Psalms 78:56

KJV

Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet they tempted {H5254}{H8762)} and provoked {H4784}{H8686)} the most high {H5945} God {H430}, and kept {H8104}{H8804)} not his testimonies {H5713}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet they tested El 'Elyon and rebelled against him, refusing to obey his instructions.

Berean Standard Bible

But they tested and disobeyed God Most High, for they did not keep His decrees.

American Standard Version

Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, And kept not his testimonies;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:56 profoundly captures the tragic and recurring narrative of Israel's persistent spiritual rebellion and unfaithfulness, as meticulously recounted by the psalmist Asaph. Despite experiencing God's miraculous deliverance from bondage, His faithful provision in the wilderness, and His powerful establishment of them in the Promised Land, the Israelites repeatedly challenged the patience and authority of the Most High God, consistently failing to adhere to His sacred commands and covenant stipulations. This verse serves as a poignant distillation of their spiritual defiance, underscoring their active rejection of divine guidance even in the face of immense and undeniable grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical and didactic psalm, attributed to Asaph, designed to instruct future generations by recounting Israel's past failures and God's enduring faithfulness. The psalm meticulously traces Israel's journey from the Exodus, through their wilderness wanderings, their entry into Canaan, and the establishment of David's reign. Verses 54-55 specifically highlight God's unwavering fidelity in leading His people into their promised inheritance, driving out nations before them, and settling them securely in the land He had prepared. Verse 56 immediately follows this powerful demonstration of divine grace and covenant keeping, thus sharply contrasting God's steadfastness with Israel's subsequent and inexcusable rebellion. It acts as a pivotal turning point, setting the stage for the psalm's ongoing lament over their backsliding and emphasizing the deep-seated spiritual issues that plagued the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events encapsulated in Psalm 78:56 span centuries of Israelite history, from the foundational Exodus narrative (typically dated to the 15th or 13th century BC) through the tumultuous period of the Judges and into the early monarchy under David (around 1000 BC). Following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, Israel entered Canaan, a land already populated by diverse pagan cultures. The "testimonies" mentioned refer to the comprehensive Mosaic Law and covenant stipulations revealed at Mount Sinai. These divine commands were intended to consecrate Israel as God's holy nation, distinct from surrounding peoples, and to govern every aspect of their worship, societal structure, and personal conduct. Israel's "tempting and provoking" of God often manifested as idolatry, persistent murmuring against divine leadership, and a pervasive desire to assimilate with pagan practices rather than adhere to God's unique covenant. In a culture where covenants were solemn and binding agreements, Israel's repeated breach of their covenant with the Most High God was an act of profound spiritual treason.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, "Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies," powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Psalm 78 and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Persistent Human Rebellion** and the inherent depravity of the human heart, demonstrating Israel's cyclical tendency to forget God's mighty works and rebel against His commands, even after experiencing profound deliverance and blessing. This pattern is vividly illustrated throughout their wilderness wanderings, as documented in passages like [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea") and [Deuteronomy 9](/deuteronomy/9 "Deuteronomy 9 - Israel's Rebellions Recounted"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Enduring Sovereignty and Patience**, as He is consistently referred to as "the most high God," emphasizing His supreme authority and transcendence despite human defiance. His continued grace in the face of their provocation speaks to His remarkable long-suffering character, a theme also evident in [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Compassion and Longsuffering"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Centrality of God's Word and Covenant**, as Israel's failure to "keep His testimonies" was the root cause of their spiritual decline, illustrating the vital importance of obedience to divine revelation for a flourishing relationship with God, a principle foundational to the covenant established in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tempted (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** This verb (H5254, נָסָה) signifies to test, try, or prove. While God tests humanity to refine faith and reveal hearts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel in the Wilderness")), Israel's "tempting" of God here carries a profoundly negative connotation. It implies a presumptuous challenging of God's power, faithfulness, or patience, often born out of doubt, unbelief, or a desire to push the boundaries of His forbearance, rather than a humble seeking of His will. This was a direct affront to His omnipotence and trustworthiness.
* **Provoked (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** The Hebrew verb (H4784, מָרָה) means to be rebellious, disobedient, or bitter. It suggests a more active and deliberate defiance than merely "tempting." To "provoke" God implies actively inciting His anger or displeasure through a stubborn, often bitter, refusal to obey. It's not passive neglect but a direct, often repeated, challenge to His authority and holiness, indicating a deep-seated resistance to His will and a severe breach of the covenant relationship.
* **Testimonies (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** This feminine noun (H5713, עֵדָה), used here in its plural form, refers to God's solemn declarations, precepts, laws, and covenant stipulations. Derived from a root meaning "to witness" or "to testify," these "testimonies" are not merely suggestions but divine commands that bear witness to God's character, His will for His people, and the terms of His covenant with them. Failure to "keep" (H8104, שָׁמַר, _shâmar'_, meaning to guard, observe, preserve) these testimonies was a rejection of God's very nature and His blueprint for their lives, inevitably leading to spiritual and societal breakdown.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet they tempted":** This opening phrase immediately highlights the persistent and audacious nature of Israel's sin. The conjunction "Yet" (וְ) emphasizes the stark contrast with God's preceding faithfulness in leading them into the land (vv. 54-55), underscoring the inexcusable character of their actions. "They tempted" indicates a repeated pattern of putting God to the test, demanding signs, or challenging His power and authority, often out of a profound lack of faith or a desire to return to their former ways. This was not an isolated incident but a characteristic posture of defiance.
* **"and provoked the most high God,":** Building upon "tempted," the addition of "provoked" intensifies the description of their rebellion. It signifies a deliberate and active incitement of God's righteous anger through their disobedience, idolatry, and murmuring. The direct object, "the most high God" (H5945, עֶלְיוֹן, _ʻelyôwn'_, combined with H430, אֱלֹהִים, _ʼĕlôhîym'_), is a majestic and awe-inspiring title emphasizing God's supreme power, transcendence, and ultimate authority over all creation. To provoke such a God highlights the profound gravity of their actions, as they were challenging the sovereign ruler of the universe, the very one who had delivered and sustained them.
* **"and kept not his testimonies:":** This final clause reveals the root cause and practical manifestation of their temptation and provocation. Their failure to "keep" (observe, obey, guard) God's "testimonies"—His divine laws, precepts, and covenant stipulations—was not merely forgetfulness but an active disregard and rejection of His revealed will. These testimonies were the very foundation of their covenant relationship with God, designed to guide their lives and ensure their flourishing. Their disobedience was a direct breach of this sacred covenant, demonstrating a fundamental lack of trust and loyalty to the God who had chosen and blessed them.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:56, situated within the broader historical narrative of the psalm, employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The entire psalm functions as a **Didactic Narrative**, utilizing Israel's past as a cautionary tale to instruct future generations on the dangers of disobedience and the steadfastness of God. The phrase "Yet they tempted and provoked" highlights a powerful **Contrast**, juxtaposing God's unwavering faithfulness in leading Israel into the land (vv. 54-55) with their immediate and persistent unfaithfulness. This creates a stark and sobering picture of human depravity against divine grace. The repetition of themes of rebellion and God's patience throughout the psalm, including this verse, exemplifies **Recapitulation** or **Anaphora** of the nation's spiritual failures, reinforcing the cyclical nature of their sin. Furthermore, the concept of "provoking God" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like emotions (anger, displeasure) to God to make His response to sin relatable and understandable, while still maintaining His divine transcendence and holiness. The use of strong, active verbs like "tempted" and "provoked" provides **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and impactful picture of Israel's defiant actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:56 serves as a powerful theological statement on the inherent nature of humanity's relationship with a holy God. It profoundly underscores the truth that despite receiving immense grace, miraculous deliverance, and clear divine instruction, humanity possesses a deep-seated propensity for rebellion and unfaithfulness. Israel's repeated "tempting" and "provoking" of the Most High God, coupled with their failure to "keep His testimonies," reveals the persistent challenge of covenant obedience and the profound seriousness of disregarding divine revelation. This verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty and holiness, against which human sin is a direct affront, yet it also implicitly points to His remarkable patience and long-suffering, as He continued to deal with His wayward people. The psalm's purpose is not merely to condemn but to instruct, emphasizing the timeless principle that true flourishing and a right relationship with God are predicated upon humble obedience to His Word and a steadfast trust in His character.

