What is the meaning of Psalm 78:56? But they tested The opening phrase reminds us of Israel’s habit of putting the LORD on trial—questioning His goodness even after repeated demonstrations of power. Exodus 17:2 records, “Why do you test the LORD?” when the people demanded water. Psalm 95:9 echoes, “Your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work.” Each incident says, in effect, “Prove Yourself again,” revealing hearts that valued comfort over trust. • Testing God like this is never neutral; it is a posture of doubt that forgets past deliverance (Numbers 14:22). • Instead of resting in His proven faithfulness, they pushed the boundaries, daring Him to act on their terms. and disobeyed Testing inevitably slid into outright rebellion. Deuteronomy 9:24 states, “You have been rebellious against the LORD from the day I knew you,” and Isaiah 63:10 adds that they “rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit.” Disobedience is more than isolated mistakes; it is a settled refusal to submit. • It rejects God’s authority (1 Samuel 12:15) and invites discipline. • When the heart will not heed God’s word, actions quickly follow suit. God Most High The title “God Most High” (ʽEl Elyon) underscores who is being resisted: the supreme Ruler over every authority. Abram called Him this in Genesis 14:22; Psalm 47:2 exults, “How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth.” To disobey Him is not a small lapse—it is cosmic treason. • Daniel 4:34 shows even pagan kings bowing to His sovereignty; Israel, with far greater light, should have done the same. • Knowing His exalted status magnifies the seriousness of their testing and rebellion. for they did not keep The psalm pinpoints the root problem: failure to guard and practice what God had plainly revealed. Deuteronomy 28 contrasts blessings “if you fully obey” (v. 1) with curses “if you do not obey” (v. 15). • Keeping implies careful, ongoing attention, not occasional compliance. • James 1:22 urges believers to be “doers of the word,” showing the timeless relevance of this call. His decrees God’s decrees include the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the broader covenant stipulations given through Moses. Psalm 119:4 affirms, “You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently,” while 1 John 5:3 reminds us, “His commandments are not burdensome.” • Israel treated these life-giving words as optional, forfeiting joy and protection. • Obedience remains the path of blessing for God’s people today. summary Psalm 78:56 shows a people who knowingly put the LORD to the test, stepped over the line into disobedience, and spurned the clear commands of the sovereign “God Most High.” Their story warns us against casual unbelief and invites us to cherish, guard, and follow every word He has spoken. |
    |