Psalms 78:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:35
35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, mercy, wisdom. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 78:35
35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
Analysis
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. The title tzur (צוּר, "rock") emphasizes God's stability, protection, and permanence—used 73 times in the Psalms. El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, "high God") denotes supreme sovereignty, first used by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). Gōʾēl (גֹּאֵל, "redeemer") is kinsman-redeemer language, pointing to God's covenant obligation to rescue His people.
Yet Asaph's irony is devastating—they "remembered" only under duress. True memory of God as Rock should produce unwavering trust, but theirs was selective amnesia cured temporarily by catastrophe. They knew the right theology—God as foundation, sovereign, and deliverer—yet this knowledge remained cerebral rather than transformative.
The tragedy intensifies in verse 36: their confession was lip-service. Modern believers face identical danger—orthodox theology without heart transformation, knowing God's attributes while living practically atheistic lives. Christ warned against calling Him "Lord, Lord" without obedience (Matthew 7:21).
Historical Context
Asaph references Israel's deliverance from Egypt, where God demonstrated all three roles: Rock providing stability through covenant, Most High God judging Egypt's gods, and Redeemer purchasing Israel from slavery. These weren't abstract concepts but lived experiences the Exodus generation witnessed.
Reflection
- What "rocks" (false foundations) do you turn to before remembering God is your true Rock?
- How can you cultivate constant awareness of God as Redeemer, not just crisis-driven remembrance?
- Does your theology inform your daily trust, or remain compartmentalized head-knowledge?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H1350 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 32:4, 32:15
- Redemption: Exodus 15:13, Isaiah 41:14, Titus 2:14