Psalm 106 begins and ends with a hearty “Praise the LORD!” (1, 48), which in Hebrew is “Hallelujah!” Two reasons are given for giving thanks: “he is good” and “his steadfast love endures forever!” Exclamation marks abound in the opening and closing verses, as well they should. Words fail to speak of “the mighty deeds of the LORD or declare all his praise” (2). I am reminded here that God’s people are his “chosen ones,” his “nation,” and his “inheritance” (4-5). What a privilege to be counted among those who belong to God. Yet Israel’s history – and mine, if I’m honest – is full of things that don’t speak well of us: forgetfulness & rebellion (7, 13, 21), “wanton cravings” & putting God to the test (14), idolatry (19-20), unbelief (24), complaining in our homes & disobedience (25), living like the world (35), and more idolatry (36). Despite Israel’s sordid past, God showed them favor and prospered them in many ways at many different times. “He saved them for his name’s sake, to make known his mighty power” (8). I need to remember that God saved me for the same reason. He saved and redeemed them from the power of the enemy (10). How can I ever forget that? Although Israel’s sins brought severe consequences throughout the centuries from their bondage in Egypt to their exile from the promised land, “Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant [with Abraham], and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (44-45). God’s people just can’t get away from that “steadfast, covenant, committed, promise-keeping love” can we? The purpose behind the poet’s prayer was “that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise” (47). To that end, I say a hearty “Amen!” and “Hallelujah!” with no qualms about it. Amen?
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