Psalms 78:65

Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

Psalms 78:65 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 78 is a historical psalm written by Asaph, a worship leader appointed by King David. It retells Israel’s repeated disobedience, God’s discipline, and His faithfulness. This verse comes at a turning point: after the ark was captured and many Israelites fell, God suddenly acted against the Philistines. The psalmist uses vivid, figurative language to describe God’s powerful intervention after a period of seeming inactivity.

Meaning

“Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep” uses anthropomorphic language. God does not literally sleep, for He never slumbers (Psalm 121:4). The picture shows that God had seemed silent or inactive for a time, but then He intervened with sudden, decisive power. The second image, “like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine,” describes a warrior who, having taken wine for courage, goes into battle with joyful strength. This is not drunkenness but vigorous, triumphant energy. God’s intervention is unstoppable and full of zeal.

Biblical connections

This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and perfect timing. His apparent silence is not absence. The next part of the psalm shows God rejecting Ephraim and choosing Judah, Mount Zion, and David as His servant (Psalm 78:67-70). This choice prepared the way for Christ, who decisively defeated sin and death. The same power that struck the Philistines and caused Dagon to fall is seen in the resurrection.

Application

When God seems quiet, we may feel abandoned. Yet this verse assures us that He remains fully aware and able to act. We can trust His timing, remembering His mighty acts in the past. Like Asaph’s listeners, we should teach the next generation to hope in God, not repeat the failures of their ancestors. God’s apparent silence is not absence; He is always vigilant.

Reflection

God’s awakening is not a change in His nature but a change in His visible action. His power is never diminished by delay. The same God who rose to defend His people then has acted decisively in Christ. We can rest in His faithfulness, knowing that He will arise again for His people at the appointed time.