What does Psalms 106:21 mean?
"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" - Psalms 106:21

Psalms 106:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "They forgot God their savior, which had done great things in Egypt.” This verse is part of a larger passage in Psalm 106 that recounts the history of the Israelites and their repeated disobedience and forgetfulness of God's faithfulness. This particular verse is part of a section that describes the Israelites' rebellion and unfaithfulness and serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering God's saving acts.
The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic and musical compositions that are often attributed to King David. These psalms express a wide range of emotions, such as joy, lament, thanksgiving, and praise, and are often used as prayers and songs in worship. Psalm 106 is a communal lament that reflects on the history of the people of Israel, acknowledging their sin and God's faithfulness.
In the context of Psalm 106, verse 21 is part of a section that recounts the Israelites' actions during their time in the wilderness. The verse describes how the Israelites forgot about God, who had performed great miracles for them in Egypt. This forgetfulness ultimately led to their disobedience and rebellion against God, culminating in their worship of a golden calf and their refusal to enter the promised land.
The theme of forgetfulness and its consequences is one of the key aspects of this verse. The Israelites' forgetfulness of God's saving acts in Egypt led to their disobedience and worship of false gods. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and the consequences of forgetting.
Another important theme in this verse is the faithfulness of God as the Savior. Despite the Israelites’ forgetfulness and disobedience, God remained faithful to them, continuing to guide and provide for them. This theme of God's faithfulness in the face of human unfaithfulness is a central theme throughout the Bible and is encapsulated in the concept of salvation.
The verse also contains symbolism that is significant within the Christian faith. The act of forgetting God can be seen as a symbol of the Israelites' lack of trust and reliance on God. Instead of remembering all that God had done for them, they turned to their own devices and idols. This can be interpreted as a caution against idolatry and a call to trust in God alone.
Furthermore, the mention of God as the Savior is symbolic of the Christian belief in Jesus Christ as the ultimate Savior. The Israelites’ forgetfulness and disobedience serves as a prefigurement of humanity's tendency to turn away from God and the need for a savior. In the Christian faith, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of God's saving actions, providing redemption and salvation for all who believe in him.
In conclusion, Psalm 106:21 is a verse that holds significant themes, context, and symbolism within the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of forgetfulness and disobedience, the faithfulness of God as the Savior, and the need to trust in God alone. This verse continues to hold relevance for believers today, encouraging them to remember God's faithfulness and to rely on Him as their ultimate Savior.
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Psalms 106:21 Artwork
Psalms 106:21 - "They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;"
"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" - Psalms 106:21
"Then believed they his words; they sang his praise." - Psalms 106:12
"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37
"They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:" - Psalms 106:13
"Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass." - Psalms 106:20
"They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD." - Psalms 106:16
"Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:" - Psalms 106:24
"And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." - Psalms 106:15
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34
Psalms 106:19 - "They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image."
Psalms 106:14 - "But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."
Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."
"Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea." - Psalms 106:22
"The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram." - Psalms 106:17
Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"
Psalms 106:11 - "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left."
Psalms 106:12 - "Then believed they his words; they sang his praise."
Psalms 106:25 - "But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD."
Psalms 106:20 - "Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
Psalms 106:13 - "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:"
Psalms 106:36 - "And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them."
"Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed." - Psalms 106:30
Psalms 106:16 - "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD."
Psalms 106:18 - "And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked."
Psalms 106:15 - "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
Psalms 106:24 - "Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:"
"They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead." - Psalms 106:28
Psalms 106:31 - "And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore."
Psalms 106:27 - "To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands."