Psalms 78:66

KJV

And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he smote {H5221}{H8686)} his enemies {H6862} in the hinder parts {H268}: he put {H5414}{H8804)} them to a perpetual {H5769} reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He struck his foes, driving them back and putting them to perpetual shame.

Berean Standard Bible

He beat back His foes; He put them to everlasting shame.

American Standard Version

And he smote his adversaries backward: He put them to a perpetual reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:66 recounts God's decisive and humiliating judgment upon His adversaries, specifically the Philistines, following their desecration of the Ark of the Covenant. This verse, embedded within a historical psalm that chronicles God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion, underscores the Lord's supreme power and sovereign authority over all nations. It serves as a potent reminder of the severe and lasting consequences for those who oppose the Most High God and profane His sacred presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a comprehensive historical "maskil" or didactic psalm, designed to instruct future generations by recounting God's redemptive acts and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness from the Exodus through the establishment of David's reign. The psalm employs Israel's past as both a cautionary tale and an encouragement, highlighting God's patience, provision, and formidable judgment. Immediately preceding this verse, [Psalms 78:60-64](/psalms/78-60-64 "Psalm 78:60-64 - God's Rejection of Shiloh and Israel's Defeat") describes God's abandonment of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the devastating defeat of Israel at the hands of the Philistines, culminating in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant. Verse 66 directly follows this low point, marking a dramatic shift in focus to God's subsequent, powerful vengeance upon the Philistines for their sacrilege. This demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty and active intervention to vindicate His name and restore His honor, even when His covenant people are disobedient and suffer consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific events referenced in [Psalms 78:66](/psalms/78-66 "Psalms 78:66 - God's Judgment on the Philistines") are vividly detailed in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines"). After the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant during battle ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Ark Captured")), they brought it into their cities, proudly placing it in the temple of their chief deity, Dagon. As a direct consequence of this profound act of sacrilege, God afflicted them with severe plagues, specifically "tumors" or "emerods" (often understood as painful hemorrhoids or bubonic plague-like swellings) in their "hinder parts." This affliction was not merely physically agonizing but deeply humiliating in a culture where physical integrity, public dignity, and the honor of one's deity were paramount. Furthermore, the Philistine god Dagon was repeatedly found toppled and broken before the Ark ([1 Samuel 5:3-4](/1_samuel/5-3-4 "1 Samuel 5:3-4 - Dagon Falls Before the Ark")), unequivocally emphasizing the Israelite God's unparalleled supremacy. The severity, nature, and location of the plague were strategically designed to be a public spectacle of divine judgment, compelling the Philistines to acknowledge the overwhelming power of the God of Israel and ultimately to return the Ark ([1 Samuel 6:1-12](/1_samuel/6-1-12 "1 Samuel 6:1-12 - The Ark Returns to Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several major theological and narrative themes central to the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's active, precise, and decisive intervention against those who defy Him or profane His holy presence. It underscores that God will not be mocked and will vigorously defend His honor and the sanctity of His covenant. Secondly, the phrase "smote his enemies in the hinder parts" signifies not merely a military defeat but a particularly **Humiliating Defeat of God's Enemies**. This severe and physically degrading affliction served as an undeniable sign of God's superior power and sovereignty, stripping the Philistines of their pride, military prowess, and the perceived strength of their false gods. Finally, by inflicting such a specific and humiliating plague, God effectively orchestrated the **Vindication of His Name and Sovereignty**. He demonstrated His unparalleled power to a people who had dared to challenge Him and seize His sacred symbol, underscoring the lasting shame and "perpetual reproach" that would be remembered through generations, as seen in the overarching narrative of [Psalm 78](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root (H5221) carries a broad range of meanings, from striking lightly to severely, literally or figuratively. In [Psalms 78:66](/psalms/78-66 "Psalms 78:66 - God's Judgment on the Philistines"), it denotes a forceful, decisive, and punitive strike, indicating a direct act of divine judgment. It emphasizes God's active agency and power in inflicting the affliction, distinguishing it from a mere accident or natural occurrence.
* **hinder parts (Hebrew, _ʾâchôwr'_):** This term (H268) literally refers to the "back" or "rear." In the context of the Philistine plague described in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines"), it is widely understood to refer to the tumors, boils, or hemorrhoids that afflicted them, specifically in a sensitive and deeply humiliating area of the body. This choice of affliction was not arbitrary; it represented a debilitating and shaming disease that publicly exposed their vulnerability and the impotence of their gods, designed to be both painful and profoundly dishonoring.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** This word (H2781) signifies contumely, disgrace, or shame. When coupled with "perpetual" (H5769, _ʿôwlâm_, meaning enduring or everlasting), the phrase "perpetual reproach" emphasizes the indelible and enduring nature of the shame brought upon the Philistines. Their defeat was not a temporary setback but a lasting mark of divine judgment that would be remembered and recounted through generations, serving as a permanent stain on their national pride and a testament to the God of Israel's unwavering power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts":** This clause directly attributes the action of striking to God ("he smote"), identifying the recipients as "his enemies"—specifically the Philistines who had dared to profane the Ark of the Covenant. The phrase "in the hinder parts" specifies the precise and humiliating nature of the affliction, referring to the painful tumors or hemorrhoids that plagued them. This was a targeted and deliberate act of divine judgment, not a random misfortune, designed to demonstrate God's absolute power over those who dared to challenge His holiness and sovereignty.
* **"he put them to a perpetual reproach":** This clause describes the lasting consequence of God's punitive action. The physical affliction was not merely a temporary discomfort but resulted in an enduring state of "reproach" or profound shame. This shame was "perpetual," meaning it would be remembered and recounted for generations, serving as a permanent blot on the Philistines' history and a constant reminder of their catastrophic encounter with the God of Israel. It signifies a profound and irreversible humiliation that stripped them of their dignity, military pride, and the perceived strength of their false deities.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalms 78:66](/psalms/78-66 "Psalms 78:66 - God's Judgment on the Philistines") effectively employs **Irony** and **Symbolism** to amplify its message. The Philistines, having captured the Ark and seemingly triumphed over Israel and their God, are then afflicted in a manner that is utterly undignified and humiliating, turning their perceived victory into their deepest shame. The affliction "in the hinder parts" is deeply ironic, as it targets a private area for public humiliation, contrasting sharply with the Philistine's boastful pride and military prowess. This physical affliction **symbolizes** the complete emasculation and spiritual impotence of their false gods, particularly Dagon, in the face of the true God of Israel. The "perpetual reproach" can also be seen as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the profound and long-lasting nature of their shame, ensuring that this divine judgment would not be forgotten and would serve as a perpetual testament to God's absolute sovereignty and punitive power. The vivid imagery serves to underscore the absolute sovereignty and punitive power of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 78:66](/psalms/78-66 "Psalms 78:66 - God's Judgment on the Philistines") serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering justice and His zealous defense of His holiness. Even when His own people are unfaithful, God remains sovereign and will not allow His name or His sacred presence to be profaned with impunity. This verse underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but precise, often targeting the very source of human pride or the means by which His glory is challenged. It reveals a God who actively intervenes in history to vindicate His honor, demonstrating that all earthly powers are ultimately subject to His authority. The humiliation of the Philistines is a stark warning that defiance against God inevitably leads to disgrace and lasting consequences, reinforcing the truth that God is the supreme and only true God.

