Psalms 106: We Have Sinned Like Our Fathers
A confessional history psalm that retells Israel's repeated rebellion in the wilderness and Canaan, met again and again by God's covenant mercy.
Psalms 106 (WEB)
1 Praise Yahweh! Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of Yahweh, or fully declare all his praise?
3 Blessed are those who keep justice. Blessed is one who does what is right at all times.
4 Remember me, Yahweh, with the favor that you show to your people. Visit me with your salvation,
5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers. We have committed iniquity. We have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths, as through a desert.
10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 The waters covered their adversaries. There was not one of them left.
12 Then they believed his words. They sang his praise.
13 They soon forgot his works. They didn’t wait for his counsel,
14 but gave in to craving in the desert, and tested God in the wasteland.
15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.
16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron, Yahweh’s saint.
17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
18 A fire was kindled in their company. The flame burned up the wicked.
19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped a molten image.
20 Thus they exchanged their glory for an image of a bull that eats grass.
21 They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome things by the Red Sea.
23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had Moses, his chosen, not stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, so that he wouldn’t destroy them.
24 Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They didn’t believe his word,
25 but murmured in their tents, and didn’t listen to Yahweh’s voice.
26 Therefore he swore to them that he would overthrow them in the wilderness,
27 that he would overthrow their seed among the nations, and scatter them in the lands.
28 They joined themselves also to Baal Peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their deeds. The plague broke in on them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up, and executed judgment, so the plague was stopped.
31 That was credited to him for righteousness, for all generations to come.
32 They angered him also at the waters of Meribah, so that Moses was troubled for their sakes;
33 because they were rebellious against his spirit, he spoke rashly with his lips.
34 They didn’t destroy the peoples, as Yahweh commanded them,
35 but mixed themselves with the nations, and learned their works.
36 They served their idols, which became a snare to them.
37 Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.
38 They shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. The land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus were they defiled with their works, and prostituted themselves in their deeds.
40 Therefore Yahweh burned with anger against his people. He abhorred his inheritance.
41 He gave them into the hand of the nations. Those who hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them. They were brought into subjection under their hand.
43 Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their counsel, and were brought low in their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their distress, when he heard their cry.
45 He remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
46 He made them also to be pitied by all those who carried them captive.
47 Save us, Yahweh, our God, gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise!
48 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise Yah!
Psalms 106 (KJV)
1 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord.
17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
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.
24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:
25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.
26 Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:
27 To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.
28 They joined themselves also unto Baal–peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.
30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.
32 They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them:
35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.
Psalms 106 (ASV)
1 Praise ye Jehovah. Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of Jehovah, Or show forth all his praise?
3 Blessed are they that keep justice, And he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O Jehovah, with the favor that thou bearest unto thy people; Oh visit me with thy salvation,
5 That I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, That I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, That I may glory with thine inheritance.
6 We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy lovingkindnesses, But were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, That he might make his mighty power to be known.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up: So he led them through the depths, as through a wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11 And the waters covered their adversaries; There was not one of them left.
12 Then believed they his words; They sang his praise.
13 They soon forgat his works; They waited not for his counsel,
14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tempted God in the desert.
15 And he gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.
16 They envied Moses also in the camp, AndAaron the saint of Jehovah.
17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, And covered the company of Abiram.
18 And a fire was kindled in their company; The flame burned up the wicked.
19 They made a calf in Horeb, And worshipped a molten image.
20 Thus they changed their glory For the likeness of an ox that eateth grass.
21 They forgat God their Saviour, Who had done great things in Egypt,
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, And terrible things by the Red Sea.
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 destroythem.
24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, They believed not his word,
25 But murmured in their tents, And hearkened not unto the voice of Jehovah.
26 Therefore he sware unto them, That he would overthrow them in the wilderness,
27 And that he would overthrow their seed among the nations, And scatter them in the lands.
28 They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, And ate the sacrifices of the dead.
29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their doings; And the plague brake in upon them.
30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment; And so the plague was stayed.
31 And that was reckoned unto him for righteousness, Unto all generations for evermore.
32 They angered him also at the waters of Meribah, So that it went ill with Moses for their sakes;
33 Because they were rebellious against his spirit, And he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the peoples, As Jehovah commanded them,
35 But mingled themselves with the nations, And learned their works,
36 And served their idols, Which became a snare unto them.
37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto demons,
38 And shed innocent blood, Even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, Whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus were they defiled with their works, And played the harlot in their doings.
40 Therefore was the wrath of Jehovah kindled against his people, And he abhorred his inheritance.
41 And he gave them into the hand of the nations; And they that hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them, And they were brought into subjection under their hand.
