Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 106:23

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 them

He declared his intention in express words, as Exod. 32. 10. and elsewhere.

God had made an Hedge or Wall about them; but they had made a gap or breach in it by their Sins, at which the Lord, who was now justly become their Enemy, might enter to destroy them; which he had certainly done, if Moses by his prevailing intercession had not hindered him. See Deut. 9. 1[illegible: 1+ letters]. & 10. 10. It is a Metaphor from a Besieged City, where the Enemy indeavours to make a breach in the Walls, and thereby to enter into the City; which he will do, unless some valiant Champion stand in the gap to oppose him.

Marginal references: Exod. 32. 10, 11, 32.