34 They did not put an end to the peoples, as the Lord had said; 35 But they were joined to the nations, learning their works. 36 And they gave worship to images; which were a danger to them: 37 They even made offerings of their sons and their daughters to evil spirits, 38 And gave the blood of their sons and their daughters who had done no wrong, offering them to the images of Canaan; and the land was made unclean with blood. 39 So they became unclean through their works, going after their evil desires. 40 Then the wrath of the Lord was burning against his people, and he was angry with his heritage. 41 And he gave them into the hands of the nations; and they were ruled by their haters. 42 By them they were crushed, and made low under their hands. 43 Again and again he made them free; but their hearts were turned against his purpose, and they were overcome by their sins. 44 But when their cry came to his ears, he had pity on their trouble: 45 And kept in mind his agreement with them, and in his great mercy gave them forgiveness. 46 He put pity into the hearts of those who made them prisoners. 47 Be our saviour, O Lord our God, and let us come back together from among the nations, so that we may give honour to your holy name, and have glory in your praise. 48 Praise be to the Lord God of Israel for ever and for ever; and let all the people say, So be it. Give praise to the Lord.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 106:34-48
Commentary on Psalm 106:34-48
(Read Psalm 106:34-48)
The conduct of the Israelites in Canaan, and God's dealings with them, show that the way of sin is down-hill; omissions make way for commissions: when they neglected to destroy the heathen, they learned their works. One sin led to many more, and brought the judgments of God on them. Their sin was, in part, their own punishment. Sinners often see themselves ruined by those who led them into evil. Satan, who is a tempter, will be a tormentor. At length, God showed pity to his people for his covenant's sake. The unchangeableness of God's merciful nature and love to his people, makes him change the course of justice into mercy; and no other change is meant by God's repentance. Our case is awful when the outward church is considered. When nations professing Christianity, are so guilty as we are, no wonder if the Lord brings them low for their sins. Unless there is general and deep repentance, there can be no prospect but of increasing calamities. The psalm concludes with prayer for completing the deliverance of God's people, and praise for the beginning and progress of it. May all the people of the earth, ere long, add their Amen.