Psalms 78:28

Authorized King James Version

And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֭יַּפֵּל

H5307

And he let it fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בְּקֶ֣רֶב

H7130

in the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

מַחֲנֵ֑הוּ

H4264

of their camp

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

סָ֝בִ֗יב

H5439

round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לְמִשְׁכְּנֹתָֽיו׃

H4908

their habitations

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 78 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?