Psalms 78:36

KJV

Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless they did flatter {H6601}{H8762)} him with their mouth {H6310}, and they lied {H3576}{H8762)} unto him with their tongues {H3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they tried to deceive him with their words, they lied to him with their tongues;

Berean Standard Bible

But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues.

American Standard Version

But they flattered him with their mouth, And lied unto him with their tongue.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:36 offers a poignant indictment of ancient Israel's recurring spiritual insincerity, revealing a pattern where their outward expressions of devotion to God were mere flattery and deceit. Despite witnessing God's miraculous provision and enduring patience, the people consistently responded with superficial worship and broken promises, demonstrating a profound disconnect between their words and the true condition of their hearts. This verse serves as a timeless warning against hypocrisy and a powerful call for genuine, heartfelt commitment in one's relationship with the Divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, attributed to Asaph or his guild, designed as a didactic narrative to instruct future generations about God's enduring faithfulness and Israel's persistent rebellion. The psalmist meticulously recounts key events from the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the period of the judges, highlighting God's mighty acts of deliverance and provision (e.g., manna from heaven, water from the rock, as seen in [Psalms 78:23-28](/psalms/78-23 "Psalms 78:23-28 - God Provides Manna and Quail") and [Psalms 78:15-16](/psalms/78-15 "Psalms 78:15-16 - God Provides Water from the Rock")). Immediately preceding [Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion"), the text describes how, even after experiencing God's miraculous sustenance, the Israelites continued to "sin yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness" ([Psalms 78:17](/psalms/78-17 "Psalms 78:17 - Israel Provokes God")). This verse, therefore, describes their deceptive response to God's grace and judgment, a superficial repentance driven by immediate relief rather than genuine heart change.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm primarily reflects the period of the wilderness wanderings and the subsequent era of the judges, a time characterized by Israel's cyclical pattern of disobedience, divine judgment, repentance (often superficial), and deliverance. The covenant relationship established at Sinai ([Exodus 19-24](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Sinai Covenant")) demanded exclusive loyalty and obedience from Israel. However, their history was marked by a failure to uphold their end of the covenant, often turning to idolatry or testing God's patience. The cultural expectation of loyalty within a covenant, whether between nations or between God and His people, made Israel's insincere "flattery" and "lies" particularly egregious. It was a profound betrayal of trust within a sacred bond, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual malaise despite direct divine intervention and presence.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness vs. Human Faithlessness**. God consistently demonstrates His steadfast love and provision, while Israel consistently responds with rebellion, forgetfulness, and insincerity. This verse specifically highlights **Hypocrisy and Insincerity**, portraying a people whose outward expressions of devotion ("flatter him with their mouth") were a stark contrast to their inward rebellion ("lied unto him with their tongues"). This echoes prophetic critiques of superficial worship, such as in [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service Without Heart") and [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy"). Another prominent theme is the **Futility of Deceiving God**. Though Israel attempted to manipulate God with their words, the psalmist's clear exposé reveals that God sees beyond mere outward show, knowing the true intentions of the heart ([Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart and God's Knowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flatter (Hebrew, _patah'_):** The Hebrew verb פָּתָה (_patah_) means to open, entice, persuade, or deceive. While it can sometimes carry a neutral sense of persuasion, in contexts like [Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion"), it strongly implies a deceptive or manipulative persuasion. It's not genuine adoration but a smooth, artful talk designed to gain favor or avoid consequences without true change of heart. Israel's "flattery" was a calculated, superficial attempt to appease God, similar to how one might flatter a human superior for personal gain, rather than an outpouring of sincere worship or repentance.
* **Lied (Hebrew, _kazav'_):** The Hebrew verb כָּזַב (_kazav_) means to lie, disappoint, or fail. It signifies a fundamental untruthfulness, a betrayal of trust, and a failure to live up to what is professed. When applied to Israel's relationship with God, it means their promises of obedience and devotion were false, a breaking of the covenant vows they had made. Their "tongues" spoke words that did not align with their true intentions or subsequent actions, demonstrating a profound spiritual dishonesty and a pattern of unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth":** This clause highlights the deceptive nature of Israel's response to God's continued faithfulness and judgment. The "nevertheless" underscores the shocking contrast between God's steadfast love and their insincere reaction. Their "mouth" was used to utter words of devotion or repentance, but these were not genuine expressions of a contrite heart. Instead, they were superficial attempts to appease God, perhaps to avert immediate judgment or secure further blessings, without true inward transformation or commitment.
* **"and they lied unto him with their tongues":** This second clause functions as a powerful reinforcement and intensification of the first. The "tongues" further emphasize the verbal nature of their deceit. It's not just a lack of sincerity but an active, deliberate falsehood. Their words were untrustworthy, their promises hollow. This lying was directed specifically "unto him" (God), highlighting the audacity and offense of attempting to deceive the Omniscient One, who knows the depths of the heart. It signifies a profound breach of trust and a deep-seated rebellion against the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "and they lied unto him with their tongues," reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, "Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth." Both phrases describe the same core issue: Israel's verbal insincerity and deceit towards God, reinforcing the depth of their hypocrisy. The psalmist also uses **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human actions (being flattered, lied to) to God. While God cannot truly be deceived or manipulated, this device helps the human reader grasp the relational offense and the gravity of Israel's actions from God's perspective, emphasizing the betrayal of trust. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** present throughout the psalm, and particularly in this verse. Despite God's consistent, miraculous provision and enduring patience, Israel's response is not genuine gratitude and obedience, but rather a deceptive show of devotion, highlighting the tragic disconnect between divine grace and human rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion") profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart as the true locus of faith and obedience. God consistently seeks genuine devotion, not mere outward conformity or ritualistic performance. Israel's pattern of "flattering" and "lying" reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of their covenant relationship with a holy God, who desires truth in the inward being ([Psalms 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "Psalms 51:6 - Truth in the Inward Being")). This verse serves as a timeless reminder that superficial religiosity, driven by fear of punishment or desire for blessing rather than true love and reverence, is an affront to God. It highlights the futility of attempting to deceive the Omniscient One and calls all believers to a radical honesty before God, recognizing that He sees beyond words and actions into the deepest motives of the soul.

* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service Without Heart")
* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion") offers a piercing challenge to believers across all generations, urging us to examine the authenticity of our faith and worship. In an age where outward appearances and performative spirituality can often overshadow genuine devotion, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that God desires our hearts above all else. It warns against the subtle temptation to offer "lip service" – prayers, praises, or acts of service that are not rooted in sincere love, repentance, or trust. We must guard against the spiritual complacency that allows us to go through religious motions while our hearts remain distant, self-serving, or rebellious. True worship is a holistic surrender, where our words, actions, and inner motives are aligned in humble adoration and obedience to God, acknowledging His omniscience and desiring His glory above our own comfort or gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be tempted to offer "flattery" or "lies" to God, rather than genuine devotion?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is truly sincere in worship and obedience, rather than merely performing religious duties?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my inner motives align with my outward expressions of faith?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees beyond my words and actions influence my approach to prayer, service, and daily living?**

### FAQ
**What does "flatter him with their mouth" mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion"), "flatter him with their mouth" signifies that Israel's verbal expressions of devotion, repentance, or loyalty were not genuine but superficial and manipulative. It implies a deceptive attempt to appease God or gain His favor through smooth words, without a corresponding change of heart or true commitment. It's akin to "lip service," where the words are spoken, but the heart is far from God, as critiqued in [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service Without Heart").

**How could Israel "lie unto him with their tongues" if God is omniscient?**

Answer: While God is indeed omniscient and cannot truly be deceived, the phrase "they lied unto him with their tongues" emphasizes the profound spiritual dishonesty and betrayal on Israel's part. It means their promises, vows, and expressions of repentance were false; they did not intend to keep them or truly turn from their rebellious ways. God, in His knowledge, saw through their insincerity, but their actions were still an offense and a breach of the covenant, demonstrating a pattern of unfaithfulness that deeply grieved Him. It highlights the futility and audacity of attempting to deceive the Creator.

**Is it possible for believers today to "flatter" or "lie" to God?**

Answer: Yes, the warning in [Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion") remains highly relevant for believers today. We can "flatter" God when our prayers, worship, or acts of service are performed out of habit, obligation, or a desire for outward appearance, rather than from a sincere heart of love and devotion. We "lie" to God when we make promises of obedience we don't intend to keep, or when our outward religious life contradicts our private thoughts, attitudes, or actions. Jesus himself condemned such hypocrisy, stating, "This people honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" ([Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy")). The verse calls us to constant self-examination and a pursuit of genuine, heartfelt faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 78:36](/psalms/78-36 "Psalms 78:36 - Israel's Insincere Devotion") vividly exposes the tragic human propensity for insincerity and hypocrisy in the presence of divine grace, a pattern that permeated Israel's history and underscores the desperate need for a new covenant. This verse, detailing Israel's "flattery" and "lies," highlights the inadequacy of external obedience and the inability of the Old Covenant to fundamentally transform the human heart. It points forward to Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies genuine sincerity and truth. Unlike Israel, who spoke with their mouth but lied with their tongues, Jesus' life was one of perfect, unwavering obedience and truthfulness, fulfilling the law and prophets not just outwardly but from the depths of His being ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He consistently exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day, calling for worship "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for a radical heart transformation, enabling believers to genuinely love and obey God, not out of fear or manipulation, but from a new nature ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by His blood, promises that God will write His laws not on stone tablets, but on the hearts of His people ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), allowing for the authentic, sincere devotion that Israel so often lacked, and which is now made possible through union with Christ.

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

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Psalms 18:44

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

Deuteronomy 5:28

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

Deuteronomy 5:29

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Hosea 11:12

Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

Psalms 106:12

Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.