Psalms 78:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:29
29 So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, truth, righteousness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-72: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 78:29
29 So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;
Analysis
So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire—the Hebrew śāba' (well filled) means satiated to excess, stuffed beyond satisfaction. God gave them ta'ăwātām (their desire), the same word for 'lust' in v. 18. This verse captures the tragedy of getting exactly what you want when what you want is poisonous.
Proverbs 23:2 warns: 'Put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.' Jesus taught that life doesn't consist in abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Paul calls the stomach 'their god' for those who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:19). Israel's filled bellies revealed empty souls—they ate themselves to death, proving Augustine's maxim: 'Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.'
Historical Context
The phrase 'their own desire' indicts Israel's self-determination. God gave them precisely what they demanded, without editing or improvement. This divine 'yes' to fleshly appetite resulted in mass graves, proving that God sometimes judges by granting requests.
Reflection
- What desires are you pursuing that, if fully satisfied, might destroy you?
- How does consumer culture's promise of satisfaction through consumption mirror Israel's fatal craving?