Psalms 78:62

KJV

He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

He gave {H5462} his people {H5971} over {H5462}{H8686)} also unto the sword {H2719}; and was wroth {H5674}{H8694)} with his inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gave his people over to the sword and grew angry with his own heritage.

Berean Standard Bible

He surrendered His people to the sword because He was enraged by His heritage.

American Standard Version

He gave his people over also unto the sword, And was wroth with his inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:62, a poignant verse within a lengthy historical psalm, starkly depicts a severe instance of divine judgment against Israel. It recounts how God, in His righteous indignation, "gave His people over" to military defeat and suffering, allowing them to fall "unto the sword," and was deeply "wroth with His inheritance" due to their persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. This verse underscores the profound consequences of covenant disobedience, even for those in a special relationship with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping didactic poem, serving as a historical recounting of God's dealings with Israel from the Exodus through the time of David. Its primary purpose is to instruct future generations about God's faithfulness and Israel's recurring unfaithfulness, urging them not to repeat the sins of their ancestors. The psalm details God's miraculous provisions and deliverances, juxtaposed with Israel's repeated rebellion, forgetfulness of His works, and testing of His patience. Verse 62 falls within a section that describes the consequences of Ephraim's unfaithfulness and the subsequent divine judgment, leading to the rejection of Shiloh and the establishment of Zion as God's dwelling place. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 78:56-60](/psalms/78-56 "Psalm 78:56-60 - Israel's rebellion and God's rejection of Shiloh")) highlight Israel's idolatry and provocation, setting the stage for the severe judgment described here.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse most likely refers to the devastating period of Philistine oppression, specifically the battle at Aphek (c. 1050 BC) where the Israelites suffered a crushing defeat. As recounted in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Battle of Aphek and Capture of the Ark"), not only were 30,000 Israelite soldiers slain, but the Ark of the Covenant—the very symbol of God's presence among His people—was captured by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - The Ark of God captured")). This event marked a profound low point for Israel, signifying God's temporary withdrawal of His favor due to their deep-seated sin, particularly the corruption of the priesthood under Eli's sons and the pervasive idolatry that had infiltrated the nation. The judgment described here aligns with the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), which warned of military defeat and subjugation as consequences for disobedience.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 78:62 powerfully encapsulates several core themes woven throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's righteous anger ("wroth") against His people's persistent disobedience. This highlights that God, though merciful and patient, is also just and will not tolerate rebellion indefinitely. Secondly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, demonstrating how Israel's repeated breaking of the covenant and turning to idolatry led directly to severe repercussions, including military defeat and suffering "unto the sword." This serves as a potent reminder that sin carries direct consequences, even for those in a special relationship with God. Thirdly, the phrase "He gave his people over" emphasizes **God's Sovereignty** in their judgment. This was not merely misfortune or a random act of war, but a sovereign act of divine discipline, demonstrating His ultimate control over nations and their destinies. Finally, calling Israel "His inheritance" emphasizes the deep, covenantal relationship God had with them, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:20](/deuteronomy/4-20 "Deuteronomy 4:20 - Israel, God's inheritance"). For God to be "wroth with his inheritance" signifies the profound depth of their offense and the severity of His disappointment in those He had chosen and cherished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gave over (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** This verb means "to give, put, set, allow." In this context, it signifies God's active permission or direct action in handing His people over to their enemies. It implies a deliberate, sovereign act of judgment, not merely a passive allowance. It highlights that even in their defeat, God remained in control, orchestrating events as a form of divine discipline.
* **Wroth (Hebrew, _ḥārāh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to burn," this word conveys a strong, burning anger or indignation. When applied to God, it describes His righteous and holy displeasure against sin. It is not an uncontrolled outburst but a just response to covenant breaking and rebellion, indicating the seriousness with which God views His people's unfaithfulness.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** This term is highly significant, referring to a possession, often land, but here, specifically to the people of Israel themselves. It underscores their unique status as God's chosen, cherished possession, set apart from all other nations. For God to be "wroth with his inheritance" emphasizes the profound tragedy and irony of the situation: those whom God had specially chosen and cared for had provoked Him to such a degree that He brought judgment upon them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He gave his people over also unto the sword":** This clause describes God's direct agency in Israel's suffering. The phrase "gave over" (from _nātan_) indicates a deliberate, sovereign act. It was not simply that Israel lost a battle, but that God Himself permitted or orchestrated their defeat by the "sword," a metonymy for war, violence, and death. This highlights that their military disaster was a divine judgment, a consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness, rather than mere misfortune. It underscores God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations, even His own chosen people.
* **"and was wroth with his inheritance":** This second clause explains the underlying reason for the first: God's profound anger. The term "wroth" (_ḥārāh_) conveys a burning, righteous indignation. The object of His wrath is "his inheritance," a deeply affectionate and covenantal term for Israel, emphasizing their special, cherished status as God's chosen possession. The juxtaposition of God's loving designation ("his inheritance") with His severe emotion ("wroth") powerfully conveys the depth of Israel's offense and the pain of God's disappointment in His beloved people. This wrath was not arbitrary but a just response to their repeated rebellion and idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:62 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "was wroth," attributing human emotion (anger) to God, making His righteous indignation relatable and impactful. This device emphasizes the personal nature of God's response to Israel's sin. **Metonymy** is used in "unto the sword," where "sword" stands for the broader concept of military defeat, violence, and death. This concise imagery evokes the devastating consequences of God's judgment. Furthermore, there is a profound sense of **Irony** in God being "wroth with his inheritance." The term "inheritance" signifies a treasured possession, something dearly valued and protected. For God to bring judgment upon His own treasured possession highlights the extreme nature of Israel's provocation and the severity of their covenant breaking, making the divine wrath all the more poignant and tragic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:62 serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of covenant unfaithfulness and the reality of divine judgment, even for God's chosen people. It underscores that God's love and election do not negate His justice or His commitment to holiness. While He is patient and merciful, there are limits to His forbearance when His people persistently rebel and disregard His commands. This verse illustrates that God's discipline, though painful, is a necessary act of His sovereign love, intended to call His people back to repentance and a right relationship with Him. It reveals a God who takes sin seriously and holds His people accountable, demonstrating that a privileged relationship with Him comes with profound responsibilities.

