Psalms 78:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:31 mean?

Psalms 78:31 describes how God’s anger came against the Israelites, resulting in the death of their strongest and most privileged men. The verse shows a moment when God’s judgment fell on those who were considered the best among the people because of their disobedience.

In this psalm, Asaph is recounting Israel’s history to remind the people of God’s power and their ancestors’ repeated failures. The verse refers to a specific episode in the wilderness when the Israelites’ greed and lack of trust led to severe consequences. The focus is on God’s response to their rebellion, not just against the weak, but especially against those who were seen as leaders or the most favored.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:31

• "wrath" (אַף, af): This word often means anger or nose (as a sign of anger), emphasizing the intensity of God’s response here.
• "fattest" (מְרֵאִים, mere’im): This word points to those who were well-fed or strong, highlighting that even the healthiest or most privileged were not spared.
• "chosen" (בָּחוּר, bachur): This term refers to select or choice young men, showing that God’s judgment reached even those who were considered the best or most promising in Israel.

Why Psalms 78:31 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s judgment was not random or only directed at the weakest, but included those who were most prominent or privileged among the Israelites.
• It highlights the seriousness of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness, connecting to the larger theme of the psalm: remembering and learning from the past.
• The verse helps readers see that status or strength does not shield anyone from accountability before God, a point that shapes the message of the whole psalm.