Psalms 78:62

Psalm 78:62, part of a lengthy historical psalm, recounts God's dealings with Israel, highlighting their persistent rebellion and His consequent judgments. This particular verse describes a severe instance of divine wrath against His chosen people.

Context

Psalm 78 serves as a didactic poem, tracing the history of Israel from the Exodus to the time of David, emphasizing God's faithfulness despite Israel's chronic unfaithfulness. The psalm details how God miraculously delivered His people, provided for them in the wilderness, yet they repeatedly rebelled, forgot His works, and tested Him. Verse 62 specifically refers to a period of intense judgment, often understood to be the time of the Philistine oppression and the devastating defeat at Aphek, where the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines. This event, detailed in 1 Samuel 4, marked a profound low point for Israel, signifying God's temporary withdrawal of His favor due to their deep-seated sin and idolatry, particularly that of the tribe of Ephraim, which is a key focus earlier in the psalm. This judgment was a direct consequence of their repeated unfaithfulness and idolatry, despite God's covenant warnings found in Deuteronomy 28.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment: The verse starkly portrays God's righteous anger (His being "wroth") against His people's persistent disobedience. It underscores that God, though merciful, is also just and will not tolerate rebellion indefinitely.
• Consequences of Unfaithfulness: Israel's repeated breaking of the covenant and their turning to idolatry led directly to severe consequences, including military defeat and suffering "unto the sword." This serves as a powerful reminder that there are direct repercussions for sin, even for those in a special relationship with God.
• God's Sovereignty: The phrase "He gave his people over" highlights God's active role in their judgment. It was not merely misfortune, but a sovereign act of divine discipline, demonstrating His ultimate control over nations and their destinies.
• God's "Inheritance": Calling Israel "His inheritance" emphasizes the deep, covenantal relationship God had with them. For God to be "wroth with his inheritance" signifies the depth of their offense and the severity of His disappointment in those He had chosen and cherished.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wroth" is ḥārāh (חָרָה), which conveys a strong, burning anger or indignation, often associated with God's righteous response to sin. The term "inheritance" is naḥălāh (נַחֲלָה), a significant biblical concept referring to a possession, often land or, in this context, the people of Israel themselves. It emphasizes their status as God's special, chosen possession, making His wrath towards them even more poignant.

Practical Application

Psalm 78:62 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Seriousness of Sin: God takes sin seriously, even in the lives of His beloved. It encourages a healthy fear of God and a commitment to holiness.
• Consequences of Disobedience: While believers are under grace, there are still natural and spiritual consequences for persistent disobedience and rebellion. God, in His love, may allow difficult circumstances to bring us to repentance, as seen in Hebrews 12:6.
• Value of Faithfulness: The psalm implicitly calls for faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. Understanding the historical consequences for Israel should motivate us to walk in integrity and keep God's covenant.
• God's Justice and Mercy: While this verse highlights God's justice, the broader narrative of the Bible also reveals His immense mercy and desire for repentance. His judgment is often a means to restore His people to a right relationship with Him.