EGW WritingsPsalms 106

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 49—At the Feast of Tabernacles

DA 448.3

With sacred song and thanksgiving the worshipers celebrated this occasion. A little before the feast was the Day of Atonement, when, after confession of their sins, the people were declared to be at peace with Heaven. Thus the way was prepared for the rejoicing of the feast. “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 106:1) rose triumphantly, while all kinds of music, mingled with shouts of hosanna, accompanied the united singing. The temple was the center of the universal joy. Here was the pomp of the sacrificial ceremonies. Here, ranged on either side of the white marble steps of the sacred building, the choir of Levites led the service of song. The multitude of worshipers, waving their branches of palm and myrtle, took up the strain, and echoed the chorus; and again the melody was caught up by voices near and afar off, till the encircling hills were vocal with praise.

The Voice in Speech and Song

Chapter 71—Singing in Israel’s Experience

VSS 455.1

Music at the Feast of Tabernacles—With sacred song and thanksgiving the worshipers celebrated this occasion. A little before the feast was the Day of Atonement, when, after confession of their sins, the people were declared to be at peace with Heaven. Thus the way was prepared for the rejoicing of the feast. “O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 106:1) rose triumphantly, while all kinds of music, mingled with shouts of hosanna, accompanied the united singing.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 49—“If Any Man Thirst, Let Him Come!”

HLv 300.4

A little before the feast was the Day of Atonement, when the people were declared to be at peace with Heaven. “O give thanks unto the Lord; ... for His mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 106:1) rose triumphantly, while all kinds of music accompanied the united singing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 73, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 73, 1896, par. 5

The manifestation of the Holy Spirit was similar to its manifestation in the days of Samuel and Saul in the school of the prophets. On one occasion the showers of grace were outpoured, and all that were gathered together were prophesying. Saul drew near, and though when he came he was filled with a restless, envious, jealous spirit because of David, yet he caught the spirit that was animating those who were praising God, and he also sang praises. The word of inquiry went out, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” [1 Samuel 19:24.] The Lord would be glorified if hallelujahs of rejoicing were heard in our schools. The willing and obedient who have received the teaching of the Holy Spirit will rejoice in the Lord, saying, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good, and his mercy endureth forever.” [Psalm 106:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 128, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 7

Cripples, [with] buoyant steps and grateful hearts, are now most active in breaking down the palm branches and strewing them in His path as their tribute of homage to the mighty healer. The leper, who has listened to the dread words of the priest, “Unclean,” which shut him out from intercourse with his fellow men, is there. [Leviticus 13:3.] The curse of the loathsome disease no longer contaminate those within touch of him. He has felt the compassionate touch of the Saviour, and has been cleansed by His power. Now he lays his untainted garments in the path of the Saviour, exclaiming, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.” [Psalm 106:1.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

A Hymn Of The Captivity

8T 112.2

“Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.
And let all the people say, Amen.
“Praise ye Jehovah.” Psalm 106, A. R. V.

Ellen White: Woman of Vision

The 1901 General Conference Session

WV 386.2

At 9:00 Tuesday morning, with the president of the General Conference, G. A. Irwin, in the chair, the thirty-fourth session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was called to order. J. N. Loughborough read Psalm 106, and S. N. Haskell led in prayer. President Irwin then opened the way for business.

Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years: 1900-1905 (vol. 5)

The 1901 General Conference Session

5BIO 79.1

At nine o’clock Tuesday morning, with the president of the General Conference, G. A. Irwin, in the chair, the thirty-fourth session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was called to order. J. N. Loughborough read Psalm 106, and S. N. Haskell led in prayer. President Irwin then opened the way for business.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 16, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 16, 1896, par. 1

“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” [1 Corinthians 10:1-5.] The experience of Israel, referred to in the above words by the apostle, and as recorded in the 105th and 106th Psalms, contains lessons of warning that the people of God in these last days especially need to study. I urge that these chapters be read at least once every week.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 1, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 1, 1897, par. 2

I would call the attention of all who claim to be children of God to the one hundred and fifth, one hundred and sixth, and one hundred and seventh Psalms. Please read these Psalms carefully. From them we may gather the necessity of appreciating the goodness, mercy, and love of our God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 55, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 55, 1911, par. 19

One thing I marked, Brethren Daniells and Prescott represented a large company, who were repeating the words of the 103rd, 104th, 105th, 106th, and 107th Psalms. This company continued to increase in numbers until there was a multitude. Strange things happened, and one by one the company passed through a very narrow gate. Through this gate no one could take even the lightest burden. Some, who were not willing to relinquish their idols, were left behind.

