How does Psalm 106:6 relate to the concept of inherited sin or collective guilt? Text “We have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.” — Psalm 106:6 Historical and Literary Setting Psalm 106 closes the fourth book of the Psalter (Psalm 90–106). It is a communal hymn of confession that rehearses Israel’s failures from the Exodus to the Babylonian dispersion, contrasting their unfaithfulness with Yahweh’s covenant mercy (vv. 1, 45–48). Verse 6 serves as the thematic hinge: the worshipers link themselves with the entire national story, acknowledging guilt that transcends generations. Inherited Sin and Collective Guilt: Definitions • Inherited (original) sin: the moral and spiritual corruption that entered humanity through Adam, transmitted to every descendant (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12–19). • Collective (corporate) guilt: responsibility shared by a community because of its organic unity, even when specific individuals did not personally commit every offense (Joshua 7; Daniel 9:5–11). Old Testament Patterns of Corporate Solidarity 1. Family Solidarity: Achan’s household suffers the consequences of his theft (Joshua 7:24–26). 2. National Solidarity: “The LORD made a covenant with us at Horeb…with all of us alive here today” (Deuteronomy 5:2–3). 3. Liturgical Solidarity: The Day of Atonement covers “all the assembly of Israel” (Leviticus 16:17). 4. Prophetic Solidarity: Daniel, personally righteous, confesses, “We have sinned” (Daniel 9:5). Psalm 106:6 echoes this prophetic pattern. Psalm 106:6 as Corporate Confession The psalmist speaks in the first-person plural, binding present worshipers to “our fathers.” This is not mere rhetoric; it reflects covenant theology. Israel agreed at Sinai to be treated as one people across generations (Exodus 20:5-6; 34:6-7). By invoking ancestral sin, the congregation: • Affirms Yahweh’s verdict that sin persists (Psalm 106:7, 13, 21, 24, 32, 43). • Recognizes that the exile and national hardships are righteous judgments (vv. 40-46). • Positions itself to appeal to Yahweh’s steadfast love (ḥesed) based on His covenant remembrance (vv. 1, 45). Federal Headship: From Adam to Israel to Christ Scripture portrays three representative heads: 1. Adam—sin and death for all (Romans 5:12). 2. Israel—priestly nation whose failures display human inability (Hosea 6:7). 3. Christ—the second Adam, obedient Son, and true Israel (Isaiah 49:3; Romans 5:19). Psalm 106:6 prepares hearts to receive the ultimate substitute who bears the collective guilt: “The LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). The resurrection validates that payment (1 Corinthians 15:17). Personal Accountability Balanced with Corporate Reality Ezekiel 18:20 and Deuteronomy 24:16 affirm individual responsibility. Scripture therefore teaches both: • A person is judged for his own deliberate sin. • A person lives amid consequences of ancestral rebellion (Exodus 20:5), yet can seek mercy (Jeremiah 31:29-34). Psalm 106 models how to do so—identify with the fathers’ sin, repent, and plead for covenant grace. New-Covenant Fulfillment Christ’s atonement answers Psalm 106:6. “For our sake God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Believers are united with Him; thus collective guilt is resolved in a new corporate identity—“in Christ”—where justification is granted and sanctification undertaken (Romans 8:1; 1 Peter 2:9-10). Practical Applications for the Church 1. Corporate confession remains vital (1 John 1:8-10; Revelation 2-3). 2. Historical awareness guards against repeating ancestral sins (1 Corinthians 10:6-11). 3. Intercessory prayer for society echoes Moses and Daniel (Psalm 106:23; Daniel 9:19). Conclusion Psalm 106:6 articulates the biblical doctrine that sin is both inherited and personally enacted. Corporate confession aligns a community with God’s verdict, paving the way for mercy ultimately realized in the crucified and risen Christ, who absorbs collective guilt and grants newness of life to all who trust Him. |
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