Psalms 78:10

KJV

They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;

KJV (with Strong's)

They kept {H8104}{H8804)} not the covenant {H1285} of God {H430}, and refused {H3985}{H8765)} to walk {H3212}{H8800)} in his law {H8451};

Complete Jewish Bible

They did not keep the covenant of God and refused to live by his Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

They failed to keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law.

American Standard Version

They kept not the covenant of God, And refused to walk in his law;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:10 stands as a poignant indictment within Asaph's historical psalm, encapsulating Israel's profound and repeated failure to uphold the sacred covenant established by God and their willful refusal to live according to His divine instruction. This verse reveals a foundational spiritual breakdown, illustrating a persistent pattern of disobedience and rebellion that spanned generations, despite God's unwavering faithfulness, miraculous provision, and patient leading. It powerfully underscores the critical importance of covenant fidelity and active obedience as the very bedrock of a flourishing, intimate relationship with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a *Maskil*, an instructional psalm designed to impart wisdom and warning through a meticulously recounted history of God's dealings with Israel. Asaph, a prominent Levitical choirmaster, traces the nation's journey from their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, through the challenging wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, the tumultuous period of the judges, and up to the establishment of David's reign. The psalm's overarching pedagogical purpose is clear: to ensure that "the next generation might know them, the children yet to be born, that they in turn might tell their children" [Psalms 78:6](/psalms/78-6 "Psalms 78:6 - That the Next Generation Might Know"). Verse 10 functions as a central indictment within this sweeping narrative, summarizing the core failure that led to repeated cycles of divine judgment and subsequent restoration. It is immediately preceded by a vivid description of God's miraculous provision in the wilderness, including the parting of the Red Sea and the giving of manna [Psalms 78:12-29](/psalms/78-12-29 "Psalms 78:12-29 - God's Miracles and Israel's Rebellion"), making Israel's subsequent disobedience even more egregious. The "they" in this verse refers specifically to the generations who directly experienced God's mighty acts and received His law, yet consistently demonstrated hardened hearts and spiritual amnesia.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "covenant of God" primarily refers to the Mosaic Covenant, a pivotal and foundational agreement established at Mount Sinai, where Israel officially became God's chosen people and His treasured possession [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests"). This covenant, structured similarly to ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties, outlined God's gracious acts (delivering them from slavery and providing for them) and Israel's reciprocal obligations (obedience to His laws). "His law" (Hebrew: *Torah*) encompasses not just legal statutes but God's comprehensive instruction for life, designed to guide them in holiness, justice, and proper worship. The wilderness generation, who directly received this law, repeatedly failed to keep it, provoking God's anger and leading to severe consequences, including exclusion from the Promised Land [Numbers 14:22-23](/numbers/14-22 "Numbers 14:22-23 - Rebellion in the Wilderness"). This historical context highlights the profound theological significance of their failure: it was a rejection of their identity as God's people, a breach of the very foundation of their national existence, and a profound act of ingratitude towards their divine Deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates Israel's chronic failure to uphold their side of the divine covenant. The covenant was not merely a legal contract but a sacred, relational agreement that defined their unique status and purpose as God's people. Their breaking of this covenant, particularly the one forged at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai"), signified a profound betrayal of trust and a rejection of God's authoritative rule over their lives. This theme of covenant infidelity reverberates throughout the Old Testament, explaining many of Israel's subsequent trials, periods of divine discipline, and cycles of judgment and restoration. The phrase "refused to walk in his law" emphasizes a deliberate, willful act of disobedience rather than accidental transgression or ignorance. God's *Torah* was given for Israel's good, intended to guide them into a life of blessing, righteousness, and flourishing within their land [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life and Obey"). Their refusal was a rejection of God's wisdom, His authority, and ultimately, His loving guidance, demonstrating a deep-seated rebellion against His revealed will. Psalm 78:10 is a microcosm of a larger, recurring theme throughout Israel's history, where successive generations failed to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors. This pattern of spiritual amnesia and rebellion, despite God's consistent faithfulness and miraculous interventions, underscores the human propensity for sin and the inherent need for divine intervention to truly transform hearts. This historical trajectory ultimately pointed to the necessity of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that would fundamentally address the problem of the human heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kept (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). In this context, it signifies the active guarding, observing, and preserving of the covenant's terms. The negative "kept not" indicates a failure to uphold, protect, or adhere to the sacred agreement.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning from בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting (like בָּרָא)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. This term denotes a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often initiated by a superior party (the suzerain) with a subordinate party (the vassal). In the biblical context, it describes the foundational relationship God established with Israel, particularly at Sinai, involving mutual obligations and promises.
