Psalms 78:62
He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
לַחֶ֣רֶב
also unto the sword
H2719
לַחֶ֣רֶב
also unto the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
2 of 5
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
H5971
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 5
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
The Aphek disaster under Eli's weak leadership demonstrated that God doesn't automatically defend covenant people who violate covenant. This shocking reversal—Israel massacred by Philistines—shattered presumptuous confidence in election privileges apart from obedience. It prepared the way for Samuel's reforms and the monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being part of God's 'inheritance' (the church) increase rather than decrease accountability for faithfulness?
- What does it mean that God's greatest judgment might be simply giving people over to their chosen autonomy?
- How should believers respond when God withdraws blessing or protection due to communal sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance. The phrase gave his people over (vayyasger, וַיַּסְגֵּר) means to deliver up or surrender—God withdrew protective covering. Unto the sword describes military slaughter; 30,000 Israelites died at Aphek (1 Samuel 4:10). Divine wrath manifested in removing divine protection, exposing Israel to their enemies' violence.
Was wroth with his inheritance (charah benachalato, חָרָה בְּנַחֲלָתוֹ) contains tragic irony. Israel was God's special possession, His nachalah (נַחֲלָה)—inherited treasure (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 32:9). Yet their Benefactor became their Judge. Covenant privilege doesn't exempt from covenant curses; it intensifies accountability. Those who know more are judged more strictly (Luke 12:47-48).
This verse anticipates Paul's repeated phrase about God's judicial abandonment: 'God gave them up/over' (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). When people persistently reject God, He eventually grants their desire for autonomy—a terrifying judgment. Hell is God saying, 'Your will be done.'