Psalms 78:62

“He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.”

1. Context: Psalm 78 is a historical psalm attributed to Asaph. It recounts the history of God’s people, focusing on their repeated disobedience and God’s faithfulness in spite of their unfaithfulness.

2. God’s people delivered to the sword: In verse 62, it says that God “gave his people over also unto the sword.” This refers to a time when God allowed their enemies to conquer and oppress them, often using the sword as a symbol of warfare and destruction. It was a consequence of their disobedience and rebellion against God’s commands.

3. God’s anger with His inheritance: The verse continues by saying that God “was wroth with his inheritance.” “Inheritance” here refers to the people of Israel, whom God had chosen as His own special possession (Deuteronomy 32:9). Despite their privileged status, they had provoked God’s anger through their disobedience, idolatry, and lack of trust.

4. Lessons and Applications:

• a. Consequences of disobedience: This verse reminds us that disobedience and rebellion against God have consequences. God is just, and His people faced the consequences of their actions when they turned away from Him. It serves as a warning to us to heed God’s commands and live in obedience to Him.
• b. God’s faithfulness and discipline: Despite His anger, God’s discipline was an expression of His love and desire for His people to turn back to Him. Even in times of judgment, God remains faithful to His promises and seeks to restore His people.
• c. Our identity as God’s inheritance: As believers in Christ, we are also referred to as God’s inheritance (Ephesians 1:11, 18). This verse challenges us to consider how we are living in light of our identity as God’s chosen people. We should strive to honour Him through our obedience and faithfulness.

5. Further study: To gain a deeper understanding of the context and meaning of this verse, it’s helpful to read the entire Psalm 78. This psalm recounts the history of Israel, including God’s faithfulness, the people’s rebellion, and the consequences they faced. It serves as a reminder of God’s redemptive work and the importance of passing down His teachings to future generations.