What is the meaning of Psalm 78:59? On hearing it Psalm 78 has just described Israel’s recurring sins—testing God, breaking covenant, and bowing to idols (vv. 56-58). “It” refers to all that disobedience. Nothing escaped the Lord’s notice (Psalm 139:1-4). He “heard” • the murmuring that began at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11-12) • the craving for Egypt’s food over heaven’s manna (Numbers 11:4-6) • the outright refusal to trust Him at the border of Canaan (Numbers 14:1-4) • the idolatry at high places and groves (Judges 2:11-13) Like a parent who hears the clatter of shattered rules in the next room, God’s hearing is personal, immediate, and relational (Isaiah 65:2). God was furious Divine anger is never a loss of control. It is the settled, righteous response of holiness toward sin (Nahum 1:2-3; Hebrews 10:30-31). • His fury flows from His covenant love—He is furious because He cares (Deuteronomy 32:16-19). • It exposes the seriousness of rebellion; sin is not a minor lapse but cosmic treason (1 Samuel 15:23). • The fury is measured; He often warned before acting (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Yet judgment must come if grace is despised (Galatians 6:7-8). rejected Israel completely This rejection is historical, not absolute. The Psalm immediately recounts how God “abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh” and allowed the ark to be captured (vv. 60-64; 1 Samuel 4:10-11). • The rejection was disciplinary—removing protection, handing them over to the consequences they had chosen (Judges 2:14; 2 Kings 17:18). • It was purposeful—preparing the way for a faithful remnant and the rise of Judah and David (Psalm 78:68-72). • It was temporary—Paul later affirms, “God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew” (Romans 11:1-2). God’s covenant love remains, even while He withholds blessing to bring repentance (Hosea 3:4-5). summary Psalm 78:59 shows the sobering side of God’s fatherly heart. He hears every act of rebellion, responds with holy anger, and disciplines His people by withdrawing favor. Yet even this severe mercy aims to restore, not destroy. The verse warns us against complacency and invites us to heed His voice today (Hebrews 3:15), trusting that the same God who judges also delivers those who return to Him (Joel 2:13). |
    |