Psalms 106:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:28 mean?

Psalms 106:28 describes how the Israelites joined themselves to Baalpeor, a foreign god, and participated in rituals that included eating sacrifices offered to the dead. The verse points to a time when the people turned away from God and took part in pagan worship practices.

The psalmist is recounting Israel’s history, speaking to the community about their ancestors’ actions. The setting refers to an event in Numbers 25, where Israelites engaged in idolatry and immoral practices with the Moabites. This verse highlights a specific moment of unfaithfulness, showing how the people adopted customs that were forbidden in their own law.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:28

• "joined" (צָמַד, tsamad): This word means to attach or bind closely. Here, it emphasizes how the Israelites didn’t just dabble in foreign worship but became deeply involved with Baalpeor.
• "Baalpeor" (בַּעַל־פְּעוֹר, Ba‘al-pe‘or): This is the name of a Moabite deity associated with shameful rites. Mentioning Baalpeor makes clear that the Israelites’ actions were not just general disobedience but a specific, notorious episode.
• "ate" (אָכַל, akhal): This word means to eat or consume. The verse notes that the Israelites participated in eating sacrifices, showing active involvement in the rituals.
• "sacrifices" (זֶבַח, zevach): This refers to offerings made as part of religious ceremonies. Here, it underlines that the Israelites took part in rituals meant for other gods or for the dead, not for the God of Israel.
• "dead" (מֵת, met): This word means dead or deceased. The phrase "sacrifices of the dead" points to rituals connected with ancestor worship or pagan rites involving the spirits of the dead, practices strictly forbidden in Israelite law.

Why Psalms 106:28 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ wrongdoing was not just general idolatry but involved specific, deeply offensive practices, including eating sacrifices meant for the dead.
• The mention of Baalpeor connects this verse to a well-known incident in Israel’s history, helping readers see the seriousness of the people’s unfaithfulness.
• By recalling this event, the psalmist is emphasizing a pattern of disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God, which is a major theme throughout Psalm 106.