* **refused (Hebrew, _mâʼên'_):** From H3985, meaning a primitive root; to refuse; refuse, [idiom] utterly. This verb signifies a strong, willful, and obstinate refusal or rejection. It implies not passive neglect but an active decision to decline, resist, or stubbornly turn away from something. Its use here underscores the deliberate nature of Israel's disobedience.
* **walk (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, meaning a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. When used idiomatically with "law," it means to live according to its principles and commands, likening life's journey to a path guided by divine instruction.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, meaning or תֹּרָה; from יָרָה; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch; law. While often translated as "law," *torah* more broadly means "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance." It encompasses God's revealed will, His divine guidance for how His people are to live, worship, and relate to Him and one another. It is presented not as a burden but as a gift, leading to life and blessing when followed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They kept not the covenant of God":** This clause identifies the primary failure of the Israelites. The "they" refers to the generations of Israel who were direct recipients of God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the covenant established at Mount Sinai. To "keep" the covenant implies active remembrance, faithful adherence, and diligent obedience to its terms and stipulations. Their failure was a profound breach of this sacred agreement, which established their unique relationship with Yahweh and set them apart as His chosen people. This broken fidelity carried severe spiritual and national consequences, as the covenant stipulated blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
* **"and refused to walk in his law":** This second clause elaborates on the nature of their covenant-breaking, specifying it as a willful and active rejection of God's revealed will. "His law" (Torah) represents God's divine instruction, given for their guidance and well-being in every aspect of life – moral, civil, and ceremonial. The idiom "to walk in his law" signifies living a life consistent with its principles, internalizing its commands, and allowing them to direct one's daily conduct and choices. The use of the strong verb "refused" (Hebrew: *ma'an*) underscores the deliberate, obstinate nature of their disobedience, indicating a hardened heart and a conscious choice to stray from the path God had laid out for them for their flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:10 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of Israel's chronic disobedience. **Synonymous Parallelism** is prominently featured, where the second clause ("and refused to walk in his law") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first ("They kept not the covenant of God"). Both phrases convey the same core idea of Israel's infidelity and disobedience, but the addition of "refused to walk" in the second clause intensifies the indictment by highlighting the willful and obstinate nature of their rebellion. The phrase "walk in his law" is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, representing a lifestyle of obedience and adherence to God's commands, likening life's journey to a path guided by divine instruction. The entire psalm itself is a **Historical Narrative** presented as a didactic poem, using the past failures of Israel as a cautionary tale for future generations. This verse, therefore, functions as a concise summary of the recurring theme of rebellion within that larger historical account, serving as a stark example of the consequences of spiritual amnesia and deliberate disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:10 profoundly illustrates the enduring tension between divine faithfulness and human unfaithfulness. It underscores the biblical truth that a relationship with God, while initiated by His grace and sovereign choice, necessitates a responsive obedience and fidelity from humanity. Israel's repeated failure to keep the covenant and walk in God's law reveals the inherent human propensity for rebellion and the limitations of external law to truly transform the heart. This verse serves as a sober reminder that mere knowledge of God's commands is insufficient without a heart willing to obey, foreshadowing the need for a deeper, internal transformation that only a new covenant could provide. It highlights the serious consequences of covenant infidelity, which historically led to divine discipline and judgment, yet never extinguished God's ultimate redemptive purposes for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")
* [Hebrews 8:7-13](/hebrews/8-7-13 "Hebrews 8:7-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:10 stands as a timeless mirror, reflecting not only ancient Israel's failures but also the persistent human struggle with obedience and fidelity to God. It challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own commitment to God's covenant and His revealed will. Just as Israel was called to remember God's mighty acts and respond in obedience, so too are we called to actively recall God's faithfulness in our lives and allow His Word to shape our every step. This verse warns against spiritual amnesia, the dangerous tendency to forget God's goodness and our obligations to Him, which inevitably leads to a drifting from His path and a weakening of our spiritual resolve. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active "walking" in His instruction, embracing it as a loving guide for our lives, rather than a burdensome set of rules. Our willingness to obey, though imperfect, demonstrates our love for God and our trust in His wisdom, leading to a life that honors Him and experiences the profound blessing of His presence and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Israel's repeated failure to keep the covenant challenge my own walk with God and my commitment to His Word?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "refusing to walk" in God's instruction, perhaps subtly or unconsciously, and what steps can I take to align myself more fully with His will?**
* **What practices can I cultivate to guard against spiritual amnesia and ensure I am consistently remembering God's faithfulness and my covenant obligations to Him, fostering a heart of willing obedience?**

