Meaning of Psalms 106:23

This verse recounts a pivotal moment of divine intervention, highlighting the intercessory power of Moses on behalf of the Israelites. The psalmist recalls God's profound anger and expressed intention to annihilate His people, a consequence of their persistent sinfulness and rebellion. However, before this judgment could be fully executed, Moses, described as God's "chosen one," stepped into the breach, acting as a mediator and advocate. His courageous stance and plea to God averted the total destruction, demonstrating that even in the face of severe divine wrath, intercession and faithfulness can alter the course of judgment.

Context and Background

The immediate context for Psalms 106 is a lament and confession of Israel's historical failings, particularly their repeated disobedience after being delivered from Egypt. The psalm recounts various instances of their unfaithfulness, including the golden calf incident (Psalms 106:19-21), which directly precedes this verse. God's wrath was stirred because the people had exchanged the glory of God for an image of an ox. This verse points to a specific instance where God, in His righteous anger, declared His intention to destroy them, implying a moment of extreme peril for the entire nation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Wrath and Mercy: The verse starkly contrasts God's righteous anger against sin with His capacity for mercy, especially when prompted by intercession. God's wrath is not capricious but a just response to rebellion, yet His mercy is equally potent.
• Intercession and Mediation: Moses' role as the one who "stood in the breach" is central. He acted as a human mediator, interposing himself between God's judgment and the sinful people. This highlights the significance of prayer and advocacy in averting divine judgment.
• The Chosenness of Moses: The phrase "his chosen one" emphasizes Moses' unique position and authority as God's appointed leader and servant. His selection by God empowered his intercessory role.
• Consequences of Sin: The verse implicitly underscores that sin incurs divine displeasure and can lead to severe consequences. The Israelites' actions justly provoked God's anger.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage offers a profound theological insight into the nature of prayer and intercession. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder that their prayers can have a tangible impact, even in situations that seem dire. It encourages active engagement in praying for others, for communities, and for the nation. Furthermore, it points forward to the ultimate Intercessor, Jesus Christ, who perfectly "stood in the breach" for all of humanity, offering Himself to satisfy divine justice and avert eternal destruction. Our own intercessory prayers are empowered and modeled by His supreme sacrifice.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalms 106 is part of the Psalter, a collection of songs and prayers that reflect the spiritual life of Israel. This verse fits within the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people, which is characterized by His faithfulness despite their frequent unfaithfulness. The theme of a mediator averting judgment is a recurring motif, from Abraham's intercession for Sodom to the priestly ministry of Aaron and the prophets. Ultimately, it foreshadows the perfect mediation of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "chosen one" who stands in the eternal breach between God and sinful humanity.

Analogies

One analogy for Moses standing in the breach is that of a firefighter rushing into a burning building to rescue trapped individuals. The building represents the sinful nation, the fire represents God's wrath, and the firefighter is Moses, risking his own safety to save others. Another analogy is that of a lawyer passionately defending an innocent client facing a severe sentence. The lawyer's eloquent defense and presentation of mitigating circumstances can sway the judge and prevent the harshest penalty. In this case, Moses' pleas and reminders of God's own promises and covenant served as his powerful defense.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 32:11-14: This is the direct event being referenced. Moses pleads with God, saying, "O Lord, why does your anger burn against your people, whom you have brought out of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger, and repent of this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, saying, ‘I will multiply your offspring like the stars of heaven, and I will give to your offspring this whole land that I have promised.’"
• Numbers 14:11-20: Another instance where Moses intercedes for Israel after they rebel against God's command to enter the Promised Land. God declares, "How long will this people spurn me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?" Moses again pleads, and God relents from immediate destruction, though judgment still falls.
• 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This verse points to the ultimate fulfillment of the mediatorial role that Moses exemplified.
• Hebrews 7:25: "Likewise, the Holy Spirit also bears witness to this, for after saying, 'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,' he also says, 'I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.'" This verse speaks of Christ's ongoing intercession for believers, ensuring their sins are remembered no more.