Psalms 78:66

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 78:66 describes a specific instance of divine judgment against God's enemies, emphasizing the humiliating nature of their defeat. This verse is part of a longer historical psalm that recounts God's faithfulness to Israel despite their repeated rebellion, highlighting His power and sovereignty over all nations.

Context

This verse refers to the Philistines, who had captured the Ark of the Covenant from Israel (1 Samuel 4:11). After the Ark was brought into their cities, God afflicted them with severe plagues, including tumors (often understood as hemorrhoids or bubonic plague) in their "hinder parts." The detailed account can be found in 1 Samuel 5:6-9. This humiliating affliction led the Philistines to return the Ark to Israel, recognizing the power of the God of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active intervention and judgment against those who defy Him or profane His holy presence. It demonstrates that God will not be mocked and will defend His honor.
  • Humiliation of God's Enemies: The phrase "smote his enemies in the hinder parts" signifies not merely defeat, but a particularly embarrassing and debilitating affliction. This severe humiliation served as a clear sign of God's superior power and sovereignty, stripping the Philistines of their pride and military prowess.
  • God's Vindication of His Name: By inflicting such a specific and humiliating plague, God vindicated His name and demonstrated His power to a people who had dared to challenge Him and seize His sacred symbol. This act underscored the lasting shame and "perpetual reproach" upon them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hinder parts" (Hebrew: āḥōr) literally refers to the back or rear. In the context of the Philistine plague described in 1 Samuel 5:6, it is understood to refer to the tumors or boils that afflicted them, particularly in a sensitive and humiliating area. This wasn't just a wound, but a debilitating and shaming disease. The term "perpetual reproach" (Hebrew: ḥerpath ʿôlām) emphasizes the lasting and indelible nature of the shame brought upon the Philistines, a shame that would be remembered through generations.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority and justice. For believers, it offers assurance that God is mighty to defend His people and His truth, even against formidable foes. For those who might oppose God, it stands as a warning that there are real and often humiliating consequences for defiance and desecration. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and to revere His holiness, knowing that He will ultimately bring all things to account, ensuring that His name is glorified and His enemies are put to shame, as seen in the broader narrative of Psalm 78.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 5:6 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Job 40:12 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 6:4 (2 votes)

    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.