Psalms 78:26

Authorized King James Version

He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַסַּ֣ע
to blow
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#2
קָ֭דִים
He caused an east wind
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#3
בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם
in the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#4
וַיְנַהֵ֖ג
he brought in
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
#5
בְּעֻזּ֣וֹ
and by his power
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#6
תֵימָֽן׃
the south wind
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection