Psalm 106:13

Yet they soon forgot His works and failed to wait for His counsel.

Study Bible

Yet they soon forgot
The phrase "yet they soon forgot" highlights the rapidity and ease with which the Israelites turned away from God's miraculous deeds. The Hebrew root for "forgot" is "שָׁכַח" (shakach), which implies a willful neglect or a lapse in memory. This forgetfulness is not merely a passive loss of memory but an active disregard for God's past interventions. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' repeated cycle of experiencing God's deliverance, only to quickly fall back into disbelief and disobedience. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers today, emphasizing the importance of continually remembering and meditating on God's past faithfulness to maintain a steadfast faith.

His works
"His works" refers to the mighty acts and miracles performed by God, particularly during the Exodus and the journey through the wilderness. The Hebrew word "מַעֲשֶׂה" (ma'aseh) encompasses deeds, actions, and accomplishments. These works were not only demonstrations of God's power but also of His covenantal love and faithfulness to His people. Archaeological evidence, such as ancient Egyptian records and findings in the Sinai Peninsula, corroborates the historical context of these events. For contemporary believers, "His works" serve as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His ability to intervene in human history.

they did not wait
The phrase "they did not wait" underscores the impatience and lack of trust exhibited by the Israelites. The Hebrew root "חָכָה" (chakah) means to wait or to hope with expectation. This impatience often led them to take matters into their own hands, resulting in idolatry and rebellion. In a spiritual sense, waiting on the Lord is an act of faith and submission, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. This serves as an encouragement for believers to cultivate patience and trust in God's plans, even when His timing does not align with our own.

for His counsel
"His counsel" refers to God's guidance and wisdom, which He offers to His people. The Hebrew word "עֵצָה" (etsah) signifies advice, purpose, or plan. Throughout Scripture, God's counsel is portrayed as perfect and trustworthy, contrasting with human understanding, which is limited and flawed. The Israelites' failure to seek and wait for God's counsel often led to disastrous consequences. For Christians today, this highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our decisions align with His divine will and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The primary subjects of Psalm 106, representing God's chosen people who experienced His mighty works and deliverance but often fell into forgetfulness and disobedience.

2. The Wilderness
The setting for many of the events referenced in Psalm 106, where the Israelites wandered after their exodus from Egypt and witnessed God's miraculous provisions and guidance.

3. God's Works
Refers to the miraculous deeds performed by God, such as the parting of the Red Sea, providing manna, and other acts of deliverance and provision for the Israelites.

4. God's Counsel
Represents the divine guidance and commandments given to the Israelites, including the Law and instructions through Moses.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites during the Exodus, who acted as a mediator between God and His people, conveying God's laws and guidance.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Forgetfulness
Forgetting God's past works can lead to a lack of faith and disobedience. We must actively remember and recount His deeds in our lives.

The Importance of Patience
Waiting for God's counsel requires patience and trust. Impatience can lead to poor decisions and spiritual drift.

The Role of Gratitude
Cultivating a heart of gratitude helps us remember God's faithfulness and keeps us aligned with His will.

Seeking God's Guidance
Regularly seek God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture to ensure our decisions align with His counsel.

Learning from the Past
Reflect on past experiences and God's interventions to strengthen our faith and guide our future actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some specific "works" of God in your life that you might be prone to forget, and how can you actively remember them?

2. How does the Israelites' failure to wait for God's counsel in the wilderness mirror challenges you face in your spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing in your current circumstances?

4. How can the practice of gratitude help you maintain a focus on God's faithfulness and provision?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a decision. How did waiting for His counsel impact the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 15-16
These chapters recount the Israelites' journey after the Red Sea crossing, highlighting their quick forgetfulness of God's miracles and their grumbling for food and water.

Numbers 11
Describes the Israelites' complaints about their hardships and their craving for the foods of Egypt, demonstrating their failure to trust in God's provision.

Deuteronomy 8
Moses reminds the Israelites to remember the Lord's works and to follow His commandments, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting God's past deeds.

James 1:5-8
Encourages believers to seek God's wisdom and counsel, contrasting the double-mindedness that can arise from failing to wait on the Lord.