34 They didn't wipe out those godless cultures as ordered by God; 35 Instead they intermarried with the heathen, and in time became just like them. 36 They worshiped their idols, were caught in the trap of idols. 37 They sacrificed their sons and daughters at the altars of demon gods. 38 They slit the throats of their babies, murdered their infant girls and boys. They offered their babies to Canaan's gods; the blood of their babies stained the land. 39 Their way of life stank to high heaven; they lived like whores. 40 And God was furious - a wildfire anger; he couldn't stand even to look at his people. 41 He turned them over to the heathen so that the people who hated them ruled them. 42 Their enemies made life hard for them; they were tyrannized under that rule. 43 Over and over God rescued them, but they never learned - until finally their sins destroyed them. 44 Still, when God saw the trouble they were in and heard their cries for help, 45 He remembered his Covenant with them, and, immense with love, took them by the hand. 46 He poured out his mercy on them while their captors looked on, amazed. 47 Save us, God, our God! Gather us back out of exile So we can give thanks to your holy name and join in the glory when you are praised! 48 Blessed be God, Israel's God! Bless now, bless always! Oh! Let everyone say Amen! Hallelujah!
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.