Psalms 78:56

Authorized King James Version

Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְנַסּ֣וּ

H5254

Yet they tempted

to test; by implication, to attempt

וַ֭יַּמְרוּ

H4784

and provoked

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

God

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

עֶלְי֑וֹן

H5945

the most high

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

וְ֝עֵדוֹתָ֗יו

H5713

not his testimonies

testimony

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמָֽרוּ׃

H8104

and kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 78 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?