Psalm 106:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Fire also broke out in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

NIV: Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked.

NASB: And a fire blazed up in their company; The flame consumed the wicked.

CSB: Fire blazed throughout their assembly; flames consumed the wicked.

NLT: Fire fell upon their followers; a flame consumed the wicked.

KJV: And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

NKJV: A fire was kindled in their company; The flame burned up the wicked.

Psalm 106:13–23 explains how Israel's faith faded quickly after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:30–31). They demanded meat, for which God sent a sickness (Numbers 11:4, 32–33). There was the incident of Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) for which God destroyed several families. The people even worshipped an idol they made while Moses was talking to God (Exodus 32:2–5). For that, the people were nearly destroyed (Exodus 32:9–10) but God spared them once again.

The psalmist calls on the people to worship God because of His loyal, merciful love for the nation of Israel. Evidence of this love is given in the form of Israel's many national sins. These included many acts of faithlessness during the exodus from Egypt, and cycles of idolatry during the conquest of Canaan. Even so, the Lord preserved the nation rather than destroying it. The song closes with another prayer for rescue and a blessing directed at God.

This is the last entry in what is often called "Book Four" of the psalms (Psalms 90—106). The psalm focuses on confession and humility; many reminders are given about Israel's failures compared to God's faithfulness. Notable mentions are the idol at Horeb (Exodus 32), the first arrival at Canaan (Numbers 14), and the era of Israel's judges (Judges 2:16–19). Despite these sins, the Lord maintained Israel's existence, even as He brought them punishment. Similar confessions appear in Isaiah 63, Ezekiel 20, and Nehemiah 9.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/26/2024 11:50:34 PM