THEY CHANGED THEIR GLORY

This psalm records the continual cycle of rebellion and recovery, of sin and salvation, in Israel’s history, The first episode, vv. 6-24, shows us the underlying causes, “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly”, v. 6. However, His people’s failure did not frustrate God’s salvation because His name was involved.

His power was manifested at the Red Sea, when He by the word of His power dried up the sea, led the people safely through, saved and redeemed them, v. 10, destroying the enemy at the same time. This spectacular deliverance meant that “there was not one (of the enemy) left”, v. 11. “Then believed they his words; they sang his praise”, v. 12. However, “They soon forgat his works”, v. 13. They requested things that God did not want them to have, “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul”, v. 15. Material prosperity goes with spiritual poverty, if it is selfishly sought, 1 Tim. 6. 9.

The flesh is not just satisfied with things, but goes on to seek position, “They envied Moses … and Aaron the saint of the Lord”, v. 16. Divine judgment follows, vv. 17, 18. Still apostasy went on, ending in the worship of the molten calf, v. 19. The result was “Thus they changed their glory”, v. 20. God was the glory of Israel; His wonderful works demonstrated His greatness in a very public way, ensuring His glory. However, this was soon forgotten.

Romans 1. 21 shows that Israel’s action in “changing their glory” had been predated by the action of the very first idolaters after the flood. They knew God, 1. 21, from His creation, but “they glorified him not as God … but became vain (empty) in their imaginations (human reasonings) … Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things”, 1. 21-23, changing truth into a lie, v. 25.

Man always wants to change the things of God. God Himself, however, is unchangeable and man’s efforts are futile. But as His glory is the public display of His greatness, this sadly can be changed. Our purpose today, therefore, is to do all we can to correct the situation and to glorify God.