Psalm 78:17-18
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that Israel’s sin in the desert wasn't just a single act but a continuation and escalation of sin. Even after experiencing God's direct intervention with water from the rock, their "yet more" sin shows a deep-seated pattern of rebellion, demonstrating that past miracles didn't automatically create lasting faithfulness.
Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is recounting Israel's history, emphasizing their repeated failure to trust God despite His mighty acts. This verse appears in a section that highlights God's provision in the wilderness, such as water from the rock, only to reveal how the people responded with further sin and rebellion. It sets the stage for detailing specific instances of their faithlessness and God's subsequent judgment and forbearance.
Imagine being in a place with no food, no water, no shelter. That was Israel's situation in the desert. Yet, this is precisely where their sin escalated.
The wilderness was a place of intense dependency on God for Israel. Every breath, every drop of water, every morsel of food was a direct gift. This extreme vulnerability should have fostered deep humility and gratitude. Instead, the text highlights that it was in the wilderness that their sin intensified.
This is a profound paradox. The very circumstances that demanded utter reliance on God, and should have reminded them of His constant provision, became the backdrop for their rebellion and testing of Him. Their sin was not just ordinary sin; it was amplified by the unique context of their absolute need and God's undeniable presence and provision.
The verse doesn't just say they 'sinned,' but that they 'sinned still more.' What does this escalation reveal about their hearts?
The phrase 'sinned still more' (or 'added yet to sin') is crucial. It tells us this wasn't a static state of sin, but a progression. Despite God's ongoing acts of deliverance and provision—like bringing water from the rock—their hearts grew harder, and their rebellion deepened. It implies a conscious choice to defy God, rather than an accidental stumble.
This escalating sin is described as 'rebelling against the Most High.' It’s a direct challenge to God's authority and sovereignty. They weren't just making poor choices; they were actively fighting against the One who had rescued them and sustained them. This highlights the grievous nature of their ingratitude and their willful defiance.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
chata' · Hebrew Verb
To miss the mark, violate God's law, or fall short of His standard of holiness. It denotes an act of disobedience that separates one from God's presence.
marah · Hebrew Verb
An act of active resistance or defiance against legitimate authority; in a biblical context, it refers to a wilful breach of the covenantal relationship with God.
Elyon · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A title for God (El Elyon) emphasizing His supremacy, sovereignty, and distinctness above all creation and all other supposed deities.
nasah · Hebrew Verb
To put God to the test or to try His patience; it implies a lack of trust in God's character and providence despite past evidence of His power.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
A term for the deity of Israel, referring to the one true God who is the Creator, Sustainer, and covenant-keeper of His people.
The psalm highlights Israel's persistent sin in the wilderness, a stark contrast to God's repeated acts of provision and deliverance. Their rebellion, even when faced with miracles like water from the rock, underscores a deep-seated lack of trust that continued throughout their desert journey.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, a foundational event of their national history.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army, demonstrating His power and deliverance.
c. 1446 BC
Provision of Manna and Quail
In the wilderness, God provides manna and quail to sustain the Israelites, showing His direct care for their physical needs.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Water from the Rock
God provides water from a rock in the wilderness at Rephidim and later at Kadesh, responding to the people's thirst and complaints.
c. 1445-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites spend forty years in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith, a period marked by repeated rebellion against God.
This passage directly describes the Israelites' complaint about lack of food in the wilderness, showing the beginning of the 'sinning yet more' that Psalms 78:17 refers to.
Numbers 11:4This verse details the 'lust of the mixed crowd' who complained about the manna, leading to their further provocation of God, directly illustrating the 'provoking the Most High' in Psalms 78:17.
Deuteronomy 8:15This passage reminds Israel of God's provision for them in the 'great and terrifying wilderness,' highlighting the ingratitude and severity of their sin as described in Psalms 78:17.
Hebrews 3:8This New Testament passage directly references the wilderness rebellions of the Israelites, echoing the warning against hardening hearts that is implicit in the psalmist's historical account.
1 Corinthians 10:9This verse explicitly mentions the Israelites 'testing Christ' in the wilderness, providing a New Testament perspective on the 'provoking the Most High' mentioned in Psalms 78:17.
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…
ellicottPsalms 78:17: "And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness."
(17) They sinned yet more and more .—This implies the discontent which had already shown itself before the miraculous supply of water.
The verse highlights that Israel’s sin in the desert wasn't just a single act but a continuation and escalation of sin. Even after experiencing God's direct intervention with water from the rock, their "yet more" sin shows a deep-seated pattern of rebellion, demonstrating that past miracles didn't automatically create lasting faithfulness.
The psalmist is recounting Israel's history, emphasizing their repeated failure to trust God despite His mighty acts. This verse appears in a section that highlights God's provision in the wilderness, such as water from the rock, only to reveal how the people responded with further sin and rebellion. It sets the stage for detailing specific instances of their faithlessness and God's subsequent judgment and forbearance.
The psalmist is recounting Israel's history, emphasizing their repeated failure to trust God despite His mighty acts. This verse appears in a section that highlights God's provision in the wilderness, such as water from the rock, only to reveal how the people responded with further sin and rebellion. It sets the stage for detailing specific instances of their faithlessness and God's subsequent judgment and forbearance.
"Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved." — The verse highlights that Israel’s sin in the desert wasn't just a single act but a continuation and escalation of sin. Even after experiencing God's direct intervention with water from the rock,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