* [Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")
* [Deuteronomy 6:17](/deuteronomy/6-17 "Deuteronomy 6:17 - Keeping God's Commandments")
* [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrew/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Warning Against Hardening Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:56 stands as a timeless mirror for believers today, urging us to examine our own hearts and walk with God. Just as ancient Israel, despite incredible blessings and a history of divine intervention, continually fell into patterns of spiritual complacency, doubt, and outright rebellion, so too can we, in our own contexts, become forgetful of God's goodness and disregard His commands. This verse compels us to recognize that a history of God's faithfulness in our lives does not exempt us from the ongoing call to obedience and vigilance. It reminds us that our relationship with the "Most High God" is not passive; it requires active engagement with His "testimonies"—His Word—and a conscious, Spirit-empowered effort to live in alignment with His will. To "tempt" or "provoke" God today might manifest not in overt idolatry, but in persistent unbelief, murmuring against His providence, willful neglect of His clear instructions for our lives, or a casual approach to sin. The consequence of such actions is a strained relationship with our Creator, a forfeiture of the profound blessings that come through faithful obedience, and a diminished witness to His glory. Therefore, this verse is a profound call to humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to cherishing and obeying every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "tempting" or "provoking" God in my own life, perhaps through persistent doubt, unconfessed sin, or a casual disregard for His commands?**
* **How diligently am I "keeping" God's "testimonies" (His Word) in my daily life? Am I actively studying, meditating on, and applying biblical truth, or am I neglecting it?**
* **What specific lessons can I learn from Israel's historical patterns of disobedience to avoid similar pitfalls in my personal or communal spiritual journey?**
* **How does understanding God as "the most high God"—supreme, transcendent, and holy—impact my perspective on my own sin and my motivation for obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "tempt and provoke" God?**

