Psalms 106:26

Therefore he lifted vp his hande against them: to ouerthrow them in the wildernesse: Psalms 106:26 (KJV)

Psalm 106 is a reflective psalm that recounts the history of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, highlighting both their faithfulness to God and their repeated failures and disobedience. The psalm records several instances of rebellion, including the well‑known episode in the wilderness where the people complained about the lack of water.

In the immediate context the psalmist is referring to the Israelites’ rebellion after the report of the spies (Numbers 13‑14) and also to the incident at Meribah, where the people grumbled against Moses and God because there was no water (cf. Exodus 17:7). Their murmuring and refusal to trust God’s provision provoked divine judgment.

The phrase “Therefore he lifted up his hand against them” identifies God as the one who raises His hand. In the biblical narrative a lifted hand signifies a solemn oath of judgment, as seen in Numbers 14:23 where God declares that the rebellious generation shall not see the land promised to their fathers.

The continuation “to overthrow them in the wilderness” describes the execution of that judgment. It conveys that the generation who rebelled would perish in the desert and be denied entry into the Promised Land. The judgment is illustrated in the episode recorded in Numbers 20:7‑12, when Moses, acting in anger, struck a rock to bring forth water; because of that act the Israelites suffered further consequences and Moses himself was barred from entering the land.

The verse therefore serves as a cautionary reminder to the readers of the psalm and to us today. It underscores the importance of trusting God’s provision, remaining faithful, and obeying His commands. The Israelites’ rebellion and the resulting judgment highlight the need for reliance on God’s guidance, urging believers to learn from Israel’s mistakes and avoid repeating them in their own lives.