The Rebelliousness of Israel

1061 Hallelujah! Thank God! And why? Because he's good, because his love lasts. 2 But who on earth can do it - declaim God's mighty acts, broadcast all his praises? 3 You're one happy man when you do what's right, one happy woman when you form the habit of justice. 4 Remember me, God, when you enjoy your people; include me when you save them; 5 I want to see your chosen succeed, celebrate with your celebrating nation, join the Hallelujahs of your pride and joy!

6 We've sinned a lot, both we and our parents; We've fallen short, hurt a lot of people. 7 After our parents left Egypt, they took your wonders for granted, forgot your great and wonderful love. They were barely beyond the Red Sea when they defied the High God 8 - the very place he saved them! - the place he revealed his amazing power! 9 He rebuked the Red Sea so that it dried up on the spot - he paraded them right through! - no one so much as got wet feet! 10 He saved them from a life of oppression, pried them loose from the grip of the enemy. 11 Then the waters flowed back on their oppressors; there wasn't a single survivor. 12 Then they believed his words were true and broke out in songs of praise.

13 But it wasn't long before they forgot the whole thing, wouldn't wait to be told what to do. 14 They only cared about pleasing themselves in that desert, provoked God with their insistent demands. 15 He gave them exactly what they asked for - but along with it they got an empty heart.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 106:1-15

Commentary on Psalm 106:1-5

(Read Psalm 106:1-5)

None of our sins or sufferings should prevent our ascribing glory and praise to the Lord. The more unworthy we are, the more is his kindness to be admired. And those who depend on the Redeemer's righteousness will endeavour to copy his example, and by word and deed to show forth his praise. God's people have reason to be cheerful people; and need not envy the children of men their pleasure or pride.

Commentary on Psalm 106:6-12

(Read Psalm 106:6-12)

Here begins a confession of sin; for we must acknowledge that the Lord has done right, and we have done wickedly. We are encouraged to hope that though justly corrected, yet we shall not be utterly forsaken. God's afflicted people own themselves guilty before him. God is distrusted because his favours are not remembered. If he did not save us for his own name's sake, and to the praise of his power and grace, we should all perish.

Commentary on Psalm 106:13-33

(Read Psalm 106:13-33)

Those that will not wait for God's counsel, shall justly be given up to their own hearts' lusts, to walk in their own counsels. An undue desire, even for lawful things, becomes sinful. God showed his displeasure for this. He filled them with uneasiness of mind, terror of conscience, and self-reproach. Many that fare deliciously every day, and whose bodies are healthful, have leanness in their souls: no love to God, no thankfulness, no appetite for the Bread of life, and then the soul must be lean. Those wretchedly forget themselves, that feast their bodies and starve their souls. Even the true believer will see abundant cause to say, It is of the Lord's mercies that I am not consumed. Often have we set up idols in our hearts, cleaved to some forbidden object; so that if a greater than Moses had not stood to turn away the anger of the Lord, we should have been destroyed. If God dealt severely with Moses for unadvised words, what do those deserve who speak many proud and wicked words? It is just in God to remove those relations that are blessings to us, when we are peevish and provoking to them, and grieve their spirits.