Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.

PSALMS 106:23KJV
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Psalms 106:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:23 mean?

Psalms 106:23 describes how God was ready to destroy the Israelites because of their disobedience, but Moses, whom God had chosen, stood in the gap to plead for them and turned away God’s anger so they would not be destroyed. This verse highlights Moses’ role as an intercessor who prevented disaster for the people.

The psalmist is recalling a moment from Israel’s history, likely referring to the incident with the golden calf at Mount Sinai. The verse shows Moses standing “in the breach,” a picture of someone stepping between God’s anger and the people’s fate. The focus is on Moses’ unique relationship with God and his willingness to intervene on behalf of the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:23

  • “stood” (עָמַד, ‘amad): This word means to take a stand or position oneself firmly. Here, it emphasizes Moses’ active role in stepping forward to defend the people.
  • “in the breach” (בַּפֶּרֶץ, baperetz): The word “breach” means a gap or break, often in a wall. It paints a vivid picture of Moses placing himself in a broken place to protect others, like someone defending a city where the wall has been broken.
  • “wrath” (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word refers to intense anger or fury. The verse uses it to describe the seriousness of God’s response to the people’s actions.

Why Psalms 106:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses’ intervention was not a small gesture but a decisive act that changed the outcome for the entire nation.
  • The image of “standing in the breach” helps readers understand the seriousness of the situation and the courage it took for Moses to speak up.
  • Psalms 106:23 connects to the larger theme of the psalm, which recounts Israel’s repeated failures and God’s mercy, showing how a single faithful person can make a difference.

Where else these words appear

“chosen” Hebrew H972 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:6 Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

“not” Hebrew H3884 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • 1 Samuel 25:34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
  • Psalms 94:17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

“breach” Hebrew H6556 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 38:29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.
  • Isaiah 30:13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

“destroy” Hebrew H8045 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.
  • Esther 4:8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.