Psalms 106:23 - Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had Moses, his chosen, not stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, so that he wouldn’t destroy them.

Generated Verse: Psalms 106:23

What does "Psalms 106:23" mean?


This verse from Psalm 106:23 describes a specific incident in the history of the Israelites' relationship with God. Let's break it down:

"Therefore he said that he would destroy them": This refers to God's anger and intention to punish the Israelites, likely for their disobedience or idolatry. God, being just, considered destroying them as a consequence for their actions.

"had Moses, his chosen, not stood before him in the breach": This highlights Moses' crucial role as an intercessor. The "breach" can be understood as a gap or separation between God and the people caused by their sin. Moses "stood in the breach" means he intervened, pleading with God on behalf of the Israelites. He acted as a mediator, placing himself between God's wrath and the people.

"to turn away his wrath, so that he wouldn’t destroy them": This emphasizes the effectiveness of Moses' intercession. Moses' plea (likely a prayer, repentance, and reminding God of his covenant) convinced God to change his mind and refrain from destroying the Israelites. It shows God's mercy and willingness to listen to his servant's pleas.

In essence, the verse means:

Because the Israelites were deserving of destruction due to their sins, God was about to destroy them. However, Moses, who was chosen by God, intervened on their behalf. He pleaded with God to show mercy and turn away his anger. As a result of Moses' intercession, God relented and did not destroy the Israelites.

Key takeaway:

The verse emphasizes the importance of intercession and God's willingness to listen to the prayers of righteous individuals on behalf of others. It also highlights the tension between God's justice and his mercy, and how those qualities are balanced in his dealings with humanity. Moses' actions are an example of selfless leadership and a dedication to his people, even when they deserved punishment.