Psalms 78:35

KJV

And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they remembered {H2142}{H8799)} that God {H430} was their rock {H6697}, and the high {H5945} God {H410} their redeemer {H1350}{H8802)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

remembering that God was their Rock, El 'Elyon their Redeemer.

Berean Standard Bible

And they remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

American Standard Version

And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their redeemer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:35 captures a poignant, albeit temporary, moment in Israel's tumultuous relationship with God, where, after experiencing divine judgment for their persistent rebellion, they briefly acknowledged God's steadfast nature and His powerful role as their deliverer. This verse highlights a fleeting recognition of God as their immutable "Rock" and supreme "Redeemer," underscoring the contrast between God's enduring faithfulness and humanity's propensity for forgetfulness and superficial repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is an extensive _maskil_ (instructive psalm) attributed to Asaph, serving as a didactic historical recounting of Israel's journey from the Exodus through the settlement of the Promised Land, culminating in the establishment of David's reign. Its primary purpose is to teach future generations about God's unwavering faithfulness despite Israel's chronic unfaithfulness, idolatry, and forgetfulness of His mighty works. Verse 35 is situated within a section detailing God's judgments (e.g., sending plagues, famine, and pestilence) upon the Israelites due to their repeated provocations and lack of trust, particularly after their complaining in the wilderness (see [Psalms 78:17-34](/psalms/78-17 "Psalm 78:17-34 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment")). The "remembering" described in this verse is depicted not as a profound, lasting repentance, but rather a temporary, fear-induced turning to God in their distress, which the subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 78:36-37](/psalms/78-36 "Psalm 78:36-37 - Their Deceitful Repentance")) quickly reveal to be insincere and fleeting.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm recounts the history of the Exodus generation and their descendants, focusing on the wilderness wanderings and early settlement. Culturally, the titles "Rock" and "Redeemer" held profound significance. In a land often characterized by arid landscapes and precarious existence, a "rock" symbolized stability, refuge, and an unshakeable foundation, offering shelter and water in a desolate environment. The concept of "redeemer" (Hebrew: _go'el_) was deeply embedded in Israelite society, referring to a kinsman who had the right and responsibility to act on behalf of a relative in distress—to buy back property, avenge blood, or deliver from slavery. This cultural understanding amplified God's role as the one who actively intervened to deliver His people from bondage in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Redemption of Israel")) and continually rescued them from their enemies and their own self-inflicted troubles. The historical backdrop of God's miraculous provision and deliverance, juxtaposed with Israel's constant grumbling and idolatry, forms the essential setting for understanding their momentary "remembering" in verse 35.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Enduring Character and Faithfulness**; despite Israel's constant rebellion and fickle hearts, God remains their unchanging source of strength, salvation, and protection, never ceasing to be their "Rock" and "Redeemer." Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Human Forgetfulness and Superficial Repentance**. The psalm repeatedly emphasizes Israel's tendency to forget God's past mercies and mighty acts, leading to disobedience (e.g., [Psalms 78:11](/psalms/78-11 "Psalm 78:11 - They forgot His works")). Verse 35 captures a moment of "remembering," but the broader context of [Psalm 78](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Unfaithfulness") demonstrates that this was not a genuine, heart-deep change, but rather a temporary acknowledgment driven by external pressure and fear of judgment, not true devotion. Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, as the titles "Rock" and "Redeemer" powerfully convey God's consistent role as their ultimate refuge and the one who actively delivers His people from bondage and distress, both physically and spiritually, even when they are undeserving.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʾĔlōhîm'_):** This is the generic Hebrew term for God, often used to emphasize God as the Creator and sovereign ruler over all. In this context, it underscores the universal authority and power of the being whom Israel momentarily acknowledged.
* **Rock (Hebrew, צוּר, _tsur'_):** A profound biblical metaphor for God, signifying His immutability, strength, stability, and role as a secure refuge. It emphasizes God as the unshakeable foundation and protector of His people, a source of steadfastness in a volatile world. This imagery is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, portraying God as a secure fortress and a source of salvation (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock")).
* **High God (Hebrew, אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, _ʾĒl ʿElyôn'_):** A majestic title emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and absolute authority over all creation. It reminds the Israelites, and us, that the God who redeems is also the Most High God, beyond human comprehension and control, ruling over all earthly powers and circumstances. This title highlights His unmatched power and exalted status.
* **Redeemer (Hebrew, גֹּאֵל, _goʾēl'_):** Refers to one who acts as a kinsman-redeemer, a protector, or one who buys back. This concept is deeply rooted in Israel's history, pointing to God's powerful act of delivering them from bondage in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Redemption of Israel")) and His ongoing commitment to rescue and restore His people from various forms of distress. It speaks of God's active, personal intervention on behalf of His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they remembered":** This phrase marks a turning point, albeit a temporary one, in the narrative of Israel's rebellion. It suggests a moment of clarity or recollection, prompted by the severe consequences of their disobedience. However, the broader context of Psalm 78 reveals this "remembering" was not a deep, heart-felt repentance but rather a superficial, fear-driven acknowledgment of God's power in their distress, a temporary cessation of their grumbling and idolatry.
* **"that God [was] their rock":** In this moment of remembering, the Israelites acknowledged God's fundamental nature as their source of stability, strength, and refuge. They recognized Him as the unwavering foundation upon whom they could depend, the one who had consistently provided and protected them throughout their history, even when they were unfaithful. This was an intellectual assent to His character, even if their hearts remained distant.
* **"and the high God their redeemer":** Beyond acknowledging God as their steadfast strength, they also recognized Him as the supreme, transcendent deity who actively intervened to deliver them. This speaks to God's unparalleled power and His covenant commitment to rescue His people from bondage, danger, and the consequences of their sin. They recalled His mighty acts of salvation, particularly the Exodus, as evidence of His redemptive power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:35 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the application of "Rock" to God. This powerful image immediately evokes ideas of stability, strength, refuge, and an unshakeable foundation, contrasting sharply with the shifting, unreliable nature of humanity. The use of **Divine Titles** ("God," "High God," "Redeemer") serves to emphasize the multifaceted character of the Lord—His omnipotence, transcendence, and active involvement in the lives of His people. The verse also functions as part of a larger **Historical Narrative**, recounting Israel's past for didactic purposes, highlighting patterns of divine faithfulness and human failure. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Irony** in this verse; the Israelites "remembered" God's steadfastness and redemptive power, yet the subsequent verses reveal their remembrance was superficial and short-lived, creating a poignant contrast between their momentary recognition and their enduring unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:35 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and humanity. It underscores God's unchanging character as the ultimate source of strength and salvation, a steadfast "Rock" in whom His people can always find refuge, and a powerful "Redeemer" who actively intervenes to deliver them from bondage and distress. This stands in stark contrast to the human tendency towards forgetfulness, superficiality, and a conditional faith that only "remembers" God in times of crisis. The verse implicitly challenges the reader to move beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment of God's attributes to a genuine, heart-felt, and enduring trust. It highlights the biblical truth that while God remains faithful even when we are faithless, His desire is for a relationship rooted in sincere repentance and steadfast commitment, not just a temporary turning born out of fear or convenience.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock")
* [Isaiah 41:14](/isaiah/41-14 "Isaiah 41:14 - The Lord, your Redeemer")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:35 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, prompting us to critically examine the nature of our own "remembering" of God. Do we, like the Israelites, primarily turn to Him in times of crisis, acknowledging Him as our "Rock" and "Redeemer" only when trouble strikes or when we are desperate for deliverance? Or is our recognition of His unchanging nature and His redemptive power rooted in a continuous, genuine relationship of trust, obedience, and heartfelt devotion? This verse challenges us to cultivate a constant awareness of God's historical faithfulness and His immutable character, not just a fleeting memory triggered by adverse circumstances. When faced with life's inevitable challenges, we are called to find solace and strength in the unwavering truth that God truly is our unshakeable Rock and our powerful Redeemer, always able to deliver and restore. Our response should therefore be one of sincere, enduring repentance and steadfast commitment, a deep-seated faith that transcends momentary fear and embraces a lifelong walk of grateful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "remembering" of God be superficial or crisis-driven, rather than a deep, continuous walk of faith?**
* **How do the titles "Rock" and "Redeemer" speak to my current circumstances, and how can I lean more fully into God's steadfastness and redemptive power?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more constant, heartfelt awareness of God's presence and faithfulness in my daily life?**
* **How does the insincerity of Israel's repentance in this psalm challenge me to examine the authenticity of my own repentance and commitment to God?**

