Psalms 78:34 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:34 mean?

Psalms 78:34 describes how, when God brought death upon the people, they began to seek Him and turned back to Him, asking about Him with urgency. The verse shows that the people's attention and desire for God were stirred only after experiencing hardship and loss.

In this psalm, the writer Asaph is recounting Israel's history to the people, highlighting their repeated pattern of turning to God only after facing consequences for their unfaithfulness. The verse is set in the context of God disciplining Israel, and it points out that their seeking was a reaction to distress rather than a steady devotion.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:34

• "slew" (הָרַג, harag): This word means to kill or strike down. Its use here underlines that the people's response was triggered by a severe act—God's judgment through death.
• "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek or inquire, often with the sense of searching earnestly. It suggests that the people’s seeking was active, not passive.
• "returned" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or repent. It highlights that the people changed direction, at least outwardly, in response to their suffering.
• "early" (שָׁחַר, shachar): This word can mean to seek early or diligently. It adds the idea that their inquiry after God was urgent and eager, not delayed or half-hearted.
• "God" (אֵל, El): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and might in this context.

Why Psalms 78:34 matters

• This verse clarifies that the people's seeking of God was a reaction to crisis, not a sign of consistent faithfulness or love for Him.
• The verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 78, which is a warning against repeating the mistakes of the past—turning to God only when trouble comes.
• It helps readers see the difference between seeking God out of genuine relationship and seeking Him only when facing consequences, a distinction that runs throughout the psalm.