Psalms 78:57

KJV

But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

KJV (with Strong's)

But turned back {H5472}{H8735)}, and dealt unfaithfully {H898}{H8799)} like their fathers {H1}: they were turned aside {H2015}{H8738)} like a deceitful {H7423} bow {H7198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They turned away and were faithless, like their fathers; they were unreliable, like a bow without tension.

Berean Standard Bible

They turned back and were faithless like their fathers, twisted like a faulty bow.

American Standard Version

But turned back, and dealt treacherously like their fathers: They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:57 starkly encapsulates the persistent rebellion and spiritual decline of ancient Israel, portraying their unfaithfulness as a tragic repetition of their ancestors' errors. The verse highlights their backsliding from covenant loyalty, employing the vivid metaphor of a "deceitful bow" to illustrate their inherent unreliability and inability to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, despite His unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, didactic in nature, recounting the faithfulness of God and the unfaithfulness of Israel from the Exodus to the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. It serves as a national epic, designed to instruct future generations about the consequences of disobedience and the enduring patience of God. Verse 57 arrives after a lengthy catalog of God's miraculous provisions and deliverances—from the parting of the Red Sea and manna in the wilderness to the conquest of Canaan and the establishment in the Promised Land. Despite these divine acts, the psalm consistently exposes Israel's recurring cycle of rebellion, idolatry, and covenant breaking, often immediately following expressions of God's grace. Specifically, verse 57 follows descriptions of Israel provoking God with their high places and graven images, and their turning away from Him (see [Psalms 78:56](/psalms/78-56 "Psalms 78:56 - Israel's Provocation and Idolatry")). This verse acts as a concise, damning summary of their spiritual state during the period of the Judges and early monarchy, encapsulating the essence of their historical failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 78 spans centuries, from the wilderness wanderings through the settlement in Canaan and into the period of the Judges, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The "fathers" mentioned in the verse refer primarily to the wilderness generation, whose unbelief and rebellion prevented them from entering the Promised Land, setting a tragic precedent. Culturally, the covenant between God and Israel was understood as a binding agreement, much like ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, demanding exclusive loyalty from the vassal (Israel) to the suzerain (God). Unfaithfulness was not merely a moral failing but a breach of this sacred, foundational relationship. The imagery of a "bow" was deeply resonant in an agrarian and military society; a bow was a vital tool for hunting and warfare. A "deceitful" or faulty bow, one that could not shoot straight or reliably, was not only useless but dangerous, symbolizing utter unreliability and betrayal in a context where dependability was paramount for survival and success.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 78:57 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Unfaithfulness and Treachery**, highlighted by the phrase "dealt unfaithfully," which signifies a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship with God, a deliberate turning away from allegiance. This is closely linked to the theme of **Generational Sin and Repetition**, as Israel's actions are explicitly compared to "their fathers," underscoring a tragic pattern of disobedience that persisted through successive generations, demonstrating a failure to learn from past mistakes and a perpetuation of spiritual rebellion (compare [Judges 2:19](/judges/2-19 "Judges 2:19 - Israel's Recurring Disobedience")). Furthermore, the vivid metaphor of the "deceitful bow" powerfully conveys **Spiritual Instability and Unreliability**. This imagery illustrates a people whose commitment was wavering, whose promises were empty, and whose actions were inconsistent with their stated allegiance, rendering them spiritually undependable. Finally, the phrase "turned back" emphasizes **Backsliding**, a regression from their initial commitment and progress in faith, signifying a movement away from God rather than a steadfast pursuit of Him, a common motif throughout Israel's history (as seen in [Jeremiah 3:20](/jeremiah/3-20 "Jeremiah 3:20 - Judah's Treachery")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dealt unfaithfully (Hebrew, _bāḡaḏ'_):** This verb carries strong connotations of treachery, betrayal, and perfidy. It describes a deliberate breaking of trust, often within a covenantal or relational context. In the Old Testament, it is frequently used to denote unfaithfulness to God, a spouse, or a friend, implying a violation of loyalty and a departure from an agreed-upon standard or commitment. Here, it underscores the severe nature of Israel's spiritual dishonesty and their active breach of the covenant with Yahweh.
* **Deceitful bow (Hebrew, _qešeṯ rĕmiyyāh'_):** This powerful metaphor refers to a faulty or treacherous bow. A "deceitful" bow is one that is unreliable—perhaps warped, slack, or poorly strung—causing the arrow to miss its intended target, or even to recoil dangerously upon the archer. It symbolizes a lack of integrity, inconsistency, and unreliability. Applied to Israel, it vividly portrays their spiritual instability: they could not be depended upon to hit the mark of righteousness or to fulfill their covenant obligations, making them unreliable partners in their relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But turned back":** This phrase signifies a reversal of direction, a spiritual regression from a path of obedience or proximity to God. It implies a deliberate choice to deviate from the covenant way, moving away from divine principles and presence. This "turning back" is not merely a passive drifting but an active spiritual apostasy, a renunciation of their commitment to God.
* **"and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers":** This clause highlights the continuity of sin across generations. Israel's unfaithfulness is not an isolated incident but a tragic echo of the past, specifically referencing the rebellious wilderness generation. "Dealt unfaithfully" (Hebrew _bāḡaḏ_) emphasizes a profound breach of trust and a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God, mirroring the perfidy that characterized their ancestors' interactions with the Almighty.
* **"they were turned aside like a deceitful bow":** This vivid simile powerfully illustrates Israel's unreliability and spiritual instability. Just as a faulty or "deceitful" bow cannot shoot straight or predictably, Israel's spiritual trajectory was erratic and untrustworthy. Their commitment to God was inconsistent, their promises empty, and their actions often contrary to their stated allegiance, rendering them undependable in their covenant walk.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:57 is rich in **Simile**, explicitly comparing Israel's actions to familiar, relatable concepts: "like their fathers" and "like a deceitful bow." This use of "like" creates a direct, understandable comparison that enhances the emotional and intellectual impact of the verse. The phrase "deceitful bow" also functions as a potent **Metaphor** for spiritual unreliability and treachery, drawing on the common experience of a faulty tool to convey profound theological truth about Israel's character. The psalm also employs **Repetition** of themes throughout its lengthy narrative, with this verse serving as a concise summary of the recurring cycle of Israel's unfaithfulness, reinforcing the didactic purpose of the entire psalm. This repetition emphasizes the persistent nature of their rebellion and the tragic continuity of sin across generations, making the warning all the more poignant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:57 stands as a stark reminder of humanity's persistent tendency toward unfaithfulness, even in the face of divine grace and miraculous provision. It underscores the biblical theme of the covenant, where God's unwavering commitment to His people is repeatedly met with their fickle loyalty and outright rebellion. This verse highlights the profound theological truth that sin is not merely an isolated act but often a deep-seated spiritual condition, passed down through generations and manifesting as a fundamental unreliability in one's relationship with God. It emphasizes the contrast between God's steadfast love (Hebrew _hesed_) and humanity's inherent brokenness, revealing the need for a divine intervention that can truly transform the human heart and enable genuine faithfulness. The psalm, through this verse, implicitly points to the necessity of a new covenant, one where God's law is written on the heart, making true obedience possible.

