Psalms 106:20

"They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped a molten image."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 106:20, the making and worshipping of a calf at Horeb symbolizes Israel's spiritual apostasy and deviation from God's commandments, illustrating how even His own people can turn away quickly to idolatry despite His faithfulness and guidance. This act foreshadows future instances of idolatrous behavior throughout their history, highlighting the persistent challenge of maintaining faithfulness to Yahweh in the face of temptation.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Thus they changed their glory -Their true glory - the proper object of worship - God. Compare the notes atRomans 1:23. They “exchanged” that as an object of worship for the image of an ox. Into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass -Into the likeness of an ox. That is, They worshipped God under that image. The circumstance of its “eating grass” is added to show the absurdity of the act. Instead of worshipping God - an independent Being, who does not need to be supported, but who himself sustains all things, and provides for all - they worshipped an animal that had need of constant sustenance, and would itself soon die if deprived of its proper nourishment.

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