Psalms 78:32

KJV

For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

KJV (with Strong's)

For all this they sinned {H2398}{H8804)} still, and believed {H539}{H8689)} not for his wondrous works {H6381}{H8737)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still, they kept on sinning and put no faith in his wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; despite His wonderful works, they did not believe.

American Standard Version

For all this they sinned still, And believed not in his wondrous works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:32 powerfully encapsulates Israel's persistent rebellion and profound unbelief despite overwhelming evidence of God's miraculous power and faithful provision during their wilderness journey. It highlights a tragic pattern of human stubbornness and a failure to trust divine beneficence, serving as a solemn warning against spiritual apathy and a hardened heart in the face of God's manifest goodness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping _maskil_ (didactic psalm) that recounts Israel's history from the Exodus to the establishment of David's reign, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations. Verses [Psalms 78:1-8](/psalms/78-1 "Psalm 78:1-8 - A Call to Hear and Learn") introduce the psalm's purpose: to declare God's mighty deeds and Israel's repeated failures. Leading up to verse 32, the psalm details God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt ([Psalms 78:12-16](/psalms/78-12 "Psalm 78:12-16 - God's Wonders in Egypt and the Wilderness")), His provision of manna ([Psalms 78:23-25](/psalms/78-23 "Psalm 78:23-25 - The Bread of Heaven")) and quails ([Psalms 78:26-31](/psalms/78-26 "Psalm 78:26-31 - The Provision of Meat and Its Consequences")) in the wilderness, and the miraculous water from the rock ([Psalms 78:15-16](/psalms/78-15 "Psalm 78:15-16 - Water from the Rock")). Despite these undeniable demonstrations of divine power and care, the people consistently tested God and rebelled against Him, culminating in the summary statement of their persistent sin and unbelief in verse 32. This verse acts as a pivotal summary of their ongoing spiritual failure amidst divine grace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects the wilderness generation's experience, a period of forty years following the Exodus from Egypt, as described in the books of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers"). This era was characterized by God's direct, miraculous intervention in the lives of the Israelites—manna from heaven, water from rocks, the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, and victory over enemies. Culturally, the Israelites were transitioning from slavery to nationhood, guided by the Mosaic Law and the tabernacle, God's dwelling place among them. Despite being God's chosen people, privy to unparalleled divine revelation and provision, their hearts remained prone to idolatry, complaining, and a profound lack of trust in Yahweh, a stark contrast to the surrounding pagan nations who often attributed natural phenomena to their gods. Their repeated failures in the wilderness became a foundational narrative for later generations, illustrating the dangers of spiritual amnesia and a hardened heart.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 78:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness vs. Human Faithlessness**. God consistently provides and acts miraculously, yet Israel consistently rebels and disbelieves. This tension is central to the entire psalm, demonstrating God's enduring patience despite His people's stubbornness. Second, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Unbelief**. The lack of faith is not merely an intellectual error but a profound moral failure that leads to severe divine judgment and prevents entry into God's promised rest, as seen in [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Unbelief and Exclusion from Rest"). Third, it emphasizes the **Didactic Purpose of History**. The recounting of Israel's past serves as a warning and an instruction for future generations, urging them to learn from the mistakes of their ancestors and to cultivate a heart of trust and obedience toward God's "wondrous works" ([Deuteronomy 6:12](/deuteronomy/6-12 "Deuteronomy 6:12 - Do Not Forget the Lord")). The psalm thus functions as a powerful reminder that knowledge of God's deeds must translate into genuine faith and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ_):** This verb (חָטָא, H2398) is a primitive root meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to transgress." The addition of "still" (עוֹד, _'od_) intensifies the meaning, indicating a persistent, continuous, and unrepentant pattern of missing God's standard. It's not a singular lapse but an ongoing disposition of rebellion, despite repeated divine interventions and warnings. This highlights the deep-seated nature of their spiritual malady, a continuous forfeiture of God's favor through their actions.
* **Believed not (Hebrew, _ʼâman_):** The negation of the verb _ʼâman_ (אָמַן, H539) is profound. _ʼâman_ signifies firmness, reliability, trustworthiness, and faithfulness. It is the root from which "Amen" derives, denoting certainty and affirmation. Thus, "believed not" means they were not firm in their trust, not reliable in their commitment, and lacked steadfast faith in God's character, promises, and power, even in the face of His undeniable "wondrous works." Their unbelief was a lack of firm reliance on God Himself, a failure to be permanent or quiet in their trust.
* **Wondrous works (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ_):** This noun (פֶּלֶא, H6381) refers to extraordinary, supernatural, and miraculous deeds that inspire awe and demonstrate divine power and uniqueness. These were not ordinary events but acts that transcended natural capabilities, such as the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna, and water from the rock. The psalmist emphasizes that Israel's unbelief occurred *despite* these undeniable, awe-inspiring manifestations of God's omnipotence and benevolent care. These were deeds that distinguished God's power as great and wonderful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For all this they sinned still":** This clause directly connects Israel's ongoing rebellion to the preceding narrative of God's abundant provision and miraculous interventions. "All this" refers to the manna, quails, and water from the rock, along with God's patience and long-suffering. Despite witnessing and experiencing these profound acts of divine grace, the people persisted in their disobedience and transgression. This highlights the stubbornness of the human heart, capable of resisting even the most compelling evidence of God's goodness.
* **"and believed not for his wondrous works":** This second clause identifies the root cause of their persistent sin: a fundamental lack of faith. Their unbelief was not due to a lack of evidence, but a failure to trust God's character and power, even when confronted with His extraordinary, awe-inspiring deeds. The "wondrous works" were intended to cultivate faith and obedience, yet they were met with skepticism, doubt, and a hardened heart. This reveals that seeing miracles does not automatically produce saving faith; rather, faith is a matter of the heart's disposition towards God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:32 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting God's unwavering "wondrous works" and patient provision against Israel's persistent sin and profound unbelief. This stark juxtaposition underscores the depth of Israel's spiritual failure and God's enduring faithfulness. **Repetition** is also evident throughout the psalm, and particularly implied here, as the phrase "sinned still" points to a recurring pattern of disobedience despite repeated divine acts. This emphasizes the chronic nature of Israel's rebellion. Furthermore, the psalm functions as a **Didactic Narrative**, using historical recounting as a moral and theological lesson. Verse 32 serves as a concise summary of this lesson, encapsulating the core problem of unbelief that plagued the wilderness generation. The **Hyperbole** of "all this" (referring to the vast array of miracles) further emphasizes the inexcusable nature of their continued sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:32 stands as a poignant theological statement on the nature of sin and faith, particularly highlighting the insidious nature of unbelief. It reveals that mere exposure to divine power or historical evidence of God's intervention is insufficient to produce genuine trust. The Israelites, though recipients of unparalleled miracles, failed to internalize the truth of God's character and promises, leading to a cycle of disobedience. This verse underscores that unbelief is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a moral failing, a refusal to rely on the One who has proven Himself utterly trustworthy. It serves as a timeless warning that God's grace, though abundant, can be resisted by a hardened heart, leading to spiritual stagnation and judgment.

