Psalms 78:10
They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 78 traces Israel's history from Egypt through the wilderness to David's reign, emphasizing the pattern of divine grace and human rebellion. Verse 10 specifically references the Ephraim generation (v. 9), likely the wilderness generation who saw God's miracles yet refused to enter Canaan (Numbers 14). Despite being "armed and carrying bows"—militarily equipped—they turned back in cowardice and unbelief. This became paradigmatic of covenant unfaithfulness: possessing privileges (the law, God's presence, military strength) while lacking faith and obedience. The Sinai covenant (Exodus 19-24) established Israel's relationship with Yahweh through explicit treaty stipulations. Covenant-keeping defined Israel's identity; covenant-breaking resulted in exile (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Asaph's generation witnessed the northern kingdom's increasing apostasy, making this historical rehearsal both warning and explanation for contemporary judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ephraim's pattern—possessing spiritual privileges but refusing obedience—manifest in contemporary church life?
- In what ways might professing Christians 'keep not the covenant' while maintaining religious externals?
- What is the relationship between 'refusing to walk in his law' and the New Testament concept of 'walking in the Spirit' (Galatians 5:16)?
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Analysis & Commentary
They kept not the covenant of God (לֹא שָׁמְרוּ בְּרִית אֱלֹהִים, lo shamru berit Elohim)—The verb shamru means "to keep, guard, observe," the same word used for Adam's charge to "keep" the garden (Genesis 2:15) and Israel's duty to "keep" the law (Deuteronomy 7:12). Covenant-breaking wasn't passive neglect but active abandonment. The term berit (covenant) specifically recalls the Sinai covenant (Exodus 19-24), where Israel pledged "All that the LORD hath spoken we will do" (Exodus 19:8, 24:3, 7). Their failure was willful treaty violation.
And refused to walk in his law (וּמֵאֲנוּ לָלֶכֶת בְּתוֹרָתוֹ, ume'anu lalechet betorato)—The verb me'anu ("refused") intensifies the charge beyond mere failure to determined rebellion. They didn't simply stumble but deliberately rejected God's torah (instruction/law). The metaphor "to walk in" (lalechet be) describes lifestyle obedience, the entire pattern of life, not isolated acts. Asaph is describing the Ephraim generation (v. 9) who, despite being "armed and carrying bows," turned back in battle—spiritually equipped but morally faithless. This sets the pattern for understanding Israel's recurring apostasy: covenant privileges without covenant faithfulness, religious form without heart loyalty. Hebrews 3:7-19 applies this warning to Christians: privileges (hearing God's word) without persevering faith lead to exclusion from rest.