Psalms 78:56
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:56
56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, discipleship, 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 78:56
56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
Analysis
Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies. The devastating Yet introduces Israel's faithlessness despite overwhelming grace. They tempted (vanassu, וַיְנַסּוּ) means to test or try God's patience, demanding proof of His presence (Exodus 17:7, Numbers 14:22). Provoked (vayamru, וַיַּמְרוּ) carries connotations of rebellion and bitterness—deliberate defiance, not mere weakness.
The title most high God (Elohim Elyon, אֱלֹהִים עֶלְיוֹן) heightens the tragedy. They rebelled against the supreme deity who just demonstrated His power over all gods through the exodus. Unbelief is cosmic treason against sovereign majesty. Kept not his testimonies (lo shameru edotav, לֹא שָׁמְרוּ עֵדֹתָיו) indicates violation of covenant stipulations—God's edot (עֵדוֹת) are His binding testimonies about Himself and His requirements.
This verse establishes a pattern repeated throughout redemptive history: God saves → people rebel → God judges → remnant preserved → cycle repeats. Only Christ breaks this cycle, obeying perfectly where Israel failed (Romans 5:19).
Historical Context
The period of the Judges (1390-1050 BC) exemplifies this pattern: 'they forsook the LORD...and the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel' (Judges 2:12-14). Despite possessing the Promised Land and God's law, Israel repeatedly apostatized into Canaanite religion, provoking divine discipline.
Reflection
- How do believers 'test' God today through demanding signs or questioning His goodness?
- What heart attitude transforms obedience from legal duty into loving response to grace?
- In what ways does recognizing God as 'Most High' affect how we view our sin's seriousness?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)