Psalms 78:37

Psalms 78:37 KJV: "For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant."

Context

Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, attributed to Asaph, which recounts the history of Israel from the Exodus through the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. It serves as a didactic poem, teaching future generations about God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated failures. Verse 37 specifically follows a description of Israel's temporary and insincere repentance during a time of judgment (see Psalm 78:34-36). This verse acts as a divine diagnosis, revealing the underlying reason for their perpetual backsliding: a deep-seated spiritual issue rather than just external actions.

Key Themes

• The Condition of the Heart: The primary emphasis is on the internal state of the people. Their "heart was not right with him" signifies a fundamental lack of genuine devotion, sincerity, and proper alignment with God's will. This highlights that God looks beyond outward actions to the true intentions and loyalty of the inner person, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:7).
• Unsteadfastness in Covenant: Despite God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, their loyalty was conditional and fleeting. They failed to remain "stedfast," demonstrating a consistent lack of faithfulness and adherence to their promises and obligations under the covenant. This cyclical pattern of rebellion and repentance underscores the human tendency to drift from spiritual commitments.
• Divine Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Psalm 78 continually contrasts Israel's unfaithfulness with God's enduring patience, mercy, and steadfast love, which He demonstrated by repeatedly delivering them despite their provocations.

Linguistic Insights

• "Heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is far more than just the physical organ; it is the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character—the very core of a person's being. When the heart is "not right" (נָכֹון, nakon), it implies it was not firm, established, loyal, or properly directed towards God.
• "Stedfast" (נֶאֱמָן, ne'eman): This word conveys the idea of reliability, faithfulness, and trustworthiness. Their inability to be *ne'eman* in the covenant underscored their spiritual instability and unreliability in their relationship with God, a stark contrast to God's own enduring faithfulness (emet or chesed).

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

• Genuine Faith is Heart-Deep: God desires a sincere and wholehearted commitment, not just outward religious performance or temporary repentance. We are called to examine our own hearts and ensure our devotion is authentic and truly aligned with His will.
• The Call to Steadfastness: Our spiritual walk should be characterized by consistent faithfulness and perseverance. Just as Israel struggled with wavering commitment to their covenant, we are challenged to remain "stedfast" in our relationship with God and His Word, especially during trials or temptations.
• Reliance on God for a New Heart: While Israel continually struggled with a "heart not right," the New Covenant offers the promise of a new heart and a new spirit, enabling believers to genuinely follow God's statutes and be steadfast (see Ezekiel 36:26-27). This underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling true and lasting faithfulness in our lives.