So He said He would destroy them--had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. So He said He would destroy them—This phrase refers to God's declaration of judgment against the Israelites due to their rebellion and idolatry, particularly the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32). The context is the wilderness period after the Exodus from Egypt, where the Israelites frequently disobeyed God. This reflects God's holiness and justice, as He cannot tolerate sin. The concept of divine judgment is consistent throughout Scripture, seen in events like the flood (Genesis 6-9) and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach— to divert His wrath from destroying them. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign and just deity who is angered by the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry. 2. Moses The chosen leader and intercessor for the Israelites, who stands in the gap to plead for God's mercy. 3. The Israelites God's chosen people who repeatedly fall into sin and idolatry, provoking God's wrath. 4. The Breach A metaphorical gap representing the separation between God and His people due to their sin. 5. The Golden Calf Incident The specific event referenced here, where the Israelites worshiped a golden calf at Mount Sinai, leading to God's anger. Teaching Points The Power of IntercessionMoses' intercession demonstrates the profound impact one person's prayer can have in averting God's judgment. Believers are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap through prayer. God's Justice and Mercy This verse highlights the balance between God's justice in response to sin and His mercy in response to intercession. Understanding this balance is crucial for a mature faith. The Role of a Mediator Moses foreshadows Christ as the ultimate mediator. Believers can find assurance in Christ's intercession on their behalf. The Consequences of Idolatry The Israelites' idolatry serves as a warning against placing anything above God. Believers must guard their hearts against modern forms of idolatry. Leadership and Responsibility Moses' willingness to stand in the breach underscores the responsibility of leaders to advocate for those they lead, even when they err. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in Psalm 106:23 inspire you to pray for others in your life?2. In what ways can you identify "breaches" in your community or family where you can stand in prayer? 3. How does understanding God's justice and mercy affect your relationship with Him? 4. What modern-day idols might be present in your life, and how can you address them? 5. How can you emulate Moses' leadership qualities in your own spheres of influence? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32This chapter provides the detailed account of the Golden Calf incident, where Moses intercedes for the Israelites. Numbers 14 Another instance where Moses intercedes for the people after they refuse to enter the Promised Land. Ezekiel 22:30 God seeks someone to stand in the gap, highlighting the importance of intercessors. 1 Timothy 2:5 Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, fulfilling the role Moses played. Hebrews 7:25 Jesus continually intercedes for believers, paralleling Moses' intercession.
People Aaron, Abiram, Baalpeor, Dathan, Ham, Phinehas, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Breach, Chosen, Destroy, Destroying, Destruction, Fury, Lest, Purposing, Servant, Special, Stood, Turn, Turning, Unless, Wouldn't, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 106:23 4843 plague 4269 Sinai, Mount Library June the Twelfth Waiting for the Spectacular"The waves covered their enemies.... Then believed they His words." --PSALM cvi. 1-12. Their faith was born in a great emergency. A spectacular deliverance was needed to implant their trust in the Lord. They found no witness in the quiet daily providence; the unobtrusive miracle of daily mercy did not awake their song. They dwelt upon the "special" blessing, when all the time the really special blessing was to be found in the sleepless care which watched over them in their ordinary and commonplace … John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Israel at the Red Sea Why are Men Saved? Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea The Waters of Meribah Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God. Man's Misery by the Fall Our Status. Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches. Elucidations. Rest for the Weary The Second Commandment Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Obedience Psalms Links Psalm 106:23 NIVPsalm 106:23 NLT Psalm 106:23 ESV Psalm 106:23 NASB Psalm 106:23 KJV Psalm 106:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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