They celebrated God’s faithfulness with song, reflecting their renewed trust in His word.
The psalmist reflects on a moment of Israel’s history, where, as the verse states, “Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.” (v.12) This phrase points back to the times when the people of Israel had been rescued from dire circumstances—particularly their deliverance from bondage in Egypt, around 1446 BC, and their subsequent journey through the wilderness. In that period, they witnessed miraculous saving acts, such as the crossing of the Red Sea. Despite doubting the LORD through much of their hardships, this verse highlights a momentary renewal of faith among the Israelites. When “they believed His words” (v.12), it was their collective recognition that God’s promises and pronouncements held true, fueling their worshipful response.
This heartfelt response, “They sang His praise” (v.12), fits into the broader theme of Psalm 106, which recounts both the unfaithfulness of God’s people and the steadfast faithfulness of their God. Praising God through song was more than just a ritual; it was a tangible way to express gratitude and awe for His might and grace (see Exodus 15:1-2 for the song of Moses and the Israelites after the Red Sea victory). This attitude of praise is echoed throughout the Psalms, showing that true worship stems from a recognition of God’s merciful interventions. The passage captures a pivotal moment when the people turned from fear to faith, reveling in the triumph of their Redeemer.
In a broader scriptural context, this verse’s mention of belief and praise parallels the New Testament theme of trusting in the Lord’s word and responding with worship (John 20:29). The Israelites lifted up songs to the LORD in unity, foreshadowing how genuine faith prompts a joyful declaration of God’s goodness. Their example encourages present-day believers to respond in a similar way, recognizing God’s mighty works and maintaining faith amid challenges.
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Psalms 106:12 meaning
The psalmist reflects on a moment of Israel’s history, where, as the verse states, “Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.” (v.12) This phrase points back to the times when the people of Israel had been rescued from dire circumstances—particularly their deliverance from bondage in Egypt, around 1446 BC, and their subsequent journey through the wilderness. In that period, they witnessed miraculous saving acts, such as the crossing of the Red Sea. Despite doubting the LORD through much of their hardships, this verse highlights a momentary renewal of faith among the Israelites. When “they believed His words” (v.12), it was their collective recognition that God’s promises and pronouncements held true, fueling their worshipful response.
This heartfelt response, “They sang His praise” (v.12), fits into the broader theme of Psalm 106, which recounts both the unfaithfulness of God’s people and the steadfast faithfulness of their God. Praising God through song was more than just a ritual; it was a tangible way to express gratitude and awe for His might and grace (see Exodus 15:1-2 for the song of Moses and the Israelites after the Red Sea victory). This attitude of praise is echoed throughout the Psalms, showing that true worship stems from a recognition of God’s merciful interventions. The passage captures a pivotal moment when the people turned from fear to faith, reveling in the triumph of their Redeemer.
In a broader scriptural context, this verse’s mention of belief and praise parallels the New Testament theme of trusting in the Lord’s word and responding with worship (John 20:29). The Israelites lifted up songs to the LORD in unity, foreshadowing how genuine faith prompts a joyful declaration of God’s goodness. Their example encourages present-day believers to respond in a similar way, recognizing God’s mighty works and maintaining faith amid challenges.