The Ministry of Healing

“My Praise Shall Be Continually of Thee”

MH 102.1

“Thou art my trust from my youth....
My praise shall be continually of Thee.”
“I will make Thy name to be remembered:...
Therefore shall the people praise Thee.” Psalm 116:12-14, R.V.; 104:33, 34; 106:2; 105:1, 2 (A.R.V.), 2, 3; 63:3-7, A.R.V.; 56:11-13, A.R.V.; 71:22-24, 5, 6; 45:17.

God’s Amazing Grace

Unmerited Favor, June 23

AG 182.1

Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation. Psalm 106:4.

Prophets and Kings

Introduction—The Vineyard of the Lord

PK 16.2

“With great power, and with a mighty hand,” God brought His chosen people out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 32:11. “He sent Moses His servant; and Aaron whom He had chosen. They showed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.” “He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up: so He led them through the depths.” Psalm 105:26, 27; 106:9. He rescued them from their servile state, that He might bring them to a good land, a land which in His providence He had prepared for them as a refuge from their enemies. He would bring them to Himself and encircle them in His everlasting arms; and in return for His goodness and mercy they were to exalt His name and make it glorious in the earth.

Conflict and Courage

Undernourished Souls, April 7

CC 103.1

They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. Psalm 106:13-15.

Counsels for the Church

Chapter 41—Flesh Foods

CCh 228.6

By departing from the plan divinely appointed for their diet, the Israelites suffered great loss. They desired a flesh diet, and they reaped its results. They did not reach God’s ideal of character or fulfill His purpose. The Lord “gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” Psalm 106:15. They valued the earthly above the spiritual, and the sacred pre-eminence which was His purpose for them they did not attain.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 24—Flesh as Food

MH 312.2

By departing from the plan divinely appointed for their diet, the Israelites suffered great loss. They desired a flesh diet, and they reaped its results. They did not reach God’s ideal of character or fulfill His purpose. The Lord “gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” Psalm 106:15. They valued the earthly above the spiritual, and the sacred pre-eminence which was His purpose for them they did not attain.

Conflict and Courage

He Failed His Brother, April 2

CC 98.3

The fact that Aaron had been blessed and honored so far above the people was what made his sin so heinous. It was Aaron “the saint of the Lord” (Psalm 106:16), that had made the idol and announced the feast. It was he who had been appointed as spokesman for Moses, and concerning whom God Himself had testified, “I know that he can speak well” (Exodus 4:14), that had failed to check the idolaters in their heaven-daring purpose. He by whom God had wrought in bringing judgments both upon the Egyptians and upon their gods, had heard unmoved the proclamation before the molten image, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” It was he who had been with Moses on the mount, and had there beheld the glory of the Lord, who had seen that in the manifestation of that glory there was nothing of which an image could be made—it was he who had changed that glory into the similitude of an ox. He to whom God had committed the government of the people in the absence of Moses, was found sanctioning their rebellion. “The Lord was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him” (Deuteronomy 9:20). But in answer to the earnest intercession of Moses, his life was spared: and in penitence and humiliation for his great sin, he was restored to the favor of God.

From Eternity Past

Moses Punishes the Wrongdoers

EP 223.3

It was Aaron, “the saint of the Lord” (Psalm 106:16), that had made the idol and announced the feast. He had failed to check the idolaters in their heaven-daring purpose. He heard unmoved the proclamation before the molten image, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” He had been with Moses on the mount and there beheld the glory of the Lord. It was he who had changed that glory into the similitude of an ox. He to whom God had committed the government of the people in the absence of Moses was found sanctioning rebellion. “The Lord was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him.” Deuteronomy 9:20. But in answer to the intercession of Moses, his life was spared; and in penitence for his great sin, he was restored to the favor of God.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 28—Idolatry at Sinai

PP 317.3

Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had made a solemn covenant with God to obey His voice. They had stood trembling with terror before the mount, listening to the words of the Lord, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” The glory of God still hovered above Sinai in the sight of the congregation; but they turned away, and asked for other gods. “They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox.” Psalm 106:19, 20. How could greater ingratitude have been shown, or more daring insult offered, to Him who had revealed Himself to them as a tender father and an all-powerful king!

