John Calvin Commentary Psalms 106:43

"Many times did he deliver them; But they were rebellious in their counsel, And were brought low in their iniquity." — Psalms 106:43 (ASV)

Many times. Just as the wicked perversity of the people was demonstrated by the fact that God’s severe chastisements failed to produce their reformation, so now, on the other hand, the prophet deduces the detestable hardness of their hearts from the fact that all the benefits they had received from God could not bend them to obedience.

Indeed, in their time of affliction, they groaned under their burden; but when God not only mitigated their punishment but also granted them wonderful deliverances, can their subsequent backsliding be excused? We should remember that here, as in a mirror, we see a picture of the nature of all humankind. For if God were to use the very same methods he employed with the Israelites to reclaim the majority of humanity, how few, in comparison, would not be found persisting in the very same state?

And if he either humbles us by the severity of his rod or melts us by his kindness, the effect is only temporary. Because, though he visits us with correction upon correction and heaps kindness upon kindness, we very soon relapse into our accustomed sinful practices. As for the Jews, their senseless stupidity was insufferable, because, despite the many and magnificent deliverances God accomplished for them, they did not cease their backsliding.

For the Psalmist says that they nevertheless, provoked God with their wicked inventions. Then he declares that they received a just recompense of reward by being oppressed by their iniquity. Moreover, he informs us that though they were most deserving of all their afflictions, yet their groanings were heard. From this we learn that God, in his unwearied kindness, did not cease to strive with them because of their perverse spirit.

For what pity was this, to hear the cry of those who turned a deaf ear to his wise instructions and disregarded all his warnings and threats? And yet after all this forbearance and long-suffering, their exceedingly depraved hearts remained unchanged.