* [Deuteronomy 32:36](/deuteronomy/32-36 "God's compassion for His people")
* [Judges 2:14-15](/judges/2-14 "God gives Israel over to plunderers")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "The Lord disciplines those He loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:62 offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. It compels us to confront the seriousness of sin, even within the context of a loving relationship with God. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, this verse reminds us that God is holy and righteous, and persistent, unrepentant disobedience can lead to severe consequences, not as a loss of salvation, but as divine discipline. God's discipline, though painful, is always redemptive, designed to bring us to repentance, restore our fellowship with Him, and conform us more closely to the image of Christ. It should cultivate in us a healthy fear of the Lord, not a terror that drives us away, but a reverent awe that motivates us to pursue holiness and live in faithful obedience. Understanding God's past dealings with Israel should inspire us to cherish our relationship with Him, walk in integrity, and heed His warnings, recognizing that His love is intertwined with His justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "wrath" in this context shape your view of His character?**
* **In what ways might God "give us over" to consequences today, not as abandonment, but as loving discipline?**
* **What specific areas in your life might require a renewed commitment to faithfulness and obedience to avoid spiritual consequences?**
* **How can the concept of being God's "inheritance" both comfort and challenge you in your walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly "give up" on His people, as this verse seems to suggest?**

Answer: No, God does not ultimately "give up" on His people in the sense of abandoning His covenant promises or eternal salvation. The phrase "He gave his people over" (Hebrew _nātan_) in [Psalms 78:62](/psalms/78-62 "Psalm 78:62 - God gave His people over") refers to a sovereign act of divine discipline, allowing or orchestrating painful circumstances (like military defeat) as a consequence of their unfaithfulness and rebellion. This discipline, though severe, was intended to bring Israel to repentance and back into right relationship with Him, not to utterly destroy them or revoke His covenant. The broader narrative of Psalm 78 itself, and indeed the entire Bible, demonstrates God's enduring faithfulness, His willingness to forgive, and His ultimate restoration of His people after periods of judgment. Just as a loving parent disciplines a child for their good ([Hebrews 12:6-11](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6-11 - God's Discipline")), God disciplines His children out of love, not out of a desire to abandon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 78:62, with its depiction of God's righteous wrath against His unfaithful inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. While Israel, God's first inheritance, provoked His anger through their rebellion and was "given over to the sword," God's greater plan of redemption involved a far more profound "giving over." In an act of unparalleled love and justice, God "gave up" His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to the "sword" of divine judgment on the cross for the sins of humanity ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God gave up His Son for us all")). Christ, the true and faithful Israel, bore the full wrath that humanity deserved, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse")). Through His sacrificial death, He secured a new covenant, establishing a new "inheritance" for all who believe—an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Our living hope and inheritance")). Thus, the judgment depicted in Psalm 78:62 foreshadows the severity of God's justice, which was fully satisfied in Christ, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God is just and the justifier")). We, the church, are now God's chosen race, His royal priesthood, His holy nation, His own special people ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A chosen race, a royal priesthood")), called to live in faithfulness to the One who endured the sword for us, ensuring that we will never be truly "given over" to ultimate destruction.

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

1 Samuel 4:2

And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.

1 Samuel 4:10

¶ And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

1 Samuel 4:11

And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

Psalms 89:38

¶ But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed.

Isaiah 64:9

Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we [are] all thy people.