Psalms 78:38

But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

Psalms 78:38 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 78 is a historical psalm that recounts God’s faithfulness and Israel’s disobedience. It stresses the importance of remembering and passing down God’s faithfulness to future generations. The immediate setting of verse 38 is the people’s unfaithfulness to the covenant, yet God responds with compassion.

Meaning

The verse begins by highlighting God’s compassion. Despite the Israelites’ rebellion, God’s heart was filled with compassion. The Hebrew word for compassion is related to the word for womb, suggesting tender, mother-like mercies that are abundant and rich. This compassion is a key attribute of God’s character, revealing His love and mercy.

The verse also speaks of God forgiving their iniquity. Though they constantly disobeyed, He chose not to destroy them. Instead, He showed grace by forgiving their sins. This demonstrates God’s willingness to forgive when people repent and turn back to Him.

God turned away His anger and restrained His wrath. Though the Israelites provoked Him, He did not unleash full wrath. Instead, He showed patience and withheld judgment. This highlights God’s longsuffering and His desire to give people an opportunity to repent.

Biblical connections

The following verse, Psalm 78:39, gives the reason for this mercy: God remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away and does not come again. This grounds God’s compassion in His recognition of human frailty and mortality. His mercy is not a one-time act but a pattern, as He ‘many a time’ turned His anger away.

Application

Psalm 78:38 teaches us several lessons. First, it reminds us of God’s compassionate nature. Even when we fail, God is ready to forgive if we genuinely seek Him. Second, it encourages us to acknowledge the consequences of our actions. Although God forgives, there may still be repercussions for disobedience. We should strive to live in a way that honors God. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of repentance. God’s forgiveness is available to all who turn from sin and seek Him wholeheartedly.