The historical portion of the psalm now follows. It commences with some general remarks on the transgressions of Ephraim, i.e. of Israel while under the guidance of Ephraim—from Joshua to Samuel (verses 9-11). It then proceeds to details, and sketches the Israelite history. from the deliverance out of Egypt to the establishment of David's kingdom (verses 12-72). read more
God's tender mercy. This passage describes the conduct of the rebellious and lustful Israelites in the wilderness, and sets forth three things—God's chastisement of their sin; their superficial repentance; God's pitiful compassion. I. GOD 'S CHASTISEMENT OF SIN . ( Psalms 78:33 , Psalms 78:34 .) "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." 1 . Their sin was sensual indifference to... read more
For their heart was not right with him. It is the worship of the heart alone which God values (see Deuteronomy 10:12 ; Proverbs 3:1 ; Proverbs 23:26 , etc.). If the heart be not "right with God," our worship is an offence to him. Neither were they steadfast in his covenant (comp. Psalms 78:8 ). read more
The grievous sin of insincerity. "For their heart was not right with him;" Prayer book Version, "not whole with him;" Perowne, "not steadfast with him." An accusation is brought against God's people by Hoses to this effect, "Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty." Some are said to have "feared the Lord, and served other gods." But it is a more searching view of insincerity, or double mindedness, if we see that a man may keep up his open and outward relations with God, and... read more
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity. (On God's compassion, see Exodus 34:6 , Exodus 34:7 ; Numbers 14:18 ; Psalms 103:8 ; Psalms 145:8 .) And destroyed them not. The allusion is to such occasions as are noted in Exodus 32:10-14 ; Numbers 14:12-20 ; Numbers 16:21 , Numbers 16:45-50 , when God was on the point of destroying the whole people, but relented at the intercession of Moses. Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all... read more
For he remembered that they were but flesh (comp. Genesis 6:3 ). Flesh is weak, erring, frail—"in us, that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing" ( Romans 7:17 )—God, therefore, who had made them "flesh," had compassion on their weakness. A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again (comp. Job 7:7 ). Man is a mere passing breath—as light, as fleeting, as transitory—"a vapour that appeareth for a little while, and then vanisheth away" ( James 4:14 ). read more
For their heart was not right with him - Luther renders this, “Not fast with him.” The Hebrew word means “to fit, to prepare;” and the idea is, that the heart was not “adjusted” to such a profession, or did not “accord” with such a promise or pledge. It was a mere profession made by the lips, while the heart remained unaffected. See the notes at Psalms 78:8.Neither were they stedfast in his covenant - In maintaining his covenant, or in adhering to it. Compare Psalms 25:14; Psalms 44:17. See... read more
But he, being full of compassion - literally, “But he, merciful,” That is, he was ready to forgive them.Forgave their iniquity - literally, Atoned for, expiated, covered over their iniquity. There is connected with the word the idea of expiation or atonement, as the ground of pardon.And destroyed them not - Did not cut them off in their repeated acts of rebellion. He bore with them, and spared them.Yea, many a time turned he his anger away - literally, He multiplied to turn his anger away. That... read more
For he remembered that they were but flesh - That they were human; that they were weak; that they were prone to err; that they were liable to fall into temptation. In his dealings with them he took into view their fallen nature; their training; their temptations; their trials; their weaknesses; and he judged them accordingly. Compare Psalms 103:14. So it was with the Saviour in his treatment of his disciples, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” Matthew 26:41. God will judge... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 78:1-72
Whole psalm: Warnings against unbelief. I. ITS PURPOSE . 1 . To warn Ephraim; not to taunt and exult over him, but to warn. This psalm seems to belong to the period of the disruption. Ephraim, with the other northern tribes, had broken away from Judah and from the worship of God, and this psalm seems designed, by its recital of their old sins and the consequences thereof, to warn them against like sin in the future (cf. 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 .). 2 . To warn Judah. If... read more