Psalms 78:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:38
38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, prayer, covenant. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 78:38
38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
Analysis
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not. The stunning reversal begins with wĕhûʾ (וְהוּא, "but he")—despite their lying flattery and heart-unfaithfulness, God remains compassionate. Raḥûm (רַחוּם, "full of compassion") derives from reḥem (רֶחֶם, womb), depicting mother-love tender mercy. Kāpar (כָּפַר, "forgave") means to cover or atone—the sacrificial language pointing to substitutionary atonement.
Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. The phrase hirbâ lĕhāšîḇ ʾappô (הִרְבָּה לְהָשִׁיב אַפּוֹ, "multiplied to turn away his anger") emphasizes God's repeated restraint. ḥēmâ (חֵמָה, "wrath") is burning fury—which God deliberately does not fully unleash. His patience multiplies beyond human comprehension.
This is the psalm's theological heart: God's covenant mercy transcends Israel's covenant breaking. Their faithlessness does not nullify His faithfulness (Romans 3:3-4). This foreshadows Calvary, where God's wrath was fully satisfied in Christ, allowing compassion to triumph over judgment for all who believe.
Historical Context
Throughout the wilderness period, God repeatedly refrained from total destruction despite capital offenses—the golden calf, Kadesh-barnea rebellion, Korah's revolt. Moses' intercessions appealed to God's reputation and promises (Exodus 32:11-14), but ultimately God's own character of compassion stayed His hand.
Reflection
- How does God's repeated mercy toward unfaithful Israel shape your understanding of His patience with your own failures?
- What does it reveal about God's character that He "did not stir up all his wrath" despite deserving it?
- How should awareness of God's multiplied mercy affect your worship and obedience?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Kings 21:20, Isaiah 48:9, Ezekiel 20:17