Psalms 78:34
When hee slew them, then they sought him: and they returned, and inquired early after God. Psalms 78:34 (KJV)
Historical Context:
Psalm 78 is a psalm of Asaph that recounts the history of Israel’s relationship with God, focusing on their rebellion and God’s faithfulness. It highlights the Israelites’ repeated disobedience and God’s mercy and grace toward them.
Recognition of Israel’s Distress:
The verse records that when the people were suffering, they turned to the LORD for help. It reflects a moment of crisis rather than a statement that God deliberately brought judgment upon them.
Turning to God in Repentance:
Despite experiencing the consequences of their disobedience, the Israelites recognized their need for God. The verse states that “they sought the LORD,” indicating that in the midst of their distress they turned their hearts back to God. The trials they faced brought them to a place of repentance and a desire to seek God’s presence. However, later verses (Psalm 78:36‑37) reveal that their seeking was often superficial: “But they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.”
Seeking God with Urgency:
The passage notes that the Israelites “returned and enquired early after God,” suggesting a sense of urgency in seeking the Lord during hardship. Their difficulties served as a wake‑up call, prompting an outward pursuit of God even when the inner commitment was lacking.
Lessons for Believers:
Psalm 78:34 teaches modern readers the importance of turning to God promptly when facing trouble or the results of sin. It warns against merely outward or superficial religious responses and underscores the need for sincere repentance, a heartfelt examination of one’s motives, and steadfastness in God’s covenant.
God’s Response:
The following verses describe God’s compassion and forgiveness toward the Israelites. Despite their past failures and ongoing hypocrisy, God did not abandon them but continued to show love and faithfulness, extending mercy even when genuine repentance was absent.
