Psalms 106:41

And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

And he gave {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of the heathen {H1471}; and they that hated {H8130} them ruled {H4910} over them.

He handed them over to the power of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them.

He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them.

And he gave them into the hand of the nations; And they that hated them ruled over them.

Commentary

Psalm 106:41 describes a painful consequence of Israel's repeated disobedience to God: being subjected to foreign oppression. This verse is a stark reminder of the divine discipline that follows rebellion, as the Lord allowed their enemies to dominate them.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 106, a historical psalm that recounts Israel's long history of rebellion against God, from their deliverance out of Egypt through their wilderness wanderings and settlement in Canaan. The psalm details their forgetfulness of God's mighty works, their idolatry, and their constant murmuring. Verses 40-42 specifically highlight the severe repercussions of their unfaithfulness, explaining that God's wrath was kindled against them (Psalm 106:40), leading Him to deliver them into the hands of their adversaries.

Key Themes

  • Divine Discipline: The verse clearly shows God's active role in allowing distress as a consequence of sin. He "gave them" into the hand of their enemies, not out of abandonment, but often as a means of correction and to bring them back to repentance.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Israel's turning away from God resulted in a loss of freedom and national sovereignty. What they feared from foreign nations became their reality because of their own choices, fulfilling prophetic warnings found in the Law (see Deuteronomy 28:48).
  • Oppression by Enemies: The "heathen" (goyim in Hebrew, referring to non-Israelite nations) who "hated them" were instruments of God's judgment. This period of foreign rule and suffering was a recurring cycle in Israel's history, particularly evident during the era of the Judges.

Linguistic Insights

The term "heathen" (Hebrew: goyim) refers to the gentile nations surrounding Israel. In this context, it emphasizes their identity as non-covenant people and often idolaters, highlighting the irony that God's chosen people were now subservient to those who did not know Him. The phrase "ruled over them" (Hebrew: vayyimshlu bahem) signifies complete domination and oppressive control, underscoring the severity of their subjugation.

Practical Application

Psalm 106:41 serves as a timeless warning about the spiritual consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. It reminds us that while God is merciful and forgiving, He is also just and may allow challenging circumstances to bring us to repentance and a renewed commitment to Him. For believers today, it underscores the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and seeking God's will to avoid self-inflicted spiritual or relational bondage. It also teaches that even when suffering under difficult circumstances, God remains sovereign and can use such trials for His purposes and our ultimate good.

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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.

  • 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.

  • Nehemiah 9:38

    And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].

  • Judges 3:12

    ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

  • Judges 4:1

    ¶ And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead.

  • Judges 4:2

    And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host [was] Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

  • 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.