### FAQ
**What was the "covenant of God" that Israel failed to keep?**

Answer: The "covenant of God" primarily refers to the Mosaic Covenant, also known as the Sinai Covenant, which God established with the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai after their miraculous liberation from Egyptian slavery. This foundational agreement, detailed extensively in [Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Sinai Covenant"), defined Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. It was a conditional covenant, where God promised to be their God and bless them, provided they obeyed His laws and commandments, which included the Ten Commandments and numerous other statutes concerning worship, justice, and daily life. Israel's failure to keep this covenant, as highlighted in Psalms 78:10, involved their repeated idolatry, rebellion, complaining, and disobedience throughout their history, demonstrating a consistent breach of the terms they had solemnly agreed to uphold.

**Why is "walking in his law" so important for God's people?**

Answer: "Walking in his law" is critically important because God's law (Torah) is not merely a list of rules but His divine instruction and guidance for how His people are to live in a way that honors Him and leads to their flourishing. It defines the parameters of a holy and righteous life, reflecting God's own character and wisdom. For Israel, walking in God's law was essential for maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen nation and for experiencing His blessings in the land He promised them, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life and Obey"). For believers today, while we are not under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation, "walking in his law" metaphorically represents living in accordance with God's revealed will in Christ, which is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is an expression of love for God [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments") and a demonstration of genuine faith, leading to a life that reflects God's character and bears spiritual fruit, bringing glory to His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:10, with its stark portrayal of Israel's inability to keep God's covenant and walk in His law, powerfully underscores humanity's inherent need for a Savior. The repeated failures of the Old Covenant people reveal the profound limitations of a law written on stone tablets to truly transform the human heart and produce lasting obedience. This historical pattern of disobedience ultimately points to the necessity of a new and better covenant, one not dependent on flawed human performance but on divine grace and a new internal disposition. Jesus Christ is the glorious fulfillment of this deep-seated need. He perfectly kept the law, living a life of absolute obedience where Israel consistently failed [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), thereby establishing His righteousness. Furthermore, through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant in His blood [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood"), a covenant grounded in grace, forgiveness, and the promise of a transformed heart, not in human merit. Under this new covenant, God promises to write His law not on stone, but on the hearts and minds of His people [Hebrews 10:16](/hebrews/10-16 "Hebrews 10:16 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts"), enabling them by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to genuinely desire and "walk in his law" [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit"). Thus, Israel's failure in Psalms 78:10 serves as a profound backdrop, illuminating the glorious provision of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the covenant and empowers His people to live in true obedience and fidelity to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 2:10

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Nehemiah 9:29

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Jeremiah 31:32

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: