Psalm 106:6

6 We have sinned as our ancestors did; we have been wicked and evil.

Psalm 106:6 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 106:6

We have sinned with our fathers
Sinned in their first father Adam; derived a corrupt nature from their immediate ancestors; sinned after the similitude of their transgressions; sinned after their example, in like manner as they did; guilty of the same gross enormities as they were: though sufficiently warned by the words of the prophets, and by punishments inflicted, they continued their sins, a constant series and course of them, and filled up the measure of their iniquities; they rose up in their stead an increase of sinful men, to augment the fierce anger of God, ( Numbers 32:14 ) . And this the psalmist, in the name of the people of Israel, confesses, as it was his and their duty and interest so to do, ( Leviticus 26:40 ) , and as we find it was usual with Old Testament saints, ( Jeremiah 3:25 ) ( 14:20 ) ( Daniel 9:8 ) .

We have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly;
this heap of words is used to denote not only the multitude of their sins, but the aggravated circumstances of them; that they had committed all manner of sins, not sins of ignorance, frailty, and infirmity only; but presumptuous sins, sins against light and knowledge, grace and mercy; sins against both tables of the law, against God and their neighbour; and these attended with many aggravations: all which a sensible sinner is ready to make a frank and ingenuous confession of, and forsake; and such an one finds mercy with a God pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin: this form of confession is followed by Solomon and Daniel, ( 1 Kings 8:47 ) ( Daniel 9:5 ) .

Psalm 106:6 In-Context

4 Remember me, Lord, when you help your people; include me when you save them.

5 Let me see the prosperity of your people and share in the happiness of your nation, in the glad pride of those who belong to you.

6 We have sinned as our ancestors did; we have been wicked and evil.

7 Our ancestors in Egypt did not understand God's wonderful acts; they forgot the many times he showed them his love, and they rebelled against the Almighty at the Red Sea.

8 But he saved them, as he had promised, in order to show his great power.