Alexander Maclaren, a minister from the late 1800s, observed, “The keynote of Psalm 105 is, ‘Remember His mighty deeds,’ that of Psalm 106 is, ‘They forgot His mighty deeds.’”
Psalm 106 beings the same as the last chapter, with “Give thanks to the Lord.” The first paragraph praises God, reminding us that those who do what is just will find happiness. Then we are reminded of what happens when we do not do what is right. The author tells us again of this story of the Israelites exodus from Egypt, and how God brought them out with his mighty power. “He rescued them from hostile hands, freed them from the power of the enemy (v10).” They witnessed so many times God putting them first, yet the did soon forget what he had done. The challenged Moses, made a calf, and then complained against the Lord when things didn’t measure up to their expectations. Such selfish people, only thinking of themselves, their desires, and the small picture.
God scattered them among nations, and they allowed themselves to fall into the customs of those nations, worshipping their gods. They become prisoners again to foreign nations. And again cried out for God’s help. He chose to rescue them, remembering his covenant. Although his people were unfaithful to him, he chose to be faithful to his word.
Psalms 106:48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, Amen! Hallelujah!
Blessed be his name, because he doesn’t forget us. He doesn’t walk away from us, even when we turn away. His love is unconditional. That doesn’t mean we should blatantly test his limits. Instead, we should know that when we falter, he will still love us fiercely.
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