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 106:23KJVWhat 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.