Psalms 106:23 - Exposition

Therefore he said that he would destroy them; literally, and he said. On the apostasy at Sinai, God expressed to Moses an intention to destroy the entire people of Israel, save only himself, and to "make of him a great nation" ( Exodus 32:10 ; comp. Deuteronomy 9:14 , Deuteronomy 9:25 ). Had not Moses his chosen steed before him in the breach. Moses was "chosen" by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt ( Exodus 3:10 ), and forced to accept the office ( Exodus 4:1-17 ). When Israel angered God at Sinai, he "stood in the gap," like a brave soldier guarding his city when the enemy has breached the wall ( Exodus 32:11-13 , Exodus 32:31-34 ). To turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them. God was ready to have destroyed all Israel, and to have raised up a new Israel out of the descendants of Moses, had not Moses pleaded with extreme earnestness on the people's behalf ( Exodus 32:32 ).