Psalms 78:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:31
31 The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, judgment. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 78:31
31 The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.
Analysis
The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel—divine wrath (ḥĕmat 'Ĕlōhîm) targeted specifically the mišmannîm (fattest, most robust) and baḥûrîm (chosen/choice young men). The healthiest died first—those whose strength made them confident in self-sufficiency. Their vigor became vulnerability when misplaced in fleshly appetite rather than spiritual devotion.
This selective judgment parallels Ananias and Sapphira's sudden deaths (Acts 5:1-11)—not the weakest but the presumptuous died as warnings to others. Paul explains: 'For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died' (1 Corinthians 11:30)—divine discipline targets covenant people who treat grace as license. God judges the household first (1 Peter 4:17).
Historical Context
The 'chosen men' likely included tribal leaders and warriors—Israel's elite who should have modeled faith but instead led rebellion. Their deaths at Kibroth-hattaavah ('graves of craving') memorialized that privilege increases accountability.
Reflection
- How might your strength (health, wealth, talent) become the arena where you're most vulnerable to judgment?
- Does God's discipline of 'chosen' Israel warn you that Christian privilege increases, not decreases, accountability?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H639 - Wrath, anger