Psalms 78:56
Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יַּמְרוּ
and provoked
H4784
וַ֭יַּמְרוּ
and provoked
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
2 of 8
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 8
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
the most high
H5945
עֶלְי֑וֹן
the most high
Strong's:
H5945
Word #:
5 of 8
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
Historical Context
The period of the Judges (1390-1050 BC) exemplifies this pattern: 'they forsook the LORD...and the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel' (Judges 2:12-14). Despite possessing the Promised Land and God's law, Israel repeatedly apostatized into Canaanite religion, provoking divine discipline.
Questions for Reflection
- How do believers 'test' God today through demanding signs or questioning His goodness?
- What heart attitude transforms obedience from legal duty into loving response to grace?
- In what ways does recognizing God as 'Most High' affect how we view our sin's seriousness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies. The devastating Yet introduces Israel's faithlessness despite overwhelming grace. They tempted (vanassu, וַיְנַסּוּ) means to test or try God's patience, demanding proof of His presence (Exodus 17:7, Numbers 14:22). Provoked (vayamru, וַיַּמְרוּ) carries connotations of rebellion and bitterness—deliberate defiance, not mere weakness.
The title most high God (Elohim Elyon, אֱלֹהִים עֶלְיוֹן) heightens the tragedy. They rebelled against the supreme deity who just demonstrated His power over all gods through the exodus. Unbelief is cosmic treason against sovereign majesty. Kept not his testimonies (lo shameru edotav, לֹא שָׁמְרוּ עֵדֹתָיו) indicates violation of covenant stipulations—God's edot (עֵדוֹת) are His binding testimonies about Himself and His requirements.
This verse establishes a pattern repeated throughout redemptive history: God saves → people rebel → God judges → remnant preserved → cycle repeats. Only Christ breaks this cycle, obeying perfectly where Israel failed (Romans 5:19).