What does Psalms 106:34 mean?
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34

Psalms 106:34 (KJV) states "They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them." This verse is part of a larger psalm that recounts the sins and rebellions of the Israelites throughout their history. The psalmist reflects on the times when the Israelites failed to obey God's commands and the consequences that followed.
The context of this verse comes from the period of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. As they journeyed towards the Promised Land, God had instructed them to conquer and drive out the pagan nations that inhabited the land of Canaan. This was part of God's plan to establish a holy nation set apart for His purposes.
However, the Israelites failed to fully obey God's commands to utterly destroy the pagan nations. Instead, they intermarried with them, adopted their religious practices, and worshiped their false gods. This disobedience led to spiritual and moral corruption among the Israelites, and they suffered the consequences of God's judgment as a result.
The verse speaks to the theme of obedience to God's commands. It highlights the importance of following God's instructions completely and faithfully, without compromise or deviation. The failure of the Israelites to fully carry out God's commands led to the corruption of their own faith and the defilement of their worship. This serves as a warning to future generations about the dangers of disobedience and the consequences that follow.
The verse also reflects the theme of the sovereignty and justice of God. Despite the Israelites' disobedience, God remained in control and held them accountable for their actions. His commandments were not to be taken lightly, and His justice demanded retribution for their sin. This demonstrates the righteousness and holiness of God, as well as His commitment to uphold His word and maintain the purity of His people.
Furthermore, the verse carries a symbolic significance in the broader context of the Bible. The failure of the Israelites to destroy the pagan nations can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's struggle against the influences of the world. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromise and assimilation with worldly values and practices. Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world, and the verse serves as a reminder to remain true to God's commands and to resist the temptations and pressures of the surrounding culture.
In summary, Psalms 106:34 (KJV) holds a powerful message about the importance of obedience to God's commands, the sovereignty and justice of God, and the dangers of compromise and assimilation with the world. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to uphold the purity and holiness of their worship. The verse carries a timeless relevance and serves as an enduring reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God's justice.
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Psalms 106:34 - "They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:"
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34
"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
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
"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" - Psalms 106:21
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."