Psalms 106:20

Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

Psalms 106:20 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 106 is a song of praise that remembers Israel’s history, especially their repeated failures and God’s faithful love. This verse looks back to the time when the people traveled through the wilderness after being freed from Egypt. They had seen God’s power and care, yet they often turned away from Him.

In verse 19, the psalmist recalls the sin of making a golden calf at Mount Sinai. The people grew impatient while Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments. They asked Aaron to make them a god, and he formed a calf from gold, which they then worshipped (Exodus 32:1-6).

Meaning

The verse says they “changed their glory” into the likeness of an ox that eats grass. Their glory was God Himself, who had shown His greatness by saving them and dwelling among them. To know Him and worship Him was their highest honor. By turning to an idol, they traded the living God for a lifeless image.

The ox that eats grass shows how foolish this exchange was. In ancient times, people sometimes saw the bull as a sign of strength. But here the image is just an animal that grazes, weak and ordinary. The true God, who is eternal and all-powerful, was replaced by something that could not help or save them.

Biblical connections

This act was not a small mistake. It was a deliberate choice to worship something other than the Lord. The calf may have been made in imitation of Egyptian customs, where oxen were honored. Yet the God who led Israel out of Egypt cannot be compared to any creature. The same warning appears in Romans 1:23, where people are described as exchanging the glory of the incorruptible God for images of animals.

Application

This verse warns us about idolatry today. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. It may be money, success, pleasure, or even a relationship. When we trust these things more than God, we repeat the same exchange. We give up what is truly glorious for what is empty and temporary.

We are called to keep God first in our lives. Remembering His faithfulness helps us stay faithful. When we are tempted to turn away, we can look back at what He has done and trust Him again.

Reflection

Consider what might be competing with God for your attention. Are you holding on to something that seems valuable but cannot truly satisfy? The God who saved Israel is still worthy of our worship. He alone deserves the glory that belongs to Him.