Psalm 106:20

Modern

They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox.

Traditional

Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

Literal

And they exchanged their Glory for the image of an ox eating grass.

Latin

Et mutaverunt gloriam suam in similitudinem vituli comedentis fœnum.

Hebrew

English

They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox.

they … worshiped a molten image: The people forgot their Savior and worshiped idols (see Exodus 32:1–6).

The Israelite community in exile confessed the Lord’s goodness and justice and their own past sins. From their humble state in exile, they asked for redemption and restoration. They hoped to be gathered back from all the places the Lord had scattered them in his anger.
The psalm ends with a memory of the Lord’s past mercy and hope for renewed mercy (Psalm 106:44–48). Israel failed, but the Lord remains constant.
Verses 1, 47–48 (along with Psalms 96; 105:1–15) are included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:1–43.

Theme notes and profiles

Jeremiah 2:11
Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.
Romans 1:22–23
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,
Exodus 20:4–5
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.
Psalm 89:17
For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted.
Isaiah 40:18–25
To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him?