PP 320.4

The fact that Aaron had been blessed and honored so far above the people was what made his sin so heinous. It was Aaron “the saint of the Lord” (Psalm 106:16), that had made the idol and announced the feast. It was he who had been appointed as spokesman for Moses, and concerning whom God Himself had testified, “I know that he can speak well” (Exodus 4:14), that had failed to check the idolaters in their heaven-daring purpose. He by whom God had wrought in bringing judgments both upon the Egyptians and upon their gods, had heard unmoved the proclamation before the molten image, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” It was he who had been with Moses on the mount, and had there beheld the glory of the Lord, who had seen that in the manifestation of that glory there was nothing of which an image could be made—it was he who had changed that glory into the similitude of an ox. He to whom God had committed the government of the people in the absence of Moses, was found sanctioning their rebellion. “The Lord was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him.” Deuteronomy 9:20. But in answer to the earnest intercession of Moses, his life was spared; and in penitence and humiliation for his great sin, he was restored to the favor of God.

Conflict and Courage

A Crisis in Israel, April 1

CC 97.1

They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. Psalm 106:19, 20.

From Eternity Past

Israel Broke Their Solemn Promise

EP 221.2

Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had stood trembling before the mount, listening to the words of the Lord, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” The glory of God still hovered above Sinai in the sight of the congregation; but “they made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox.” Psalm 106:19, 20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 69, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 69, 1904, par. 31

Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had made a solemn covenant with God to obey His voice. They had stood trembling with terror before the mount, listening to the words of the Lord, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” [Exodus 20:3.] The glory of God still hovered above Sinai in the sight of the congregation; but they turned away and asked for other gods. “They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image. Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox.” [Psalm 106:19, 20.] How could greater ingratitude have been shown, or a more daring insult offered, to Him who had revealed Himself to them as a tender Father and an all-powerful King.

Darkness Before Dawn

The Mastermind of Deception

DD 20.3

Furthermore, God has expressly forbidden all pretended communication with departed spirits. In the days of the Hebrews there was a class of people who claimed, as do the spiritualists of today, to hold communication with the dead. But the “familiar spirits,” as these visitants from other worlds were called, are declared by the Bible to be “the spirits of devils.” (Compare Numbers 25:1-3; Psalm 106:28; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Revelation 16:14.) The work of dealing with familiar spirits was pronounced an abomination to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31; 20:27. The very name of witchcraft is now held in contempt. The claim that men can hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded as a fable of the Dark Ages. But spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 34—Can Our Dead Speak to Us?

GC 556.2

Furthermore, God has expressly forbidden all pretended communication with departed spirits. In the days of the Hebrews there was a class of people who claimed, as do the spiritualists of today, to hold communication with the dead. But the “familiar spirits,” as these visitants from other worlds were called, are declared by the Bible to be “the spirits of devils.” (Compare Numbers 25:1-3; Psalm 106:28; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Revelation 16:14.) The work of dealing with familiar spirits was pronounced an abomination to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31; 20:27. The very name of witchcraft is now held in contempt. The claim that men can hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded as a fable of the Dark Ages. But spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 34—Spiritualism

GC88 556.2

Furthermore, God has expressly forbidden all pretended communication with departed spirits. In the days of the Hebrews there was a class of people who claimed, as do the Spiritualists of today, to hold communication with the dead. But the “familiar spirits,” as these visitants from other worlds were called, are declared by the Bible to be the “spirits of devils.” [Compare Numbers 25:1-3; Psalm 106:28; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Revelation 16:14.] The work of dealing with familiar spirits was pronounced an abomination to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden under penalty of death. [Leviticus 19:31; 20:27.] The very name of witchcraft is now held in contempt. The claim that men can hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded as a fable of the Dark Ages. But Spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.

From Here to Forever

Appeal to the Pleasure-loving

HF 341.1

Furthermore, God has forbidden pretended communication with departed spirits. The “familiar spirits,” as these visitants from other worlds were called, are declared by the Bible to be “the spirits of devils.” See Numbers 25:1-3; Psalm 106:28; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Revelation 16:14. Dealing with them was forbidden under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31; 20:27. But spiritualism has made its way into scientific circles, invaded churches, and found favor in legislative bodies, even in the courts of kings. This mammoth deception is a revival in a new disguise of the witchcraft condemned of old.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Forbidden Fellowship

GrH_c 21.5

Furthermore, God has forbidden pretended communication with departed spirits. The “familiar spirits,” as these visitants from other worlds were called, are declared by the Bible to be “the spirits of devils.” See Numbers 25:1-3; Psalm 106:28; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Revelation 16:14. Dealing with them was forbidden under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31; 20:27. But spiritualism has made its way into scientific circles, invaded churches, and found favor in legislative bodies, even in the courts of kings. This mammoth deception is a revival in a new disguise of the witchcraft condemned of old.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 67—Ancient and Modern Sorcery

PP 684.2

This same belief in communion with the dead formed the cornerstone of heathen idolatry. The gods of the heathen were believed to be the deified spirits of departed heroes. Thus the religion of the heathen was a worship of the dead. This is evident from the Scriptures. In the account of the sin of Israel at Beth-peor, it is stated: “Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor.” Numbers 25:1-3. The psalmist tells us to what kind of gods these sacrifices were offered. Speaking of the same apostasy of the Israelites, he says, “They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead” (Psalm 106:28); that is, sacrifices that had been offered to the dead.

