Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

The psalmist recounts Israel’s history from the perspective of disobedience and rebellion, reflecting on Yahweh’s loyal love in every season.

What is this passage teaching?

From their deliverance from slavery in Egypt to their expulsion from the Promised Land during the exile, Israel’s history seems to be one season of rebellion after another. However, the central theme of this psalm is not Israel’s wickedness, but Yahweh’s loyal love. Even though Israel frequently forgot Yahweh and rebelled against his commands (Psalm 106:7, 13, 21), Yahweh “remembered his covenant” (106:45). Even though Israel often chased after other gods (106:19-20, 28, 37), “many times (Yahweh) delivered them” (106:43). The story of the Old Testament is not about an angry God who spares His people, but a gracious God, abounding in loyal love, who relentlessly pursues His people. One day, when the purposes and plans of God are complete, Yahweh will gather His people from among the nations, and forever and ever they will give thanks to His holy name and glory in His praise (vs 47).

How do I respond?

As you read through the scenes presented in this psalm, some of them grotesque and especially evil, God is demonstrating that Israel needed new deliverance. Every moment of faithlessness, every idol constructed, every season of wickedness, all of it weaved an especially dark tapestry against which the light of the incarnation of Christ shines brightly. When you consider the great wickedness of Israel, remember this is exactly who Jesus came to save. When you reflect on the great sinfulness of your heart and the idols that constantly draw you from God’s good presence, remember you are exactly who Jesus came to save. You can trust Him with the darkest parts of your heart because He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6-7). As you navigate this week of hard and weighty readings, take some time to rest in God’s relentlessly loyal love today.