Psalms 78:35

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 78:35 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the historical recounting of Israel's relationship with God, highlighting a fleeting period of remembrance amidst their repeated cycles of rebellion and divine judgment. After experiencing the consequences of their disobedience, the people momentarily turned back to the Lord, acknowledging His essential role in their lives.

Context

Psalm 78 is an extensive historical psalm, often attributed to Asaph, which chronicles the journey of the Israelites from their deliverance out of Egypt through their settlement in the Promised Land and up to the time of David. It serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness contrasted with Israel's chronic unfaithfulness, idolatry, and forgetfulness of His mighty works. Verse 35 specifically occurs after God has sent various forms of judgment (like plagues and famine) upon them due to their provocations. This "remembering" is depicted not as a deep, lasting repentance, but rather a temporary, fear-induced turning to God in their distress, which the subsequent verses (36-37) reveal to be insincere.

Key Themes

  • God's Enduring Character: Despite Israel's constant rebellion, God remains their unchanging source of strength and salvation. He does not cease to be their "Rock" and "Redeemer."
  • Human Forgetfulness and Superficial Repentance: The psalm repeatedly emphasizes Israel's tendency to forget God's past mercies and mighty acts, leading to disobedience. This verse highlights a moment of remembering, but the broader context shows it was not a genuine, heart-deep change, but rather a temporary acknowledgment driven by external pressure.
  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: The titles "Rock" and "Redeemer" powerfully convey God's role as their ultimate refuge and the one who consistently delivers His people from bondage and distress, both physically and spiritually.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "Rock" (Hebrew: tsur - ืฆ๏ฌตืจ) is 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. For instance, Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect."
  • "High God" is a translation of El Elyon (ืึตืœ ืขึถืœึฐื™๏ญ‹ืŸ), 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.
  • "Redeemer" (Hebrew: go'el - ื’ึผึนืึตืœ) 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). It speaks of God's active intervention to rescue and restore His people.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 78:35 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It challenges us to examine the nature of our own "remembering" of God. Do we only turn to Him in times of crisis and distress, acknowledging Him as our Rock and fortress when trouble strikes? Or is our recognition of Him as our Redeemer rooted in a continuous, genuine relationship of trust and obedience?

The verse encourages us to cultivate a constant awareness of God's unchanging nature and His historical faithfulness. When faced with challenges, we can find solace and strength in knowing that God truly is our unshakeable Rock and our powerful Redeemer, always able to deliver and restore. Our response should be one of sincere repentance and steadfast commitment, not just a temporary remembering born out of fear.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.