Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
You answered them, O LORD our God. You were a God who forgave them, even though you punished them for their wrongdoings.
This verse shows that God both forgives his people and holds them accountable for their actions - he can be merciful and just at the same time.
📚 Historical Context
In the context of Psalm 99, the psalmist is praising God for His holiness and sovereignty over Israel, as part of a series of psalms that exalt God's kingship. This verse specifically recalls how God answered the prayers of His people, such as Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, by forgiving their sins while still punishing their rebellious actions or "inventions," which refer to their idolatrous deeds. It draws from the broader Old Testament narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where mercy and justice are intertwined in stories of repentance and restoration.
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