Psalms 78:65
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:65
65 Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, discipleship, 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 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 78:65
65 Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.
Analysis
Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine. This startling anthropomorphism depicts God's sudden intervention after apparent inactivity. Then (az, אָז) marks the dramatic turn from judgment to deliverance. Awaked as one out of sleep (vayikatz kiyashen, וַיִּקַץ כְּיָשֵׁן) doesn't suggest God literally slept but uses human analogy—His seeming inaction suddenly erupts into vigorous activity.
The simile like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine (kegibbor mitronan miyyayin, כְּגִבּוֹר מִתְרוֹנֵן מִיָּיִן) is deliberately shocking. It doesn't depict drunkenness but the battle cry of a warrior roused to fierce action, perhaps with wine's courage-inducing effects. God arises with overwhelming force, shouting the war cry against Israel's enemies.
This verse anticipates Jesus' resurrection—death seemed victorious, but God 'awoke' with power, shouting triumph over the grave. When human hope dies, divine intervention becomes most dramatic. God's delays aren't defeats; His timing serves redemptive purposes beyond human understanding.
Historical Context
God's 'awakening' manifested in the ark's devastating effects on Philistia—plagues, tumors, Dagon's collapse (1 Samuel 5-6). The Philistines hastily returned the ark with guilt offerings. This divine intervention vindicated Yahweh's supremacy over pagan deities and began Israel's recovery under Samuel's leadership.
Reflection
- How should believers interpret seasons when God seems 'asleep' and prayer appears unanswered?
- What does this warrior imagery teach about God's fierce commitment to defending His people and name?
- In what ways did Jesus' resurrection function as God's ultimate 'awakening' to shout victory over sin and death?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 44:23, Isaiah 51:9