Psalms 106:32

“They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes.”

Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Psalm 106:32 (KJV):

Psalm 106:32 (KJV) says, “They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes.”

Context: To better understand this verse, let’s consider the context of Psalm 106. This psalm is a reflection on Israel’s history and the repeated cycle of their rebellion, God’s judgment, and His subsequent deliverance. It recounts various instances where the Israelites rebelled against God, and it emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness.

The waters of strife: In this verse, the psalmist refers to an incident that occurred during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. It refers to the events that took place at Meribah, where the Israelites grumbled against God and Moses because of a lack of water (Exodus 17:1-7, Numbers 20:1-13). They doubted God’s provision and complained bitterly.

Angering God: The psalmist acknowledges that the Israelites angered God at the waters of strife. Their lack of faith, constant complaints, and rebellion against God’s appointed leader, Moses, were significant offenses. Instead of trusting in God’s provision and seeking His guidance, they expressed their discontent and questioned His faithfulness.

Moses’ consequence: The psalmist notes that “it went ill with Moses for their sakes.” After enduring the Israelites’ constant complaints and witnessing their lack of faith, Moses himself faltered in his obedience to God. At Meribah, God instructed Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water, but Moses, frustrated with the people’s complaints, struck the rock twice in anger. Due to this act of disobedience, God pronounced judgment on Moses, denying him entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12).

Lessons for us: Psalm 106:32 serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from rebellion, lack of faith, and angering God. It highlights the importance of trust, obedience, and seeking God’s guidance even in challenging circumstances. It also underscores the principle that leaders, like Moses, are held to a higher standard and should exercise wisdom and self-control, even in the face of difficult situations.

God’s faithfulness: Despite the Israelites’ disobedience and Moses’ consequence, God remained faithful to His people. He still provided water for them at Meribah, even though Moses’ disobedience marred the demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness.