Psalms 78:59

KJV

When God heard [this], he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:

KJV (with Strong's)

When God {H430} heard {H8085}{H8804)} this, he was wroth {H5674}{H8691)}, and greatly {H3966} abhorred {H3988}{H8799)} Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

God heard, and he was angry; he came to detest Isra'el completely.

Berean Standard Bible

On hearing it, God was furious and rejected Israel completely.

American Standard Version

When God heardthis, he was wroth, And greatly abhorred Israel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:59 captures a pivotal moment of divine displeasure, revealing God's righteous anger and profound rejection of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry. Following a long history of miraculous deliverance and patient guidance, Israel's repeated provocations, particularly their turning to false gods and breaking of the Mosaic covenant, culminated in a severe divine response that underscored the gravity of their rebellion and the holiness of God's character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, recounting God's faithfulness to Israel from the Exodus through the establishment of the sanctuary in Shiloh. The preceding verses, specifically [Psalms 78:56-58](/psalms/78-56 "Psalms 78:56-58 - Israel's Provocation and Idolatry"), detail Israel's repeated testing of God, their rebellion against the Most High, and their turning aside "like a deceitful bow." They provoked Him with their high places and moved Him to jealousy with their carved images. Verse 59 serves as the divine consequence, marking a critical turning point where God's long-suffering patience reaches a point of righteous indignation, directly responding to the detailed list of Israel's provocations and covenant breaches. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent divine judgment and the eventual rejection of Shiloh as His dwelling place in [Psalms 78:60-64](/psalms/78-60 "Psalms 78:60-64 - God Abandons Shiloh").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm recounts events primarily from the wilderness wandering and the period of the Judges, leading up to the establishment of the monarchy. During this time, Israel was repeatedly tempted by the idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations, despite God's clear commands in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")). The covenant established at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai")) was foundational to their identity as God's chosen people, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Israel's persistent idolatry and moral failures were not merely minor infractions but direct violations of this sacred covenant, a betrayal of their unique relationship with the one true God, and an affront to His holy character.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Psalms 78 and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Displeasure and Wrath**, demonstrating that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and His holiness demands a response to persistent sin and rebellion. It underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, showing that Israel's actions led directly to a withdrawal of divine favor and the impending judgment. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Seriousness of Covenant Breach**, illustrating the gravity of breaking a sacred agreement with the Almighty. The psalm's didactic purpose is to teach future generations about God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness, as seen in passages like [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love Endures"), while also warning against repeating the cycles of rebellion that provoked His righteous anger.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wroth (Hebrew, _ḥārāh'_):** This verb literally means "to burn" or "to kindle," often used metaphorically to describe the kindling of anger or indignation. It conveys a strong, intense, and active displeasure, indicating that God's anger was not a passive emotion but an ignited, righteous response to Israel's deep-seated rebellion and idolatry. It signifies a profound indignation that has reached its boiling point.
* **Abhorred (Hebrew, _māʾas'_):** This verb means "to reject," "to despise," "to loathe," or "to cast off." It signifies a profound and decisive rejection, not merely of Israel's actions, but of their spiritual state and the deep-seated idolatry that characterized their behavior. While God's ultimate covenant promises to Israel would endure, this term expresses a powerful divine renunciation of their conduct and a temporary, yet severe, withdrawal of His active favor due to their unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When God heard [this]":** This phrase connects directly to the preceding verses ([Psalms 78:56-58](/psalms/78-56 "Psalms 78:56-58 - Israel's Provocation and Idolatry")), which detail Israel's persistent testing, rebellion, and idolatry. God is depicted as an attentive, omniscient judge who is fully aware of His people's actions and the state of their hearts. His "hearing" is not merely auditory perception but a comprehensive understanding and evaluation of their spiritual condition and covenant infidelity.
* **"he was wroth":** This clause describes God's immediate and intense emotional response to Israel's provocations. The "wrath" is not an irrational outburst but a holy, just, and righteous indignation against sin, particularly against the violation of His covenant and the worship of false gods. It signifies that Israel's actions had reached a threshold where divine patience gave way to deserved judgment.
* **"and greatly abhorred Israel":** This powerful statement emphasizes the depth of God's rejection of Israel's conduct and their spiritual state. While God's covenant love for His people remained, this "abhorrence" refers to His profound loathing of their unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rebellion. It indicates a withdrawal of His active favor and a readiness to bring about the consequences of their disobedience, leading to severe judgment and a period of divine discipline.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:59 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God "hearing" and being "wroth" and "abhorring," attributing human emotions and senses to the divine to make God's response relatable and impactful. This is not to suggest God is limited by human emotions, but rather to communicate the intensity and righteousness of His reaction. The phrase "greatly abhorred" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the profound depth of God's displeasure and rejection of Israel's conduct, highlighting the severity of their covenant breach. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as **Didacticism**, serving as a teaching tool for future generations, warning them against the pitfalls of disobedience and idolatry by illustrating the direct consequences of such actions. The starkness of God's reaction also creates a strong **Contrast** with His earlier patience and provision, underscoring the severity of Israel's betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of God's holiness and justice. While God is merciful and long-suffering, His character also demands a righteous response to sin, especially persistent rebellion and covenant infidelity. His "wrath" and "abhorrence" are not arbitrary but are expressions of His unwavering commitment to His own glory and the purity of His covenant relationship. This passage reminds us that sin has serious consequences and that God is not indifferent to the choices of His people. It underscores the importance of a reverent fear of God and genuine obedience, not merely outward conformity but a heart devoted to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 29:20](/deuteronomy/29-20 "Deuteronomy 29:20 - The Lord's Anger and Jealousy")
* [Isaiah 1:4](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - A Sinful Nation")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:59 serves as a sober and essential reminder for believers today. It confronts us with the reality that God takes sin seriously, especially when it involves a pattern of rebellion, forgetfulness, and turning away from Him. We are prone to spiritual amnesia, forgetting God's past faithfulness and provisions, and instead chasing after the idols of our age—whether they be material possessions, worldly approval, self-sufficiency, or anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts. This verse calls us to a deep self-examination: Are we truly walking in covenant faithfulness, or are we, like ancient Israel, provoking God with our actions and attitudes? It compels us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, remembrance, and sincere obedience, recognizing that our relationship with God is precious and should not be trifled with. The consequences of spiritual apathy and idolatry are severe, and God's righteous character demands a response. Therefore, let us learn from history, repent of our own tendencies toward unfaithfulness, and strive to live lives that honor and glorify the One who has delivered us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly provoking God's displeasure through spiritual apathy or idolatry?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous wrath in this verse deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of remembrance and consistent obedience, avoiding the patterns of unfaithfulness seen in Israel?**

### FAQ
**Does God still "abhor" His people today, or is this concept only for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the specific historical context of Psalms 78:59 refers to God's response to ancient Israel's persistent covenant breaking and idolatry, the underlying principle of God's holy character and His righteous opposition to sin remains eternally true. God does not change ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")). However, the nature of His relationship with His people has been transformed through the New Covenant established in Christ. For those who are in Christ, God's wrath has been fully satisfied by Jesus' atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Believers are now "in Christ" and are not subject to the same kind of corporate, national "abhorrence" that Israel experienced due to covenant infidelity under the Old Covenant. Nevertheless, God still grieves over sin in the lives of His children ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")) and disciplines those He loves ([Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")) to bring them to repentance and conformity to Christ. So, while the specific expression of "abhorrence" may differ, God's holiness still means He cannot tolerate sin, even among His own, and will respond to it, though now through the lens of redemptive discipline rather than condemnation for those in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:59, with its stark depiction of God's wrath and abhorrence towards Israel's sin, powerfully underscores the profound problem of human rebellion and the absolute holiness of God. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. Israel's repeated failure to keep the covenant, leading to divine judgment, highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect mediator and a new covenant. Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin on the cross ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation Through Faith in His Blood")). He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enduring the very "abhorrence" of God for our sake, so that those who believe in Him might never experience it. Through His atoning sacrifice, the righteous demands of God's holiness were met, and a way was opened for reconciliation. Now, in Christ, believers are not met with God's wrath but with His grace and mercy, being declared righteous not by their own flawed obedience but by faith in His perfect work ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin For Us")). Thus, Psalms 78:59, while revealing the seriousness of sin, ultimately points to the glorious truth of the Gospel: God's wrath against sin was fully poured out on His Son, making possible eternal peace and reconciliation for all who trust in Him ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciled Through Christ's Blood")).

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

Psalms 106:40

Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

Psalms 14:2

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.

Psalms 14:5

There were they in great fear: for God [is] in the generation of the righteous.

Leviticus 26:44

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I [am] the LORD their God.

Lamentations 2:7

The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.

Deuteronomy 32:19

¶ And when the LORD saw [it], he abhorred [them], because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.

Psalms 11:4

¶ The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.