Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 106:26

"Therefore he sware unto them, That he would overthrow them in the wilderness," — Psalms 106:26 (ASV)

Lifted up his hand. —Not to strike, but to give emphasis to the oath pronounced against the sinners. (See Exodus 6:8, margin; Deuteronomy 32:40; compare to Psalms 144:8.) The substance of the oath here referred to is given in Numbers 14:28-35.