Psalm 106:25

Modern

They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD.

Traditional

But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.

Literal

…and they grumbled in their tents; they did not listen to the voice of YHWH.

Latin

Et murmuraverunt in tabernaculis suis; non exaudierunt vocem Domini.

Hebrew

English

They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD.

The people disobeyed God’s command when they refused to enter the pleasant land (the promised land (see Jeremiah 3:19).
they did not believe His promise: See Numbers 13:25–14:12.

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

Numbers 14:22
…not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—
Psalm 95:7–9
For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice,
Deuteronomy 1:26–27
But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God.
Hebrews 3:7–8
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice,
Hebrews 3:15
As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”
Numbers 14:1–4
Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept.
Numbers 14:27–29
“How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me.