Psalms 106:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God would have destroyed Israel after the golden calf, but Moses interceded and turned away His wrath.
The Context of Psalms 106:23
Emphasizing God's patience and willingness to relent when interceded for, and the crucial role of Moses as mediator between God and Israel.
What Does Psalms 106:23 Mean?
God's judgment was fully justified—the people had committed grave idolatry. But Moses stood 'in the breach,' positioning himself between God's justified anger and the people, interceding on their behalf.
Moses 'turned away his wrath' through prayer and intercession. This shows the power of one righteous person to stand with God and appeal to His mercy, potentially changing the course of judgment.
Psalms 106:23 in the Original Language
barek (בָּרֶך), 'in the breach' — standing in a gap or broken wall, positioned to defend or protect from judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 106:23
What does Psalms 106:23 mean?
God would have destroyed Israel after the golden calf, but Moses interceded and turned away His wrath.
What is the context of Psalms 106:23?
Emphasizing God's patience and willingness to relent when interceded for, and the crucial role of Moses as mediator between God and Israel.