### FAQ
**Why is God called "Rock" and "Redeemer" in this verse?**

Answer: These titles are rich metaphors that describe fundamental aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people. "Rock" (Hebrew: _tsur_) signifies God's immutability, strength, and reliability. Just as a physical rock provides a stable foundation, shelter, and an unmoving landmark, God is portrayed as the unshakeable source of security and refuge for His people (see [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock")). He is constant and dependable, unlike the shifting circumstances of life or the fickle hearts of humanity. "Redeemer" (Hebrew: _goʾēl_) refers to one who acts as a kinsman-redeemer, someone who delivers, rescues, or buys back. This title highlights God's active intervention to liberate His people from bondage, danger, or the consequences of their sin. It points to His covenant faithfulness and His powerful acts of salvation, such as delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt (as seen in [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Redemption of Israel")). Together, these titles emphasize God's unwavering power, faithfulness, and commitment to His people's salvation and well-being.

**What does "remembered" imply about Israel's faith in Psalm 78:35?**

Answer: In the context of Psalm 78, the act of "remembering" in verse 35 is presented as a temporary and superficial turning to God, rather than a deep, genuine repentance. The psalm meticulously chronicles Israel's cycle of rebellion, divine judgment, and then a fleeting moment of distress-induced acknowledgment of God, only to quickly revert to their unfaithfulness. While "remembering" God as their Rock and Redeemer sounds positive, the subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 78:36-37](/psalms/78-36 "Psalm 78:36-37 - Their Deceitful Repentance")) reveal that "they flattered him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant." This suggests their remembrance was born out of fear of immediate consequences, a pragmatic response to suffering, rather than a sincere change of heart or a renewed commitment to the covenant. It highlights the human tendency to seek God only when in trouble, and to forget Him once the immediate crisis has passed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 78:35, with its depiction of God as "Rock" and "Redeemer," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Israelites' remembrance of God's steadfastness and redemptive power was fleeting and often insincere, Christ embodies these very attributes in their perfect and enduring form. He is the ultimate "Rock," the unshakeable foundation upon which genuine faith is built, as declared by Paul in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock") that the spiritual rock that followed Israel was Christ. Jesus Himself teaches that those who hear and obey His words are like wise builders who build their house on the rock, which withstands the storms of life ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-25 - Building on the Rock")). Furthermore, Christ is the supreme "High God" manifest in the flesh, demonstrating the transcendence and sovereignty of God in His very person and works ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). Most significantly, Jesus is the ultimate "Redeemer," the Kinsman-Redeemer who, unlike the temporary deliverances in Israel's history, accomplished eternal redemption through His sacrificial death on the cross. He "redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), and in Him "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Thus, the temporary and often superficial "remembering" of God by Israel in Psalm 78:35 foreshadows the call to a deep, abiding, and salvific faith in Christ, who is our eternal Rock and our perfect Redeemer.

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

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Exodus 15:13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Deuteronomy 7:8

But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.