Psalm 106:23

So He said He would destroy them--had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.

Study Bible

So He said
This phrase indicates a divine declaration, emphasizing God's active role in the narrative. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speech but a decisive action or intention. In the context of the Psalms, it underscores God's sovereign authority and His responsiveness to the actions of His people. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship where God communicates His will and intentions to Israel.

He would have destroyed them
The phrase reveals the gravity of Israel's sin and the seriousness of divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "destroyed" is "שָׁמַד" (shamad), which implies complete annihilation. This highlights the severity of the consequences of disobedience and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin. It serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for divine wrath in the face of persistent rebellion.

had not Moses His chosen one
Moses is identified as "His chosen one," emphasizing his unique role as an intercessor and leader. The Hebrew term for "chosen" is "בָּחַר" (bachar), indicating a deliberate selection by God. This reflects the biblical theme of God choosing individuals for specific purposes, and Moses' role as a mediator is crucial in the history of Israel. His intercession is a type of Christ, pointing to the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

stood before Him in the breach
This phrase paints a vivid picture of Moses' intercessory role. The Hebrew word for "breach" is "פֶּרֶץ" (peretz), which can mean a gap or break, often in a wall. Moses standing "in the breach" symbolizes his role in preventing God's wrath from consuming Israel. It is a powerful image of advocacy and protection, illustrating the importance of intercession in the biblical narrative.

to turn His wrath away
The phrase indicates the effectiveness of Moses' intercession. The Hebrew root for "turn away" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or to turn back. This action of turning away wrath highlights the possibility of divine mercy and forgiveness. It underscores the biblical principle that God is willing to relent from judgment when there is genuine intercession and repentance.

from destroying them
Reiterating the potential destruction, this phrase emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. The repetition of the concept of destruction serves to highlight the mercy of God in response to Moses' intercession. It reinforces the idea that while God's justice demands punishment for sin, His mercy provides a way of escape through the intercession of a chosen mediator. This duality of justice and mercy is a central theme in the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign and just deity who is angered by the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and intercessor for the Israelites, who stands in the gap to plead for God's mercy.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people who repeatedly fall into sin and idolatry, provoking God's wrath.

4. The Breach
A metaphorical gap representing the separation between God and His people due to their sin.

5. The Golden Calf Incident
The specific event referenced here, where the Israelites worshiped a golden calf at Mount Sinai, leading to God's anger.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
Moses' intercession demonstrates the profound impact one person's prayer can have in averting God's judgment. Believers are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap through prayer.

God's Justice and Mercy
This verse highlights the balance between God's justice in response to sin and His mercy in response to intercession. Understanding this balance is crucial for a mature faith.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses foreshadows Christ as the ultimate mediator. Believers can find assurance in Christ's intercession on their behalf.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The Israelites' idolatry serves as a warning against placing anything above God. Believers must guard their hearts against modern forms of idolatry.

Leadership and Responsibility
Moses' willingness to stand in the breach underscores the responsibility of leaders to advocate for those they lead, even when they err.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in Psalm 106:23 inspire you to pray for others in your life?

2. In what ways can you identify "breaches" in your community or family where you can stand in prayer?

3. How does understanding God's justice and mercy affect your relationship with Him?

4. What modern-day idols might be present in your life, and how can you address them?

5. How can you emulate Moses' leadership qualities in your own spheres of influence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
This chapter provides the detailed account of the Golden Calf incident, where Moses intercedes for the Israelites.

Numbers 14
Another instance where Moses intercedes for the people after they refuse to enter the Promised Land.

Ezekiel 22:30
God seeks someone to stand in the gap, highlighting the importance of intercessors.

1 Timothy 2:5
Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, fulfilling the role Moses played.

Hebrews 7:25
Jesus continually intercedes for believers, paralleling Moses' intercession.