Psalms 78:10

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 78:10 is a poignant verse from a historical psalm by Asaph, which recounts the long history of God's dealings with Israel, highlighting their repeated pattern of disobedience and rebellion despite His constant faithfulness. This particular verse zeroes in on a foundational failure: their rejection of the very agreement that defined their relationship with God.

Context

Psalm 78 is a Maskil, an instructional psalm, serving as a historical narrative designed to teach future generations from the mistakes of the past. Asaph traces Israel's journey from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, and up to the reign of David. The "they" in this verse refers specifically to the generations of Israelites who witnessed God's mighty acts and received His law, yet consistently failed to uphold their end of the covenant made at Mount Sinai. The psalm repeatedly emphasizes their forgetfulness and hardened hearts despite God's miraculous provision and patience, painting a picture of a nation prone to spiritual amnesia and rebellion.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Breaking: The primary theme is Israel's failure to keep their side of the divine covenant. This was not merely a broken contract but a breach of a sacred, relational agreement with God, which brought with it significant consequences.
  • Refusal to Obey God's Law: The verse explicitly states they "refused to walk in his law." This highlights a deliberate, willful act of disobedience rather than an accidental transgression. God's law (Torah) was given for their good, to guide them in righteous living and maintain their unique relationship with Him. Their refusal indicated a rejection of God's authority and wisdom.
  • Historical Pattern of Disobedience: This verse is a microcosm of a larger, recurring theme throughout Israel's history, where generations failed to learn from the past, leading to cycles of judgment and restoration. It serves as a stark warning about the dangers of spiritual apathy and rebellion against divine instruction, a pattern that ultimately pointed to the need for a new covenant written on hearts.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Covenant" (Hebrew: berîṯ - בְּרִית): This term signifies a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by God, establishing a relationship with specific obligations and promises. It's more profound than a mere contract; it defines a relationship.
  • "Law" (Hebrew: tôrâ - תּוֹרָה): While often translated "law," Torah more broadly means "instruction" or "teaching." It encompasses God's divine guidance and revealed will for how His people are to live and worship.
  • "Refused to walk" (Hebrew: māʾănû lāleḵeṯ - מֵאֲנוּ לָלֶכֶת): The Hebrew verb implies a strong, willful rejection or refusal. It's not passive neglect but an active decision to turn away from the path God prescribed. To "walk in his law" is an idiom for living according to its principles and commands.

Practical Application

Psalm 78:10 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. Just as ancient Israel had a covenant and a law, Christians are called to live in covenant relationship with God through Christ and to walk according to His revealed will. This verse encourages us to:

  • Value God's Word: God's "law" or instruction is for our good and spiritual flourishing. We must not refuse to walk in it but embrace it as guidance for life.
  • Learn from History: The psalm's purpose is to prevent future generations from repeating past mistakes. We should reflect on our own spiritual history and the history of God's people to avoid cycles of disobedience.
  • Guard Against Spiritual Amnesia: It's easy to forget God's faithfulness and our commitments to Him. Regularly recalling His goodness and our covenant obligations helps us remain steadfast.
  • Embrace Obedience: True faith is demonstrated through obedience. Our relationship with God thrives when we willingly and actively choose to follow His commands, understanding that they are expressions of His love and wisdom, leading to a life that honors Him.

Reflection

Psalm 78:10 powerfully underscores the enduring challenge of human rebellion against divine authority. It reminds us that God's covenant and His law are not burdensome impositions but gracious invitations to a flourishing life in relationship with Him. The historical failure of Israel serves as a sober warning, urging us to actively cultivate hearts that remember, obey, and faithfully walk in the light of God's truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back