Psalms 78:56

Commentary on Psalms 78:56

Psalm 78 is a didactic psalm, meaning it teaches through historical example. It recounts the history of Israel from the Exodus to the establishment of David’s reign, highlighting God's faithfulness despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. Verse 56 falls within a section describing their behavior after entering the Promised Land, where they continued to fall short of God's expectations.

Context

The psalmist Asaph (or a Levitical choir associated with him) uses Israel's past as a cautionary tale. Having been delivered from Egypt, led through the wilderness, and established in the Promised Land, the people were given every opportunity to live in covenant faithfulness. However, the psalm repeatedly points out their tendency to forget God's mighty works and rebel against His commands. Verse 56 encapsulates this recurring theme of disobedience, even after God had driven out their enemies and settled them securely in the land He promised (Psalm 78:55). This pattern of rebellion is also seen in other historical accounts, such as Numbers 14:11 during their wilderness wanderings.

Key Themes

• Persistent Rebellion: The phrase "Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God" underscores a deep-seated pattern of defiance. Despite experiencing God's miraculous provision and protection, Israel repeatedly tested His patience and pushed the boundaries of His grace. This is a stark reminder of human tendency to stray, even when blessed.
• Provoking God: To "provoke" God implies actively inciting His anger or displeasure through disobedience. It's not merely passive neglect but a direct challenge to His authority and holiness. This highlights the seriousness of their actions in God's eyes, even as God demonstrates His long-suffering nature (Nehemiah 9:17).
• Disregard for God's Word: "And kept not his testimonies" points to the root cause of their rebellion. God's "testimonies" (Hebrew: ‘edot) refer to His divine laws, precepts, and covenant stipulations. Their failure to adhere to these foundational truths was a rejection of God's very character and will for their lives, leading to a breakdown in their relationship with Him.
• God's Enduring Sovereignty: Even in their rebellion, God is referred to as "the most high God" (Hebrew: El Elyon). This title emphasizes His supreme power, transcendence, and ultimate authority, reminding the reader that despite human failure, God remains sovereign and in control.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tempted" is nasah (נָסָה), which means to test, try, or prove. While humans can test God's patience, God tests humans to prove their hearts (e.g., Deuteronomy 8:2). Here, it signifies Israel's presumptuous challenging of God's power and faithfulness. The term "provoked" comes from marah (מָרָה), meaning to be rebellious or disobedient, often with a sense of bitterness or defiance. These strong verbs paint a vivid picture of Israel's active opposition. "Testimonies" (‘edot) are God's solemn declarations and commands, serving as a witness to His truth and expectations for His people, similar to the importance of keeping all God's commandments in Deuteronomy 6:17.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful warning and a call to introspection for believers today.

• Beware of Spiritual Complacency: Like ancient Israel, we can become complacent and forget God's goodness, leading to a casual disregard for His commands. The psalm reminds us that a history of blessings does not guarantee future faithfulness.
• Value God's Word: The failure to keep God's "testimonies" was central to Israel's downfall. For us, this highlights the critical importance of knowing, cherishing, and obeying God's Word (John 14:15). It is our guide for living a life pleasing to Him.
• Consequences of Disobedience: While God is merciful and long-suffering, persistent rebellion carries consequences. This verse reminds us that our actions have impact on our relationship with the "most high God" and can grieve His Spirit.
• Learn from History: The psalm encourages us to learn from the mistakes of the past, both individually and collectively, so we do not repeat patterns of disobedience and provoke God.