Today we complete our study of Psalm 106, which provides a dismal record of Israel’s unfaithfulness to their faithful God. Even in the Promised Land their unfaithfulness continued. Since the days of Moses, God had warned His people about the sins of the Canaanites. They were to utterly destroy these wicked people and to smash all their idols, lest they be trapped in the same evil ways. But they refused to do it. Instead, they mingled with the nations and learned their customs. They began to worship false gods, even sacrificing their sons and daughters to demons. It’s hard for us to imagine how Israel could so thoroughly embrace such awful pagan practices, but they did (v 34-39). And it reminds us to be aware of the spiritual danger of accommodation to the ways of our own culture. Beyond the horrors of abortion, many parents today “sacrifice” their children on the altar of worldly success. If wealth, fame, sex, or power become our idols, we may find ourselves adopting an unbiblical morality or encouraging our children to live like the world, just to get ahead or to fulfill self-centered ambitions. Staying true to the Word of God is not always easy. What are the “snares” threatening to trap you and your family? Because of their spiritual compromise, God was angry with His people and handed them over to enemy nations who oppressed them. They would eventually repent and call on God for help; and He would deliver them by the hands of various judges. But then the cycle started all over again (v 40-46). Finally, the northern kingdom was taken down by the Assyrians in 722 BC; and the southern kingdom was captured by Babylon in 586 BC. This psalm seems to have been written during the time of the Babylonian captivity (v 47). Still, the psalmist is able to sing praises to the LORD, the God of Israel, calling upon all His people to add their “Amen!” of agreement. Why? Because our God is a God who saves. “From everlasting to everlasting” He is blessed! (v 48). Why did God not give up on the faithless people of Israel? For that matter, why does He not give up on us? Because He remembers His covenant with Abraham (v 45). This was the central theme of Psalm 105, which ties these two psalms together and makes it possible for Psalm 106 to end on such a positive note. God’s people may sin often and greatly, but He is full of mercy and compassion. We who believe in Christ are truly Abraham’s children, receiving covenant blessings despite our sins (for which Jesus died). Praise God: He never stopped caring for Israel and He will never stop caring for us. For further meditation: