Psalms 78:38

But he, [being] full of compassion, forgave [their] iniquity, and destroyed [them] not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

But he, being full of compassion {H7349}, forgave {H3722}{H8762)} their iniquity {H5771}, and destroyed {H7843}{H8686)} them not: yea, many a time {H7235}{H8689)} turned {H7725} he his anger {H639} away {H7725}{H8687)}, and did not stir up {H5782}{H8686)} all his wrath {H2534}.

Yet he, because he is full of compassion, forgave their sin and did not destroy; many times he turned away his anger and didn't rouse all his wrath.

And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath.

But he, being merciful, forgave theiriniquity, and destroyedthemnot: Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, And did not stir up all his wrath.

Commentary

Psalms 78:38 offers a profound insight into the enduring character of God, particularly His mercy and patience in the face of human failings. This verse stands as a testament to divine grace amidst the historical narrative of Israel's repeated rebellion.

Context of Psalms 78:38

Psalm 78 is a lengthy historical psalm, often called a "maskil" (a contemplative or instructional psalm), which recounts the spiritual journey and repeated failures of the nation of Israel from the time of the Exodus from Egypt through their settlement in the Promised Land and up to the reign of King David. The verses immediately preceding verse 38 describe Israel's unfaithfulness, how they "flattered him with their mouth" and "lied unto him with their tongues" (verse 36), and how "their heart was not right with him" (verse 37). Despite their fickle hearts and numerous provocations, verse 38 highlights God's consistent and unwavering compassion, which stands in stark contrast to their iniquity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Abundant Compassion: The verse begins with "But he, [being] full of compassion." This emphasizes God's inherent nature to show tender mercy and pity, even when His people deserve judgment. It speaks to a deep, motherly love (from the Hebrew rachamim) that compels Him to forgive.
  • Divine Forgiveness and Restraint: God "forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not." This showcases His willingness to pardon sin rather than inflict deserved punishment. His forgiveness is active and intentional, providing a pathway for reconciliation instead of utter destruction.
  • Patience and Longsuffering: "Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath." This theme underscores God's incredible patience. He could have justly unleashed His full wrath, but He chose restraint repeatedly, demonstrating His longsuffering nature and desire for His people to repent and return to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "compassion" is rachamim (ืจึทื—ึฒืžึดื™ื), which signifies deep, tender mercy, often associated with a mother's affection for her child. It suggests an inward stirring of pity. The word for "forgave" is kaphar (ื›ึผึธืคึทืจ), meaning to cover, pacify, or make atonement for, indicating a blotting out or removal of guilt. "Iniquity" is avon (ืขึธื•ึนืŸ), referring to moral evil or perversity, often implying guilt that needs expiation. The contrasting terms "anger" (aph, ืึทืฃ โ€“ literally "nose," signifying intense anger) and "wrath" (chemah, ื—ึตืžึธื” โ€“ heat, rage) highlight the powerful emotions God justly felt, yet chose to suppress due to His greater compassion.

Practical Application and Significance

Psalms 78:38 offers immense comfort and hope for believers today. It reminds us that God's character is unchanging; He remains a God "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth". Despite our own shortcomings and repeated failures, His compassion is boundless. This verse encourages us to seek His forgiveness with confidence, knowing that He desires to pardon and restore rather than destroy. It also serves as a model for human relationships, encouraging patience and forgiveness towards others, reflecting the divine character.

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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

  • Numbers 14:18

    The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].

  • Numbers 14:20

    ยถ And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

  • Isaiah 48:9

    ยถ For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

  • Ezekiel 20:13

    But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

  • Ezekiel 20:14

    But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

  • Exodus 34:6

    And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

  • Exodus 34:9

    And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it [is] a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.