* [Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - How Long Will This People Despise Me?")
* [Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Beware of an Evil, Unbelieving Heart")
* [John 12:37](/john/12-37 "John 12:37 - Unbelief Despite Many Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:32 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the state of our own hearts in light of God's ongoing "wondrous works" in our lives and in the world. We, too, can become desensitized to God's daily provisions, His faithfulness in challenging times, and the grand narrative of salvation history. This verse warns against the spiritual complacency that allows familiarity with divine truth to breed contempt or, worse, a subtle, insidious unbelief that undermines our trust and leads to a persistent pattern of "missing the mark." True faith is not a one-time intellectual assent but an ongoing, active reliance on God's character and promises, cultivated through intentional remembrance of His past goodness and a deliberate choice to trust Him in the present. It calls us to respond to God's grace with a heart of gratitude, obedience, and unwavering confidence, rather than mirroring the stubborn rebellion of ancient Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be "sinning still," despite having witnessed God's "wondrous works" or experienced His faithfulness?**
* **How might a subtle unbelief manifest in your daily thoughts, words, or actions, even when you intellectually affirm God's power?**
* **What specific "wondrous works" of God, past or present, can you intentionally recall and meditate on to strengthen your faith and combat unbelief?**
* **How can you cultivate a more responsive and trusting heart, actively choosing to believe God's promises even when circumstances seem to contradict them?**

### FAQ
**What does "For all this they sinned still" imply about human nature?**

Answer: This phrase implies a profound and disturbing aspect of fallen human nature: its stubborn resistance to divine grace and truth. Despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, provision, and patience—the "wondrous works" detailed in the preceding verses—the Israelites persisted in their disobedience. This suggests that sin is not merely a lack of information or understanding, but often a deliberate choice rooted in a hardened heart and an unwillingness to submit to God's authority. It reveals humanity's deep-seated propensity for rebellion, even in the face of undeniable divine beneficence, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from the fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the warnings in the New Testament about spiritual blindness ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World Blinding Unbelievers")).

**How can one avoid the "unbelief" described in Psalms 78:32 in their own life?**

Answer: Avoiding the unbelief described in Psalms 78:32 requires intentional spiritual discipline and a conscious cultivation of trust in God. First, it involves **remembering God's faithfulness**—actively recalling and meditating on His past "wondrous works," both in biblical history and in your personal life. This builds a reservoir of trust. Second, it necessitates **guarding your heart** against the subtle influences of doubt, cynicism, and self-reliance, recognizing that unbelief is a serious spiritual condition ([Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Beware of an Evil, Unbelieving Heart")). Third, it means **engaging with God's Word** regularly, allowing its truths to shape your perspective and reinforce His promises ([Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")). Finally, it requires **prayer and community**, seeking God's help to believe and surrounding yourself with others who encourage faith and accountability ([James 1:6](/james/1-6 "James 1:6 - Ask in Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:32, with its lament over Israel's persistent sin and unbelief despite God's "wondrous works," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus, the true and faithful Israel. While ancient Israel repeatedly failed to believe in the face of divine miracles, Jesus Himself is the supreme "wondrous work" of God, the full revelation of God's character and power ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life was marked by unparalleled miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, and even controlling nature—yet, tragically, many who witnessed these signs still "believed not" ([John 12:37](/john/12-37 "John 12:37 - Unbelief Despite Many Signs")). This echoes the very pattern of unbelief condemned in the psalm. However, unlike the unfaithful Israelites, Jesus perfectly trusted and obeyed the Father, even unto death on the cross, becoming the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He provides the means for humanity to overcome the very unbelief and sin that plagued Israel. In Christ, God's greatest "wondrous work" is not just observed but experienced, enabling a new covenant people to truly believe and enter into God's promised rest, a rest that was forfeited by the wilderness generation due to their unbelief ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest")). He is the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), offering true faith and deliverance from the cycle of sin and unbelief.

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

John 12:37

¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

Psalms 78:22

Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

Numbers 14:1

¶ And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

Numbers 14:45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

Numbers 21:1

¶ And [when] king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took [some] of them prisoners.

Numbers 21:6

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Psalms 78:11

And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.