Psalms 78:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:39
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, prayer, love. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 78:39
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
Analysis
For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. While Israel forgot God (v. 42), God remembered Israel's frailty. Bāśār (בָּשָׂר, "flesh") denotes human weakness, mortality, and limitation—not sinfulness per se but creatureliness. God's mercy flows from recognizing His creatures' fragility, like a father pitying his children (Psalm 103:13-14).
The image of rûaḥ hôlēḵ wĕlōʾ yāšûḇ (רוּחַ הוֹלֵךְ וְלֹא יָשׁוּב, "wind passing and not returning") captures human transience—breath here and gone. This isn't fatalism but realism about human limitations apart from divine sustenance. Like grass that withers (Isaiah 40:6-8), humanity needs God's enduring word and renewing Spirit.
God's remembrance of our weakness doesn't excuse sin but explains His patience. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10) because He knows our frame. This grounds assurance: our perseverance depends on God's faithful remembrance, not our faithful performance. Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, secures this mercy forever.
Historical Context
The wilderness generation was literally dying—all who left Egypt over age 20 (except Caleb and Joshua) perished before Canaan entry (Numbers 14:29). Their mortality was both judgment and reminder of human frailty. Asaph reflects on God's patience with these dying rebels.
Reflection
- How does God's awareness of your "flesh"—your human weakness—give you confidence to approach Him honestly?
- In what ways do you forget your own frailty and judge others more harshly than God does?
- How should the brevity of life ("wind that passeth away") shape your priorities and pursuit of God?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 6:3, Job 7:7, 7:16, 10:9, James 4:14