43 Many times did he deliver them; But they were rebellious in their counsel, And were brought low in their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their distress, When he heard their cry:
45 And he remembered for them his covenant, And repented according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.
46 He made them also to be pitied Of all those that carried them captive.
47 Save us, O Jehovah our God, And gather us from among the nations, To give thanks unto thy holy name, And to triumph in thy praise.
48 Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye Jehovah.
Summary
This psalm closes Book IV of the Psalter with a sweeping confession of national sin. It opens and closes in praise—"his loving kindness endures forever"—but the body is a sober rehearsal of Israel's failures. Even at the Red Sea their fathers rebelled, forgetting the wonders God had worked in Egypt, yet God saved them for his name's sake. The psalmist walks through the golden calf, the craving in the desert, the rebellion of Korah, Baal Peor, and the waters of Meribah, naming each failure honestly. Israel did not destroy the nations as commanded but mingled with them and even sacrificed their children to idols. Again and again God handed them over to enemies, yet whenever they cried out he regarded their distress and remembered his covenant. Phinehas and Moses appear as intercessors who stood in the breach. The psalm ends with a plea that fits a scattered people: "Save us, Yahweh, our God, gather us from among the nations." It is a prayer that finds its full answer in Christ, the faithful Israelite and great Intercessor who gathers a people for God's name.
Voices
- The confessing people — The voice of Israel owning the sins of their fathers and their own, pleading for God to gather and save them again.
- Yahweh (the LORD) — The covenant God whose loving kindness endures forever, who saves his people for his name's sake despite their constant rebellion.
- Moses — God's chosen one who stood before him in the breach to turn away wrath when Israel deserved destruction.
- Phinehas — The priest who stood up and executed judgment so the plague was stopped, credited to him as righteousness.
Key Verse
Psalm 106:8 (WEB)
Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known.
Lessons Learned
- Honest confession of sin is itself an act of worship, framed here between two shouts of praise.
- God's faithfulness rests on his own name and covenant, not on his people's performance (Psalm 106:8, 45).
- Forgetting God's past works is the root of present rebellion (Psalm 106:13).
- God hears the cry of his people in distress and remembers his covenant mercy (Psalm 106:44-45).
- The longing to be gathered "from among the nations" is fulfilled in Christ, who draws a people to God.
- Praise and confession belong together. The psalm opens, "Praise Yahweh!" yet quickly admits, "We have sinned with our fathers" (Psalm 106:1, 6, WEB). True worship is honest about our need.
- Salvation is for God's name's sake. "He saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known" (Psalm 106:8, WEB). Our rescue magnifies his glory, not our worth.
- Forgetting leads to falling. "They soon forgot his works. They didn’t wait for his counsel" (Psalm 106:13, WEB). Spiritual amnesia is the seedbed of impatience and idolatry.
- God remembers his covenant. "He remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses" (Psalm 106:45, WEB). His mercy outlasts our failures.
- Intercession turns away wrath. Moses "stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath" (Psalm 106:23, WEB), pointing to the greater Mediator who stands for us.
- Why does the psalm begin and end with praise even though most of it is a list of sins?
- What does it mean that God "saved them for his name’s sake" rather than for theirs?
- How does forgetting God's works lead so quickly to rebellion in this psalm?
- Moses and Phinehas "stand in the breach" for the people. How does this point us to Christ as our Intercessor?
- Where do you find yourself forgetting what God has done, and how might remembering reshape your week?
- The frame of praise reminds us that confession is not despair but hope: we name our sin honestly precisely because God's loving kindness "endures forever" (106:1). Help the group see that owning sin in worship is a sign of faith, not of defeat.
- Israel had no claim on God; their record was rebellion (106:6-7). God acts to make his "mighty power known" (106:8), so that salvation rests on his unchanging character. Connect this to grace—we are saved not because we are lovely but because he is faithful.
- Verse 13 says they "soon forgot his works" and so "didn’t wait for his counsel," giving in to craving. Forgetfulness erodes trust, and distrust breeds impatience and idolatry. Encourage the group to build habits of remembering God's deeds.
- Moses turns away wrath (106:23) and Phinehas stops the plague (106:30). Both foreshadow Jesus, who stands in the ultimate breach between a holy God and a sinful people, bearing wrath so mercy can flow. Draw the line gently from these figures to the cross.
- This is a personal-application question. Invite members to name, even silently, a place where forgetfulness has crept in, and a concrete way to recall God's faithfulness. Keep the tone warm—remembering is a gift, not a burden.