Connect Psalm 78:65 to other instances of God's intervention in the Bible. Setting the Scene in Psalm 78:65 “Then the LORD awoke as from sleep, like a warrior overcome by wine.” Israel had pushed the boundaries of God’s patience. After long forbearance, He rose up suddenly, decisively, and powerfully for His people. The “Awakening” Motif—God Never Dozes Off • Scripture consistently teaches that God “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121:4). • The language of waking is a vivid picture of His shift from patient restraint to visible action. • It assures believers that when He moves, nothing can hinder His purpose. Old-Testament Flashpoints of Divine Intervention • Exodus 14:24-25 —At the Red Sea, “the LORD looked down… and He threw [the Egyptians] into confusion.” One glance from heaven—total deliverance. • Joshua 10:12-14 —God halted the sun so Israel could finish the battle at Gibeon. Creation itself paused when He “awoke” to fight. • Judges 7:19-22 —Gideon’s 300 blew trumpets; “the LORD set the sword of one against another throughout the camp.” Human weakness + divine initiative = victory. • 1 Samuel 7:10 —While Samuel offered a burnt offering, “the LORD thundered with a mighty voice against the Philistines… and they were routed.” • 2 Kings 19:35 —“That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians.” One silent sweep, empire-shaking results. • Psalm 44:23; 35:23 —Prayers plead, “Awake! Why do You sleep?” The psalmists expect the same pattern: prolonged silence, followed by unmistakable action. Echoes in the New Testament • Mark 4:38-39 —Jesus “was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion.” At His disciples’ cry He rose, rebuked the wind, and “there was a great calm.” The incarnate Son mirrors the Father’s sudden, sovereign intervention. • Acts 12:6-10 —Peter, chained between soldiers, sleeps hours before execution. An angel “struck Peter on the side and woke him.” The cell doors open; the church witnesses another swift rescue. Why God Moves When He Does • To vindicate His name (Exodus 9:16). • To keep covenant promises (Psalm 105:8-11). • To humble human pride (Daniel 4:35). • To protect the faithful remnant (Isaiah 37:32). • To advance redemptive history toward Christ (Galatians 4:4-5). Lessons for Everyday Faith • Delayed intervention is not divine indifference; it is measured mercy. • When the moment aligns with His purpose, He rises like a warrior—decisive, unstoppable. • Past interventions build present confidence: “I will remember Your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11). • Whatever battle believers face, the same Lord stands ready to “awake as from sleep” on their behalf, in His perfect time and way. |
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