34 They didn’t destroy the peoples,
as Yahweh commanded them, 35 but mixed themselves with the nations,
and learned their works. 36 They served their idols,
which became a snare to them. 37 Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. 38 They shed innocent blood,
even the blood of their sons and of their daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan.
The land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus were they defiled with their works,
and prostituted themselves in their deeds. 40 Therefore Yahweh burned with anger against his people.
He abhorred his inheritance. 41 He gave them into the hand of the nations.
Those who hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them.
They were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their counsel,
and were brought low in their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless he regarded their distress,
when he heard their cry. 45 He remembered for them his covenant,
and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses. 46 He made them also to be pitied
by all those who carried them captive. 47 Save us, Yahweh, our God,
gather us from among the nations,
to give thanks to your holy name,
to triumph in your praise! 48 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel,
from everlasting even to everlasting!
Let all the people say, “Amen.”
Praise Yah!
BOOK V
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.