What is the meaning of Psalm 106:7? Our fathers in Egypt The line immediately anchors us in real history. It calls to mind the generations of Israelites who lived under Pharaoh’s oppression (Exodus 1:8–14) and reminds us that the faith family stretches back through time (Joshua 24:5; Acts 7:17–19). Scripture treats these ancestors as literal people who experienced literal events, making their successes and failures instructive for us today. did not grasp Your wonders Although they witnessed the ten plagues firsthand (Exodus 7–12), their hearts never fully embraced what God was doing. Psalm 78:11–12 echoes the same charge: “They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them.” - Water turned to blood - Darkness over the land - Death of the firstborn Each was a miracle of judgment and mercy, yet spiritual dullness kept the people from truly “grasping” the greatness on display (Deuteronomy 6:22). or remember Your abundant kindness God’s kindness flowed in deliverance, covenant promises, and daily provision. Exodus 15:13 celebrates, “In Your loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed.” Nehemiah 9:17 recalls how He remained “slow to anger, rich in faithful love.” Forgetting these mercies bred ingratitude: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Abundant kindness included: • Protection from the final plague by the Passover lamb • Favor with the Egyptians, supplying silver and gold (Exodus 12:35–36) • Guidance by cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21–22) but they rebelled by the sea As soon as they reached the shoreline, fear turned to open rebellion. “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” they cried (Exodus 14:11–12). Their grumbling showed distrust despite all the miracles already performed. Psalm 78:17 records the same heart posture: “They continued to sin against Him, rebelling in the desert.” there at the Red Sea The location underscores the contrast between God’s power and Israel’s panic. The sea was meant to be the stage for deliverance, not doubt. God instructed Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp… by the sea” (Exodus 14:2), deliberately placing them where only a miracle could save. Later generations would celebrate this moment: “He divided the Red Sea asunder” (Psalm 136:13; Joshua 2:10). The waters that opened for Israel became a grave for Egypt, proving the Lord’s supremacy. summary Psalm 106:7 recounts a tragic cycle: God’s people, though eyewitnesses to mighty acts and recipients of lavish kindness, responded with forgetfulness and rebellion. The verse warns against spiritual amnesia, calling us to keep God’s wonders and kindness continually before our eyes, so that fear never drowns out faith when we stand at our own “Red Sea.” |