Psalms 78:10-11
They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Israel didn't just fail to follow God's law; they actively refused to walk in it. This wasn't a simple oversight but a deliberate turning away, a stark contrast to the solemn covenant they had made.
This psalm functions as a historical lesson, recounting Israel's repeated failures despite God's faithfulness. The focus shifts to Ephraim, a prominent tribe, which is singled out as a prime example of this persistent unfaithfulness. The psalmist uses this to warn the current generation against repeating the same mistakes, emphasizing that their ancestors broke God's covenant and refused to follow His commands.
When God made a 'covenant' with His people, what did that really mean? It wasn't just a list of laws, but a profound relationship.
The psalmist here, reflecting on Israel's history, points out that the people 'kept not the covenant of God.' This wasn't simply about breaking a contract; it was a betrayal of a deeply intimate relationship. A covenant in the Bible signifies a solemn, binding agreement, often sealed with an oath and specific signs. For Israel, this covenant, established at Mount Sinai, was built on God's faithfulness and His promises to them, and in return, their commitment to obey His commands and trust Him. When they 'kept not the covenant,' they weren't just disobeying rules; they were essentially saying 'no' to God's presence, His protection, and His plan for them. It was a rejection of the very foundation of their identity as God's chosen people.
The verse says they 'refused to walk according to his law.' What does this stubborn refusal reveal about the human heart?
The phrase 'refused to walk according to his law' paints a vivid picture of active opposition. It wasn't a passive drifting away; it was a deliberate turning aside. This refusal speaks to a deep-seated issue: a heart that actively rejects God's guidance. The commentaries suggest this was not mere forgetfulness but an obstinate, contemptuous turning away from God's revealed will. To 'walk' in biblical terms is to live, to conduct oneself, to order one's life. Refusing to walk in God's law means choosing a different path, one that disregards His wisdom and authority. This stubbornness is a dangerous inclination that plagued Israel throughout their history, leading them into cycles of disobedience and the resulting consequences.
Understand the original words
bərît · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or treaty between God and His people, establishing a formal relationship characterized by obedience on the human side and covenantal faithfulness on God's side.
tôrâ · Hebrew Noun
The authoritative instruction or direction of God, which serves as the standard for righteous living and the foundation for community life.
shakach · Hebrew Verb
To cease to call to mind, to be negligent in remembering, or to willfully ignore the actions and commands of God. In a biblical context, forgetting God is often synonymous with disobedience and a lack of faith.
maaseh · Hebrew Noun
Deeds or actions performed by God in history, often demonstrating His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His covenant people. These acts serve as evidence of His character and His presence in the lives of His people.
This psalm reflects on Israel's long history of breaking God's covenant, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Judges, where cycles of disobedience, judgment, and repentance were common. The mention of Ephraim specifically points to the unfaithfulness that ultimately contributed to the division and fall of the northern kingdom, serving as a powerful warning to future generations.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Covenant at Sinai
After God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, He established a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, giving them His Law. This marked the beginning of their relationship as God's chosen people, bound by His commands.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following God's guidance, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. This was a time of great miracles and divine favor, but also the beginning of many challenges in remaining faithful.
Period of the Judges (c. 1400-1050 BC)— this verse
Cycle of Rebellion and Deliverance
This era was characterized by Israel repeatedly falling into sin, disobeying God's covenant, and then crying out for deliverance when oppressed. The psalm highlights this recurring pattern of unfaithfulness.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
This passage records God establishing His covenant with Israel, making Psalm 78:10 a direct commentary on Israel's failure to uphold this foundational agreement.
Deuteronomy 29:25This verse explicitly states the consequence of breaking God's covenant and forsaking His law, directly echoing the failure described in Psalm 78:10.
Judges 2:11-13This passage illustrates Israel's repeated pattern of disobedience and turning away from God's law after experiencing His faithfulness, highlighting the very unfaithfulness Psalm 78:10 speaks of.
Romans 1:18-23Paul describes a similar human tendency to suppress the truth and refuse to honor God, showing how the failure to keep God's covenant and walk in His law is a recurring theme throughout biblical history.
Jeremiah 31:32This prophecy of a new covenant highlights the inadequacy of the old covenant mentioned in Psalm 78:10, underscoring that the people's failure was not due to the covenant itself, but their inability to keep it.
clarkePsalms 78:10: "They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;"
They kept not the covenant; of God - They abandoned his worship, both moral and ritual. Thev acted like the Ephraimites in the above case, who threw down their bows and arrows, and ran away.
expositorsPsalms 78:1-72: "Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 78:1-72 THIS psalm is closely related to Psalm 105:1-45 ; Psalm 106:1-48 ; Psalm 107:1-43 . Like them, it treats the history of Israel, and especially the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, for purposes of edification, rebuke, and encouragement. The past is held up as a mirror to the present generation. It has been one long succession of miracles of mercy met by equally continu…
The verse highlights that Israel didn't just fail to follow God's law; they actively refused to walk in it. This wasn't a simple oversight but a deliberate turning away, a stark contrast to the solemn covenant they had made.
This psalm functions as a historical lesson, recounting Israel's repeated failures despite God's faithfulness. The focus shifts to Ephraim, a prominent tribe, which is singled out as a prime example of this persistent unfaithfulness. The psalmist uses this to warn the current generation against repeating the same mistakes, emphasizing that their ancestors broke God's covenant and refused to follow His commands.
This psalm functions as a historical lesson, recounting Israel's repeated failures despite God's faithfulness. The focus shifts to Ephraim, a prominent tribe, which is singled out as a prime example of this persistent unfaithfulness. The psalmist uses this to warn the current generation against repeating the same mistakes, emphasizing that their ancestors broke God's covenant and refused to follow His commands.
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pela · Hebrew Noun
Extraordinary events or acts of power performed by God that transcend natural order, intended to demonstrate His divine authority and to evoke awe, faith, or judgment. They are signs designed to reveal God’s character and purposes to humanity.
After King Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel (led by Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division often led to further religious and political instability.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel, largely due to its persistent disobedience and idolatry. This event served as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom.
"They did not keep God’s covenant, but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them." — The verse highlights that Israel didn't just fail to follow God's law; they actively refused to walk in it. This wasn't a simple oversight but a deliberate turning away, a stark contrast to the sol…
