Psalms 78:59 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:59 mean?

Psalms 78:59 says that when God heard what the people were doing, He became angry and deeply rejected Israel. The verse shows a moment when God’s response to Israel’s actions was not just disappointment, but strong anger and rejection.

In this psalm, the writer is recalling Israel’s repeated disobedience and lack of faithfulness to God. The verse is part of a larger section where Israel’s unfaithfulness is described, and God’s reaction is explained as a result of their choices. The psalmist is speaking to the people, reminding them of their history and how God responded when they turned away from Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:59

• The word "God" here is אֱלֹהִים (’elohim), which is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority.
• "Heard" is שָׁמַע (shama‘), meaning to listen or pay attention. This highlights that God was fully aware of what the people were doing.
• "Was wroth" is עָבַר (avar), often meaning to pass over or overflow, but here it carries the sense of God’s anger overflowing or being stirred up.
• "Greatly" is מְאֹד (me’od), which intensifies the feeling, showing that God’s reaction was not mild but very strong.
• "Abhorred" is מָאַס (ma’as), meaning to reject or despise. This word shows that God’s response was more than anger—it was a deep rejection.
• "Israel" is יִשְׂרָאֵל (yisra’el), referring to the nation as a whole, not just individuals.

Why Psalms 78:59 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that God is indifferent to repeated disobedience; it shows that God’s anger and rejection are direct responses to Israel’s actions.
• The strong language emphasizes the seriousness of Israel’s unfaithfulness and the real consequences that followed.
• In the context of the whole psalm, this verse is a turning point that explains why later troubles came upon Israel, connecting their history to God’s character and justice.