Answer: To "tempt" God, as seen in Psalms 78:56, means to put Him to the test, often by demanding proof of His power or faithfulness, or by pushing the boundaries of His patience through doubt and unbelief. It's a presumptuous challenge to His authority, rather than a humble seeking of His will. Examples in the Old Testament include Israel's murmuring for water or food in the wilderness, effectively questioning God's ability to provide (e.g., [Exodus 17:7](/exodus/17-7 "Exodus 17:7 - Meribah and Massah")). To "provoke" God means to actively incite His anger or displeasure through deliberate and stubborn disobedience, often involving idolatry or a direct rejection of His commands. This is a more severe form of rebellion, indicating a bitter or defiant spirit against His holiness and sovereignty, as seen in their worship of the golden calf (e.g., [Exodus 32:7-10](/exodus/32-7-10 "Exodus 32:7-10 - The Golden Calf")). Both actions demonstrate a profound lack of faith and respect for God's character and authority.

**What are "his testimonies" and why was it so serious for Israel not to keep them?**

Answer: "His testimonies" (Hebrew: _ʻêdâh_, plural) refer to God's divine laws, precepts, statutes, and covenant stipulations revealed primarily through Moses at Mount Sinai. These were solemn declarations that served as a witness (from the root _'ed_, meaning "witness") to God's character, His will for His people, and the terms of His covenant relationship with Israel. They included moral laws (like the Ten Commandments), ceremonial laws, and civil laws, all designed to guide Israel in living as a holy nation set apart for God. It was profoundly serious for Israel not to keep them because these testimonies were the very foundation of their covenant with God. Disobeying them was not merely breaking a rule, but breaking a sacred oath, a direct rejection of God's authority, His love, and His meticulously planned blueprint for their flourishing. It led to spiritual alienation, divine judgment, and a forfeiture of the blessings promised within the covenant, as warned in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Their failure to keep these testimonies demonstrated a fundamental lack of trust and loyalty, undermining the very purpose of their existence as God's chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 78:56, with its lament over Israel's persistent rebellion and chronic failure to keep God's testimonies, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several transformative ways. While Israel continually "tempted and provoked the most high God," Jesus Christ stands as the perfectly obedient Israelite, the true Son who never once provoked His Father but always did what pleased Him ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Where Israel failed to "keep His testimonies," Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, declaring He came not to abolish but to fulfill ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the embodiment of God's Word, the living Testimony, whose life perfectly mirrored the divine will and demonstrated absolute faithfulness. Furthermore, the "most high God" whom Israel provoked is fully revealed in Jesus, who is God manifest in the flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ addresses the very sin of "tempting and provoking" God, bearing the wrath for our rebellion and offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. In the New Covenant established through His blood, believers are no longer left to their own rebellious hearts but are given the Holy Spirit, who enables them to truly "keep His testimonies" by writing God's laws on their hearts and empowering them to walk in obedience ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit in His People")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate answer to humanity's chronic unfaithfulness, providing both the perfect example and the divine enablement for true covenant faithfulness.

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

Judges 2:11

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

Judges 2:12

And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that [were] round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.

2 Kings 17:7

¶ For [so] it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

2 Kings 17:23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.

Ezekiel 16:15

¶ But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

Ezekiel 16:26

Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.