Psalms 106:8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Nevertheless he saved {H3467} them for his name's {H8034} sake, that he might make his mighty power {H1369} to be known {H3045}.

Yet he saved them for his own name's sake, to make known his mighty power.

Yet He saved them for the sake of His name, to make His power known.

Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, That he might make his mighty power to be known.

Psalms 106:8 highlights a profound truth about God's character: His actions of salvation are rooted in His own divine nature and glory, not in the merit of those He saves. Despite the repeated unfaithfulness of His people, God intervenes and delivers them. This verse emphasizes that God's primary motivation is to uphold His reputation and to make His immense power known to all.

Context

Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, a national confession of sin, recounting Israel's rebellious history from the Exodus through their settlement in the Promised Land. The psalm repeatedly contrasts God's enduring faithfulness with the people's persistent disobedience. Verse 8 specifically refers to God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, particularly at the Red Sea, where He rescued them despite their grumbling and lack of faith, as described earlier in the psalm and in the book of Exodus. It sets the stage for understanding God's covenant loyalty even when His people fail.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Grace: The phrase "Nevertheless he saved them" powerfully underscores God's unmerited grace. His salvation is not a response to Israel's worthiness but flows from His own sovereign will and steadfast love. This theme of God's grace in the face of human sin is central to biblical understanding.
  • God's Name and Glory: The core motivation for God's actions is "for his name's sake." This Hebrew idiom (lĕmaʿan šĕmô) signifies that God acts to uphold His own character, reputation, and covenant promises. His honor and fidelity are at stake, not because He needs validation, but because He is inherently glorious and faithful. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, such as when God declares, "I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake" (Ezekiel 36:22).
  • Demonstration of Mighty Power: God's salvation is a vivid display of His "mighty power" (Hebrew: gĕbûratô). The miracles of the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision in the wilderness were not just for Israel's benefit, but to be known by all nations, proving that the God of Israel is the one true God. This demonstration serves as a testimony to His omnipotence and control over creation and history, as seen in Exodus 9:16.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "for his name's sake" is a crucial theological concept in the Old Testament. It signifies that God's actions are driven by His own character and commitment to His covenant. It's not about human performance but about God's intrinsic faithfulness and the preservation of His divine reputation. This means God acts consistently with who He has revealed Himself to be.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement and a call to humility. It reminds believers that God's faithfulness is not contingent on our perfection. When we stumble or fail, God's commitment to His own name and His plan for His glory ensures His continued grace and intervention. Our salvation, and indeed much of God's work in the world, is ultimately a demonstration of His power and faithfulness, designed to bring Him glory. This truth should inspire worship, trust, and a deeper understanding of God's unwavering character, encouraging us to seek His glory in all things, knowing that He acts for His own name's sake, as He leads us in the paths of righteousness, as seen in Psalm 23:3.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 9:16

    And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

  • Ezekiel 20:9

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

  • Ezekiel 20:14

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

  • Romans 9:17

    For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

  • Ezekiel 20:44

    And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 14:21

    Do not abhor [us], for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

  • Ezekiel 20:22

    Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

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