Psalm 106 26

Psalm 106:26 kjv

Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:

Psalm 106:26 nkjv

Therefore He raised His hand in an oath against them, To overthrow them in the wilderness,

Psalm 106:26 niv

So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the wilderness,

Psalm 106:26 esv

Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them that he would make them fall in the wilderness,

Psalm 106:26 nlt

Therefore, he solemnly swore
that he would kill them in the wilderness,

Psalm 106 verses

Psalm 106 26 Meaning

Psalm 106:26 signifies a decisive and solemn act of divine judgment. It describes God swearing an oath against the rebellious generation of Israelites in the wilderness, declaring their ultimate demise and inability to enter the Promised Land, as a direct consequence of their prolonged disobedience, idolatry, and pervasive unbelief, particularly in the Numbers 13-14 narrative. This was not a temporary punishment but a resolute, irrevocable decree ensuring their destruction in the very wilderness where they were sustained.

Psalm 106 26 Context

Psalm 106 is a confessional psalm, part of a larger section (Psalms 104-106) often described as "Hallel." It recounts the history of Israel from their deliverance in Egypt through their continuous rebellions in the wilderness and the land of Canaan, climaxing in their exile. The psalm serves as a communal confession of Israel's national sins and a prayer for restoration. Verse 26 falls within a section detailing Israel's failures after the Exodus, specifically their profound distrust and disobedience at Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 13-14). After sending spies into Canaan, ten spies brought back a terrifying report, leading the people to disbelieve God's promise to give them the land. They rebelled against God and Moses, proposing to return to Egypt. This act of blatant unbelief and refusal to enter the land was the specific sin that triggered the severe judgment mentioned in Psalm 106:26.

Psalm 106 26 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lachen): This is a strong logical connective, indicating a direct consequence. It links God's action in this verse as a result of the preceding verses detailing Israel's persistent grumbling, disobedience, and lack of faith, particularly their refusal to trust God to give them the land (Ps 106:24-25).
• he lifted up (נָשָׂא - nasa): The verb signifies "to lift, bear, carry, or take." Here, in conjunction with "hand," it takes on a specific idiomatic meaning.
• his hand (יָדוֹ - yado): In biblical idiom, God "lifting up His hand" often refers to Him swearing an oath, a solemn declaration or promise, usually for judgment or faithfulness. This indicates the gravity and certainty of the divine decree, not just a casual decision. It's a formal and binding declaration from the Sovereign God. The phrase nasa yad to swear an oath is used elsewhere in scripture (e.g., Ex 6:8; Deut 32:40).
• to them (לָהֶם - lahem): Refers to the specific generation of Israelites who rebelled in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, particularly those aged twenty years and upward (Num 14:29) who participated in the mass rebellion at Kadesh.
• to overthrow them (לְהַפִּילָם - lehippilam): This Hebrew root (נָפַל - naphal) means "to fall, cast down, throw down, or overthrow." Here, it signifies complete defeat, destruction, and a final, decisive judgment that would cause them to perish or fall dead. It is a powerful term implying widespread annihilation or decisive judgment, leading to their demise in the wilderness. It speaks of a punitive judgment causing literal falling in death.
• in the wilderness (בַּמִּדְבָּר - bamidbar): This specifies the location of their judgment. The wilderness, intended as a crucible for their faith and a temporary passage, became the burial ground for an entire generation. This location highlights the irony and the consequence of rejecting God's provision and guidance precisely where they were most dependent on Him. It underscores their failure to complete the journey to the Promised Land.

• "he lifted up his hand to them, to overthrow them": This phrase encapsulates a divine oath leading to catastrophic judgment. It emphasizes God's personal involvement and commitment to executing His judgment, highlighting that the "overthrowing" was a direct, willed act from God, not merely a natural consequence or misfortune. This idiom speaks to God's authoritative declaration and subsequent fulfillment. It's an act of righteous retribution for prolonged rebellion and lack of trust in God's power and promises.

Psalm 106 26 Bonus section

The term "wilderness" (midbar) not only refers to a physical desert but also carries symbolic weight as a place of testing, refinement, and spiritual desolation. For the generation judged in Psalm 106:26, it became a tomb, signifying their failure to pass the test of faith and enter into the land of blessing and rest. The judgment in this verse also showcases God's attribute of immutability – His word, once spoken in oath, whether for blessing or judgment, is true and unwavering. This judgment, though severe, was a necessary act to uphold God's holiness and prepare a faithful remnant (the next generation) to receive His blessings. The account serves as a testament to the severity of God's wrath against sin, yet also subtly highlights His patience by not immediately destroying them all but allowing 40 years of wandering, only for them to fully experience the consequence of their lack of faith.

Psalm 106 26 Commentary

Psalm 106:26 is a solemn declaration of divine judgment stemming from Israel's profound failure of faith and obedience during their wilderness wandering. God's "lifting up His hand" is a metaphor for a sacred, unbreakable oath, specifically directed against the generation that, after being miraculously delivered from Egypt, refused to trust Him to give them the land of Canaan. This phrase echoes Numbers 14, where God swore that this rebellious generation, characterized by their constant murmuring, idolatry (golden calf, Ps 106:19-23), and ultimate refusal to enter the Promised Land (Ps 106:24-25), would indeed perish in the wilderness.

The "overthrowing" implies a complete and devastating end, ensuring that not one man from that rebellious cohort (save Caleb and Joshua) would enter the promised inheritance. This was not a temporary setback but a permanent, generations-spanning consequence. The theological implications are profound: God, while merciful and long-suffering, is also perfectly just and holds His covenant people accountable. Unbelief is depicted as a grievous sin that provokes divine wrath, as it fundamentally dishonors God's promises and power. This verse serves as a sober warning across generations, reminding believers that divine promises come with obligations of faith and obedience, and persistent rebellion has severe, often irreversible, consequences. It is a historical example cited in the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 3-4, 1 Corinthians 10) as a caution against hardening hearts and failing to enter God's "rest" through continued unbelief.