Psalms 106:23
“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.”
Psalm 106:23 (KJV) says:
This verse is part of Psalm 106, which is a psalm of thanksgiving and confession. It recounts the history of Israel’s rebellion against God and His continued faithfulness towards them despite their disobedience.
In verse 23, the psalmist is referring to a specific incident in the history of Israel, which can be found in Exodus 32. The people of Israel had just been delivered from Egypt and were camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments and instructions from God, the people grew impatient and turned to idolatry. They asked Aaron to make them a golden calf, which they worshiped and offered sacrifices to.
God, who is holy and just, was greatly displeased with the Israelites’ idolatry and was prepared to destroy them for their rebellion. However, Moses, being the mediator between God and the people, interceded on their behalf. He stood before God in the breach, pleading for mercy and asking God to turn away His wrath.
Mediatorship:Moses acted as a mediator between the people of Israel and God. He stood in the gap, interceding and representing the people before God. This role of mediation foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
God’s Justice and Mercy:God’s justice demanded punishment for the people’s sin, but His mercy was willing to relent upon Moses’ intervention. This demonstrates the tension between justice and mercy in God’s character. In this instance, mercy prevailed due to Moses’ intercession.
The Power of Intercession:Moses’ intercession shows the power of prayer and intercession. By standing in the breach, he successfully turned away God’s wrath and saved the people from destruction. This highlights the importance of prayer and intercession in our relationship with God.
Overall, Psalm 106:23 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His willingness to show mercy, even when His people have sinned greatly. It also emphasises the role of a mediator and the power of intercession.
