Psalms 78:35
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽ֭יִּזְכְּרוּ
And they remembered
H2142
וַֽ֭יִּזְכְּרוּ
And they remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
that God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
that God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
צוּרָ֑ם
was their rock
H6697
צוּרָ֑ם
was their rock
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
וְאֵ֥ל
God
H410
וְאֵ֥ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Exodus 15:13Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Deuteronomy 32:15But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Historical Context
Asaph references Israel's deliverance from Egypt, where God demonstrated all three roles: Rock providing stability through covenant, Most High God judging Egypt's gods, and Redeemer purchasing Israel from slavery. These weren't abstract concepts but lived experiences the Exodus generation witnessed.
Questions for Reflection
- What "rocks" (false foundations) do you turn to before remembering God is your true Rock?
- How can you cultivate constant awareness of God as Redeemer, not just crisis-driven remembrance?
- Does your theology inform your daily trust, or remain compartmentalized head-knowledge?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. The title tzur (צוּר, "rock") emphasizes God's stability, protection, and permanence—used 73 times in the Psalms. El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, "high God") denotes supreme sovereignty, first used by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). Gōʾēl (גֹּאֵל, "redeemer") is kinsman-redeemer language, pointing to God's covenant obligation to rescue His people.
Yet Asaph's irony is devastating—they "remembered" only under duress. True memory of God as Rock should produce unwavering trust, but theirs was selective amnesia cured temporarily by catastrophe. They knew the right theology—God as foundation, sovereign, and deliverer—yet this knowledge remained cerebral rather than transformative.
The tragedy intensifies in verse 36: their confession was lip-service. Modern believers face identical danger—orthodox theology without heart transformation, knowing God's attributes while living practically atheistic lives. Christ warned against calling Him "Lord, Lord" without obedience (Matthew 7:21).