A simple reminder: God’s people risk losing their spiritual identity when they adopt the practices of those who do not honor Him.
The phrase “But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices” (v.35) paints a picture of the Israelites choosing to live among neighboring peoples and adopting foreign customs. Instead of remaining a distinct group set apart by God’s commandments, they drifted into cultural conformity with the surrounding nations, including those inhabiting the land of Canaan. This region, known for its polytheistic worship and idolatry, was located in the ancient Near East, along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. By learning the ways of unbelieving neighbors, the children of Israel opened their hearts to influences that drew them away from the one true God (Romans 12:2).
The message in “But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices” (v.35) underscores the deep challenge Israel faced throughout its history. The Psalmist, outlining times of rebellion after the Exodus (15th or 13th century BC, depending on dating), recalls how centuries later, even under the leadership of judges and eventually kings like David (reigned 1010-970 BC), the people would still wrestle with staying faithful. The nations around them embraced deities and lifestyle choices contrary to God’s Law, and the Israelites found themselves enticed by these beliefs. This compromise points to the danger of losing spiritual identity by absorbing surrounding values instead of reflecting God’s holiness.
In light of “But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices” (v.35), there is also a timeless caution for believers in the New Testament era, reminding us to separate ourselves from worldly ways that contradict God’s truth (2 Corinthians 6:17). Just as ancient Israel forgot her covenant obligations, modern believers can also forget that their purpose is to shine as a light in a world that may not share the same devotion to God. This text, then, urges all who hear it to discern the influence of external cultures, seeking always to remain true to the God of the Bible.
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Psalms 106:35 meaning
The phrase “But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices” (v.35) paints a picture of the Israelites choosing to live among neighboring peoples and adopting foreign customs. Instead of remaining a distinct group set apart by God’s commandments, they drifted into cultural conformity with the surrounding nations, including those inhabiting the land of Canaan. This region, known for its polytheistic worship and idolatry, was located in the ancient Near East, along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. By learning the ways of unbelieving neighbors, the children of Israel opened their hearts to influences that drew them away from the one true God (Romans 12:2).
The message in “But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices” (v.35) underscores the deep challenge Israel faced throughout its history. The Psalmist, outlining times of rebellion after the Exodus (15th or 13th century BC, depending on dating), recalls how centuries later, even under the leadership of judges and eventually kings like David (reigned 1010-970 BC), the people would still wrestle with staying faithful. The nations around them embraced deities and lifestyle choices contrary to God’s Law, and the Israelites found themselves enticed by these beliefs. This compromise points to the danger of losing spiritual identity by absorbing surrounding values instead of reflecting God’s holiness.
In light of “But they mingled with the nations And learned their practices” (v.35), there is also a timeless caution for believers in the New Testament era, reminding us to separate ourselves from worldly ways that contradict God’s truth (2 Corinthians 6:17). Just as ancient Israel forgot her covenant obligations, modern believers can also forget that their purpose is to shine as a light in a world that may not share the same devotion to God. This text, then, urges all who hear it to discern the influence of external cultures, seeking always to remain true to the God of the Bible.