Psalms 78:36

Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

Nevertheless they did flatter {H6601}{H8762)} him with their mouth {H6310}, and they lied {H3576}{H8762)} unto him with their tongues {H3956}.

But they tried to deceive him with their words, they lied to him with their tongues;

But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues.

But they flattered him with their mouth, And lied unto him with their tongue.

Commentary

Psalms 78:36 from the King James Version offers a stark depiction of Israel's insincere devotion to God, highlighting a recurring pattern of hypocrisy throughout their history. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine worship and heartfelt commitment.

Context

Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, recounting God's faithfulness to Israel despite their repeated rebellion and disobedience, particularly during the wilderness wanderings and the period of the judges. The psalmist Asaph (or a Levite from Asaph's guild) aims to teach the next generation about God's mighty acts and Israel's failures, urging them to avoid the same mistakes. Verses immediately preceding 78:36 describe how God provided for His people miraculously in the desert, sending manna and water from the rock. Yet, despite these divine provisions and demonstrations of power, the people continued to test and provoke Him. This verse, 78:36, details their deceptive response to God's grace and judgment.

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy and Insincerity: The core message is the stark contrast between outward expression and inward reality. Israel's "flattery" and "lies" indicate a worship and obedience that was merely superficial, a lip service without true devotion. This echoes the sentiment found in Isaiah 29:13, where God laments, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me."
  • Deception of God: While humans can deceive each other, the verse highlights the futility and offense of attempting to deceive an omniscient God. Their actions were a direct affront to His character and knowledge.
  • Rebellion and Faithlessness: This insincerity was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of rebellion against God's covenant and a lack of true faith, despite witnessing His power and provision.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here are particularly insightful:

  • "Flatter" comes from the Hebrew root patah (ืคึผึธืชึธื”), which means to open, entice, persuade, or deceive. In this context, it implies a deceptive persuasion, a smooth talk that is meant to manipulate or mislead rather than express genuine adoration. It's a superficial charm designed to get what they want from God without true change of heart.
  • "Lied" is from the Hebrew kazav (ื›ึผึธื–ึทื‘), meaning to lie, disappoint, or fail. It signifies a betrayal of trust, a breaking of promises, and a fundamental untruthfulness in their relationship with God. Their words and actions were not aligned with their true intentions, demonstrating a profound spiritual dishonesty.

Practical Application

Psalms 78:36 serves as a timeless warning against superficial religiosity and a call to authentic faith for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations:

  • Examine Your Heart: Are our prayers, praises, and acts of service truly from a sincere heart, or are they merely outward expressions designed to impress others or gain favor? God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6).
  • Cultivate Genuine Worship: True worship is not just about words or rituals, but about a heart devoted to God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This verse reminds us that God sees beyond our outward appearance and knows the true state of our hearts.
  • Beware of Spiritual Deception: We must guard against self-deception, believing that our outward religious observances are sufficient when our hearts are far from God. The heart can be deceitful, and we are called to seek God's help in discerning our true motives.

Ultimately, this verse underscores that God desires a relationship built on sincerity, truth, and genuine love, not on flattery or lies.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 33:31 (5 votes)

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Isaiah 29:13 (3 votes)

    Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

  • Psalms 18:44 (2 votes)

    As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

  • Deuteronomy 5:28 (2 votes)

    And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

  • Deuteronomy 5:29 (2 votes)

    O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

  • Hosea 11:12 (2 votes)

    Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

  • Psalms 106:12 (2 votes)

    Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.