Psalms 106:23 - Commentary and Meaning

Bible Verse: Psalms 106:23

"Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them."

Summary of Meaning

This verse reflects a significant moment in Israel's history when God's anger was lifted due to the intercession of Moses. It highlights themes of divine mercy, the role of a mediator, and the consequences of sin.

Insight from Commentaries

Connections to Other Bible Verses

Psalms 106:23 can be cross-referenced with the following verses to deepen understanding and showcase thematic connections:

• Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses pleads with God not to destroy the Israelites.
• Numbers 14:11-20 - God listens to Moses' prayer and chooses not to destroy Israel.
• 1 Timothy 2:5 - Jesus is our mediator between God and man.
• Romans 8:34 - Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of God.
• Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus, our high priest, lives to intercede for us.
• James 5:16 - The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
• Jeremiah 15:1 - Even if Moses and Samuel were to plead, God would still judge the people for their sins.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The themes contained within Psalms 106:23 resonate throughout the Bible, establishing a framework for understanding God's nature and human relationships. Key themes include:

• Divine Mercy - God's willingness to forgive when approached in humility.
• Intercession - The importance and power of prayerful advocacy.
• Human Sinfulness - Acknowledging the persistent disobedience of the people.
• God's Judgement - Understanding the consequences of turning away from God.

Conclusion

Psalms 106:23 is a profound reminder of the significance of intercession and divine mercy. It calls believers to consider the relationship between God’s anger and humanity's propensity to err, while also celebrating the mediators who advocate for forgiveness and mercy.

Using Cross-References for Deeper Study

Engaging in cross-referencing helps readers identify connections between Bible verses which can enrich sermon preparation, personal study, or group discussions. Tools such as a Bible concordance or a cross-reference guide can facilitate finding relevant scriptures that echo similar themes or narratives.

Example of Finding Cross-References

To locate relevant cross-references for Psalms 106:23, one might:

• Utilize a Bible cross-reference system.
• Examine the footnotes or margin notes in a study Bible.
• Consult a Bible reference resource or Bible chain references.
• Participate in cross-referencing Bible study methods with a group.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Psalms 106:23 through various commentaries reveals the depth of God's character and the importance of human advocates. The act of cross-referencing can open up an entirely new realm of understanding the connections between Old and New Testament scriptures, illustrating the continuity of God's message throughout the Bible.