Psalm 106:23: “Therefore, He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses, His chosen, stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy.”
This psalm reflects a segment of Israel’s history with God. In this psalm, God had done much for them. The psalmist recounts God’s mighty acts. He protected them by saving them from their enemies and covering those who hated them with water. Yet, they forgot His works and committed various sins, which led to their calamity. Yes, God allowed calamity to find them, but He did not utterly destroy them. The psalmist declares they were spared because Moses stood before God in the breach.
As you read through Israel’s history, you’ll discover that Moses often pleaded before God for mercy on the nation of Israel. God’s response was mercy, long-suffering, and discipline, but He never utterly destroyed the nation. What power there is in intercession! Having someone stand in the gap for another before God prevents complete destruction. What a privilege we have as God’s chosen people, to come before God on behalf of others. Can you think of anyone for whom you can stand before God in the breach? Perhaps God will honor your prayer as He did Moses’, and it will be written of you: Had not (your name) stood before the Lord for me, the Lord would have destroyed.