Psalms 78:21

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Psalms 78:21 KJV

Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;

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Psalms 78:21 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 78:21

Bible Verse: "Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel." (Psalm 78:21, KJV)

Introduction

The 78th Psalm is a historical psalm, recounting the history of Israel and the ways in which God dealt with His people. In this verse, we find a crucial moment where God's response to Israel's ingratitude and unbelief is highlighted. Various public domain commentaries provide valuable insights into the implications and theological importance of this verse.

The Nature of Divine Anger

Matthew Henry explains that God's anger in this context is not arbitrary but a just response to the persistent sin and rebellion of His people. In this verse, the igniting of God's wrath is depicted as a natural consequence of Israel's actions. This implies that God is not a passive observer; His engagement in history is active and His emotions are real, serving as a warning to those who stray from His commands.

The Fire Kindled Against Jacob

Albert Barnes notes the imagery of fire as a symbol of divine judgment and purifying wrath. The fire represents not only destruction but also a form of divine love intended to correct and guide His people back to the path of righteousness. This understanding calls pastors and theologians to recognize that God's discipline is a manifestation of His commitment to purity and holiness within His chosen people.

The Specificity of Anger Against Jacob and Israel

Adam Clarke emphasizes the significance of the names "Jacob" and "Israel" in this verse. Jacob symbolizes the individual and his flaws, while Israel represents the collective people of God, with their covenant relationship. The duality of these terms signifies that God's anger addresses both personal and communal failures. Pastors are reminded that individual sin can impact the entire community, stressing the importance of accountability and communal restoration.

The Historical Context

This verse appears in the context of Israel's repeated disobedience and lack of faith during their wilderness wanderings. Matthew Henry contextualizes this by recalling previous failures, underscoring how Israel often forgot God's works, leading to distrust in His promises. By understanding this history, theologians can better appreciate the nature of faith and the human propensity to forget God's past mercies.

Theology of Memory

The psalm emphasizes the importance of memory in faith. God’s wrath stems from Israel forgetting His past dealings and miracles. Both Barnes and Clarke highlight the essential act of remembrance that is crucial in the life of believers. The act of forgetting leads to rebellion, while remembering leads to worship and obedience, which serves as a vital lesson for contemporary followers of Christ.

Contemporary Application

This verse and its commentary have significant implications for modern readers. Christians are reminded of the gravity of sin and the reality of divine anger, which serves as a call to repentance. Matthew Henry urges the faithful to examine their lives, to identify areas of disobedience where God's anger might be ignited. This examination is not merely for self-condemnation but for healing and restoration.

  • Call to Repentance: Acknowledging areas of personal and communal failure.
  • Understanding God’s Discipline: Embracing God’s corrective measures with a posture of humility.
  • Stirring Remembering: Actively recalling God’s past faithfulness to foster trust and obedience.

Conclusion

Psalms 78:21 encapsulates profound truths about God's anger and wrath in response to human unfaithfulness. By combining insights from notable commentators like Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we gain a balanced and nuanced understanding of this verse. Whether for personal reflection or church teaching, the lessons embedded in this scripture continue to resonate in the life of the believer.

Psalms 78 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 78:1 Psalms 78:2 Psalms 78:3 Psalms 78:4 Psalms 78:5 Psalms 78:6 Psalms 78:7 Psalms 78:8 Psalms 78:9 Psalms 78:10 Psalms 78:11 Psalms 78:12 Psalms 78:13 Psalms 78:14 Psalms 78:15 Psalms 78:16 Psalms 78:17 Psalms 78:18 Psalms 78:19 Psalms 78:20 Psalms 78:21 Psalms 78:22 Psalms 78:23 Psalms 78:24 Psalms 78:25 Psalms 78:26 Psalms 78:27 Psalms 78:28 Psalms 78:29 Psalms 78:30 Psalms 78:31 Psalms 78:32 Psalms 78:33 Psalms 78:34 Psalms 78:35 Psalms 78:36 Psalms 78:37 Psalms 78:38 Psalms 78:39 Psalms 78:40 Psalms 78:41 Psalms 78:42 Psalms 78:43 Psalms 78:44 Psalms 78:45 Psalms 78:46 Psalms 78:47 Psalms 78:48 Psalms 78:49 Psalms 78:50 Psalms 78:51 Psalms 78:52 Psalms 78:53 Psalms 78:54 Psalms 78:55 Psalms 78:56 Psalms 78:57 Psalms 78:58 Psalms 78:59 Psalms 78:60 Psalms 78:61 Psalms 78:62 Psalms 78:63 Psalms 78:64 Psalms 78:65 Psalms 78:66 Psalms 78:67 Psalms 78:68 Psalms 78:69 Psalms 78:70 Psalms 78:71 Psalms 78:72

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