* [Exodus 14:28](/exodus/14-28 "Exodus 14:28 - Pharaoh's Army Drowned in the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15-16 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Caught in Their Own Trap")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Share His Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, while describing a specific historical judgment, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign Lord who fiercely defends His name, His truth, and His holiness. For those who trust in Him, it provides profound assurance that God is mighty to defend His people and His honor, even against formidable spiritual and earthly foes. We are called to revere His holiness and to trust in His ultimate justice, knowing that He will bring all things to account. Conversely, for those who might oppose God or profane His name, this verse stands as a solemn warning that there are real, often humiliating, and lasting consequences for defiance and desecration. It encourages us to live in humility and obedience, recognizing that true power, dignity, and lasting peace come only from alignment with God's will and His righteous standards. Our response to God's holiness should be one of profound reverence, knowing that His character demands both justice and abundant mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific nature of the Philistines' affliction (in the "hinder parts") deepen your understanding of God's judgment and its humiliating aspect, particularly in a cultural context?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, unknowingly "profane" God's presence or name, and what lessons can we draw from this verse about the consequences of such actions?**
* **How does the concept of "perpetual reproach" encourage you to live a life that honors God, knowing that actions, both individual and corporate, can have lasting spiritual implications?**

### FAQ

**What does "smote his enemies in the hinder parts" literally mean, and why was this significant?**

Answer: The phrase "smote his enemies in the hinder parts" refers to God afflicting the Philistines with painful tumors or hemorrhoids, specifically in their rear or anal regions, as detailed in [1 Samuel 5](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark Among the Philistines"). This was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a direct divine judgment for their sacrilege in capturing the Ark of the Covenant and placing it in Dagon's temple. Secondly, the nature of the affliction was not just painful but deeply humiliating and undignified in ancient culture, signifying a profound loss of honor and public shame. It was a clear demonstration of God's power over their false gods and their military might, turning their perceived victory into a public spectacle of their debasement and forcing them to acknowledge the supremacy of the God of Israel.

**How does this verse relate to God's character of justice and mercy?**

Answer: This verse primarily highlights God's character of justice and holiness. It demonstrates that God is not indifferent to sin or sacrilege; He actively intervenes to uphold His honor and righteous standards. The judgment on the Philistines served as a punitive act, but also as a protective one for the sanctity of His covenant with Israel. While this specific instance focuses on punitive justice, it is important to remember that God's justice is always balanced with His mercy, which is abundantly shown to His covenant people throughout the very same [Psalm 78](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion") and indeed, throughout the entire biblical narrative. The ultimate purpose of such judgments is to lead people to acknowledge His supreme power and turn to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 78:66](/psalms/78-66 "Psalms 78:66 - God's Judgment on the Philistines"), with its vivid portrayal of God's decisive and humiliating judgment upon His enemies, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While this Old Testament verse describes a physical affliction and national disgrace, Christ's work on the cross represents the definitive spiritual triumph over the ultimate enemies of God: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The "reproach" that fell upon the Philistines foreshadows the "reproach" that Christ bore for humanity, as He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ Despised and Rejected")). Yet, through His crucifixion, which appeared to be a defeat, Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The humiliation of God's enemies in [Psalms 78:66](/psalms/78-66 "Psalms 78:66 - God's Judgment on the Philistines") points forward to the complete and eternal defeat of Satan and his kingdom through Christ's death and resurrection, ensuring that all who trust in Him are delivered from the "perpetual reproach" of sin and death. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), secures eternal victory and reigns in everlasting glory, holding the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")).

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 5:6

¶ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

Jeremiah 23:40

And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

1 Samuel 6:4

Then said they, What [shall be] the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, [according to] the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague [was] on you all, and on your lords.