PP 685.4

The “familiar spirits” were not the spirits of the dead, but evil angels, the messengers of Satan. Ancient idolatry, which, as we have seen, comprises both worship of the dead and pretended communion with them, is declared by the Bible to have been demon worship. The apostle Paul, in warning his brethren against participating, in any manner, in the idolatry of their heathen neighbors, says, “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God, and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:20. The psalmist, speaking of Israel, says that “they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,” and in the next verse he explains that they sacrificed them “unto the idols of Canaan.” Psalm 106:37, 38. In their supposed worship of dead men they were in reality worshiping demons.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 67—Ancient and Modern Spiritualism

EP 496.1

The gods of the heathen were believed to be the deified spirits of departed heroes. Thus the religion of the heathen was a worship of the dead. Speaking of the apostasy of the Israelites, the psalmist says, “They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead” (Psalm 106:28), that is, sacrifices that had been offered to the dead.

EP 497.2

The “familiar spirits” were not the spirits of the dead, but evil angels, the messengers of Satan. The psalmist, speaking of Israel, says that “they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,” and in the next verse he explains that they sacrificed them “unto the idols of Canaan.” Psalm 106:37, 38. In their supposed worship of dead men, they were, in reality, worshiping demons.

Conflict and Courage

No Excuse for Sinning, April 14

CC 110.1

They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account; for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke words that were rash. Psalm 106:32, 33, R.S.V.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 37—The Smitten Rock

PP 420.4

Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would view the matter; his sin was one of common occurrence. The psalmist says that “he spake unadvisedly with his lips.” Psalm 106:33. To human judgment this may seem a light thing; but if God dealt so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honored servant, He will not excuse it in others. The spirit of self-exaltation, the disposition to censure our brethren, is displeasing to God. Those who indulge in these evils cast doubt upon the work of God, and give the skeptical an excuse for their unbelief. The more important one’s position, and the greater his influence, the greater is the necessity that he should cultivate patience and humility.

From Eternity Past

Why the Sin of Moses and Aaron Must Be Punished

EP 293.4

Moses’ sin was one of common occurrence. The psalmist says that “he spake unadvisedly with his lips.” Psalm 106:33. To human judgment this may seem a light thing, but if God dealt so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honored servant, He will not excuse it in others. The spirit of self-exaltation, the disposition to censure our brethren, is displeasing to God. The more important one’s position, the greater the necessity that he cultivate patience and humility.

Education

Chapter 6—The Schools of the Prophets

Ed 45.1

Wherever in Israel God’s plan of education was carried into effect, its results testified of its Author. But in very many households the training appointed by Heaven, and the characters thus developed, were alike rare. God’s plan was but partially and imperfectly fulfilled. By unbelief and by disregard of the Lord’s directions, the Israelites surrounded themselves with temptations that few had power to resist. At their settlement in Canaan “they did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: but were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.” Their heart was not right with God, “neither were they steadfast in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned He His anger away.... For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” Psalm 106:34-36; 78:37-39. Fathers and mothers in Israel became indifferent to their obligation to God, indifferent to their obligation to their children. Through unfaithfulness in the home, and idolatrous influences without, many of the Hebrew youth received an education differing widely from that which God had planned for them. They learned the ways of the heathen.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 53—The Earlier Judges

PP 544.3

The Israelites were “mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.” Psalm 106:35. They intermarried with the Canaanites, and idolatry spread like a plague throughout the land. “They served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils: ... and the land was polluted with blood.... Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance.” Psalm 106:36-40.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 53—The Judges, Deliverers of Israel

EP 392.3

The Israelites were “mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.” They intermarried with the Canaanites, and idolatry spread like a plague throughout the land. “Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils... . And the land was polluted with blood.” “Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance.” Psalm 106:35-40.

Ye Shall Receive Power

It Calls for a Joyful Praise, November 21

YRP 334.3

Praise the Lord in the congregation of His people. When the word of the Lord was spoken to the Hebrews anciently, the command was: “And let all the people say, Amen” (Psalm 106:48). When the ark of the covenant was brought into the city of David, and a psalm of joy and triumph was chanted, “all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:36). This fervent response was an evidence that they understood the word spoken and joined in the worship of God.