What is the meaning of Psalm 78:32? In spite of all this • “All this” points back to the string of mighty acts just reviewed in Psalm 78—deliverance from Egypt (vv. 12–13), guidance by cloud and fire (v. 14), water from the rock (vv. 15–16), manna and quail (vv. 23–29). • God’s covenant love kept showing up in practical, unforgettable ways (Exodus 14:21–31; Deuteronomy 1:30–31). Still, the people treated these mercies as ordinary. • Romans 2:4 reminds us that God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance; ignoring it is the essence of hard-heartedness. they kept on sinning • Sin here is not an occasional misstep but a settled pattern—“kept on.” Numbers 14:1–4, 11 and Exodus 32:1–6 illustrate how quickly Israel slid back into complaint, idolatry, and distrust. • Persistent sin after repeated mercy magnifies guilt (Hebrews 10:26). • Psalm 106:43 sums it up: “Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion…”—a sober warning for every generation. despite His wonderful works • “Wonderful works” (Psalm 78:4, 11) are signs meant to awaken awe. Exodus 7–12 (the plagues), Joshua 3–4 (Jordan crossing), and Judges 2:7 all record how God’s deeds were to anchor faith. • Miracles do not guarantee belief; the heart must yield (Isaiah 26:10; Luke 16:31). • Even in the New Testament, many witnessed Jesus’ works yet resisted (John 12:37), proving the same principle. they did not believe • Unbelief is more than doubt; it is refusal to trust the God who has proven Himself (Hebrews 3:12, 19). • Faith is the hinge of covenant blessing (Numbers 14:11, 22-23). When faith is absent, judgment follows (Psalm 78:33). • True belief responds to revelation with obedience (James 2:17) and gratitude (Colossians 2:6-7); Israel’s failure here is a mirror held up to every reader. summary Psalm 78:32 exposes the tragedy of hardened hearts: staggering grace met by unrelenting sin, dazzling wonders met by cold unbelief. God’s past acts are meant to breed trust and obedience today; when they don’t, the fault lies squarely with us, not with Him. |
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