* [Judges 2:19](/judges/2-19 "Judges 2:19 - Israel's Recurring Disobedience")
* [Hosea 7:16](/hosea/7-16 "Hosea 7:16 - Israel's Unreliable Bow")
* [Jeremiah 3:20](/jeremiah/3-20 "Jeremiah 3:20 - Judah's Treachery Against God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:57 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to confront the potential for unfaithfulness within their own hearts. Just as ancient Israel repeatedly turned back and dealt unfaithfully, we too are susceptible to spiritual regression, compromise, and inconsistency in our walk with God. This verse calls us to vigilant self-assessment, prompting us to identify areas where our commitment might be wavering, where we might be neglecting God's commands, or where our actions betray our stated allegiance. It serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is characterized by steadfastness and integrity, not by the erratic and unreliable trajectory of a "deceitful bow." Furthermore, recognizing the generational pattern of sin in Israel's history compels us to break any cycles of disobedience or spiritual apathy that may exist in our own lives or families, actively seeking God's grace to cultivate a legacy of faithfulness. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to learn from the failures of the past, striving for a consistent and dependable devotion to Christ, allowing His Spirit to empower us to live lives that genuinely reflect our covenant relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "turning back" or dealing unfaithfully with God, perhaps subtly or unintentionally?**
* **Are there any generational patterns of sin or spiritual lukewarmness in my family that I need to actively break through prayer and intentional obedience?**
* **How can I cultivate greater steadfastness and reliability in my faith, ensuring my "bow" is not deceitful but true to its mark?**
* **What lessons from Israel's history of unfaithfulness can I apply to my own spiritual journey to avoid similar pitfalls?**

### FAQ
**Why is Psalm 78 so long and repetitive in recounting Israel's history?**

Answer: Psalm 78 is a didactic psalm, meaning it is designed to teach and instruct. Its length and repetitive nature serve a crucial pedagogical purpose: to impress upon the audience (especially future generations) the consistent pattern of God's faithfulness versus Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. By meticulously recounting historical events and Israel's repeated failures, the psalmist aims to prevent future generations from repeating the same mistakes. It's a national history lesson, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remembering God's works and covenant. The repetition ensures that the central message—God's enduring patience and Israel's recurring rebellion—is deeply ingrained.

**What does the metaphor "deceitful bow" mean for believers today?**

Answer: The "deceitful bow" metaphor powerfully illustrates spiritual unreliability and inconsistency. For believers today, it serves as a warning against a faith that is wavering, unreliable, or fails to "hit the mark" of God's will. It challenges us to examine our commitment: Are we truly dependable in our walk with God? Do our actions align with our stated beliefs? A "deceitful bow" represents a lack of integrity in our spiritual lives, where our promises to God or our pursuit of righteousness are inconsistent or easily swayed. It calls us to cultivate steadfastness, integrity, and a genuine, unwavering commitment to Christ, ensuring that our lives are a true reflection of our covenant relationship with Him, not an erratic or untrustworthy one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:57, with its lament over Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and their being "turned aside like a deceitful bow," profoundly highlights the desperate human need for a perfect and steadfast Mediator. Israel's tragic cycle of rebellion demonstrates the inability of humanity, even under a divine covenant, to maintain consistent loyalty. This brokenness ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Son, the true Israel, and the embodiment of perfect obedience. Unlike Israel, who "turned back" from God, Christ always "turned toward" the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, not as one who deals unfaithfully, but as the one who perfectly upholds every aspect of God's righteous demands ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ inaugurates the New Covenant, where the Spirit of God is poured out, enabling believers to live lives of genuine faithfulness, transforming our "deceitful bows" into instruments of righteousness ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "The New Covenant")). Our steadfastness is no longer dependent on our fickle human will but on the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ's unwavering faithfulness, thus securing our position and empowering our obedience in Him ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "The Law Fulfilled in Us by the Spirit")).

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

Hosea 7:16

They return, [but] not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this [shall be] their derision in the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:27

¶ Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

Ezekiel 20:28

[For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

Psalms 78:8

And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

Judges 3:12

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

Judges 3:5

And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:

Judges 3:7

And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.