context of God's covenant relationship with ancient Israel. While God's covenant love and faithfulness to His promises are eternal and unwavering (as declared in [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")), His holy character demands a just and righteous response to persistent and egregious sin, especially from those who are uniquely His. This "abhorrence" is not a permanent, unconditional rejection of His people as a whole, but rather a profound revulsion at their sinful behavior and spiritual adultery, which violated the very essence of their sacred relationship with Him. It expresses the intensity of His righteous indignation and the deep pain their rebellion caused Him, leading to a temporary withdrawal of His favor and protection as a form of disciplinary judgment. It highlights the immense seriousness of their sin, making it unequivocally clear that even His chosen people are not immune to the severe consequences of disobedience and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 106:40, with its stark depiction of God's wrath kindled and His abhorrence of His own inheritance due to their pervasive sin, finds its ultimate resolution and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring cycle of Israel's sin, God's righteous judgment, and subsequent deliverance pointed powerfully to the desperate need for a definitive and eternal solution to humanity's deep-seated rebellion. In Christ, God's righteous wrath against sin was fully and perfectly satisfied, not by utterly destroying His inheritance, but by becoming the atoning sacrifice Himself. The [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full, crushing weight of divine displeasure, taking upon Himself the abhorrence that humanity's sin justly deserved (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Through His agonizing crucifixion, Christ absorbed the very judgment that would have eternally fallen upon God's people, thereby making a way for complete reconciliation and the establishment of a new and everlasting covenant. Now, through saving faith in Christ, believers are adopted into God's beloved family, becoming His cherished "inheritance" (as revealed in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - We Are God's Inheritance")) and "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")). The ultimate demonstration of God's unfathomable love, even in the face of humanity's persistent sin, is that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Thus, the tension of God abhorring His inheritance is gloriously resolved in the New Covenant, where Christ's perfect sacrifice ensures that those who are in Him are eternally cherished, never abhorred, having been declared righteous and holy in His sight.

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 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Deuteronomy 9:29

Yet they [are] thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

Judges 3:8

¶ Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.

Judges 2:20

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

Deuteronomy 32:19

¶ And when the LORD saw [it], he abhorred [them], because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.

Zechariah 11:8

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

Nehemiah 9:27

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.