What does Psalm 106:3 mean?
ESV: Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!
NIV: Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.
NASB: How blessed are those who maintain justice, Who practice righteousness at all times!
CSB: How happy are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.
NLT: There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.
KJV: Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
NKJV: Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness at all times!
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 106:1–5 prepares the listener to appreciate the Lord's loyal, merciful love. This is tied to the salvation of the nation of Israel. The following sections will use Israel's many historical failures as evidence of God's patient care. Despite these mistakes, the people still exist and are still God's chosen ones.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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