Psalms 78:34-37
When he killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly. They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer. But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse reveals a stark contrast: Israel's seeking of God was triggered only when God actively struck them down, suggesting their repentance was born out of fear and desperation, not genuine love or trust. They "returned" and "inquired early," but this was a superficial turning back, seeking relief from immediate judgment rather than a deep-seated change of heart.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting a recurring cycle of God's faithfulness met by human faithlessness. Following moments of God's judgment, like plagues or calamities, the people would often turn back to Him, at least outwardly, before eventually falling away again. This verse captures those temporary moments of seeking God, which the psalm immediately contrasts with their ultimately insincere hearts.
Have you ever noticed how people's priorities shift when trouble strikes? This verse captures that exact moment.
A Natural Reaction
The verse says, "When he killed them, they sought him." This isn't about a deep, abiding faith suddenly emerging. Instead, it's a natural human reaction when faced with imminent destruction or severe consequences. The 'killing' isn't necessarily literal death for everyone, but the 'judgment' or the 'striking' by God's hand – like plagues, natural disasters, or defeat in battle. When the consequences of their actions become painfully clear, their focus shifts from their own desires and disobedience to seeking divine intervention.
Not True Repentance
While they 'sought' God, the context here (and in similar historical accounts) often highlights that this seeking was temporary and driven by fear, not a genuine change of heart. It's a desperate cry for help, a desire to escape the immediate pain, rather than a sincere turning from sin to God. The commentary notes this seeking often stops once the danger passes.
What's the difference between crying out in fear and truly repenting? This verse hints at a critical distinction.
The Appearance of Return
The phrase 'they returned' suggests a turning back, but the context and other commentaries clarify that this wasn't necessarily a fundamental change of heart. It could mean turning away from immediate, blatant sin or seeking God's presence, but without the deep internal transformation that true repentance brings.
'Earnestly' But Not 'Faithfully'
The phrase 'sought God earnestly' can sound powerful. However, it's crucial to understand what kind of earnestness this was. It was an earnest desire to escape punishment or suffering. The psalmist contrasts this with a heart that is 'right before him' and 'faithful in his covenant.' This verse points to a faith that is conditional, reactive, and ultimately fragile – present only when God's hand is heavy upon them.
Understand the original words
shub · Hebrew Verb
A profound inner change of mind and heart that leads to a turning away from sin and a turning toward God; it involves both sorrow for transgression and a commitment to seek Him.
tsur · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor describing God as a place of refuge, stability, and unshakeable strength for His people; He is the immovable foundation upon which their lives depend.
Elyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A title for God emphasizing His supremacy, sovereignty, and transcendence over all creation and all other powers.
ga'al · Hebrew Noun (participle)
One who rescues another from bondage, debt, or death by paying the necessary price or exerting power; biblically, God is the ultimate Deliverer who buys back His people for Himself.
This verse highlights a recurring pattern in Israel's history: a superficial, fear-driven repentance that arose during times of judgment but quickly faded when God's immediate anger passed. True, lasting change, rooted in genuine heart transformation, was rare.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event in their history.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
After the Exodus, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Rebellion at the Border
After hearing the spies' negative report from Canaan, the Israelites rebelled and were condemned to wander for 40 years.
c. 1406 BC
Entry into Canaan
The generation that rebelled died in the wilderness, and the new generation, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land.
c. 1000 BC
This passage shows the Israelites turning to God in repentance and seeking His favor after they had angered Him by their idolatry, mirroring the psalmist's description of seeking God when under judgment.
Numbers 14:11-20Here, God's people repeatedly tested and angered Him, leading to His judgment, yet they still sought His mercy, highlighting the pattern of sin and temporary repentance described in Psalm 78.
Judges 10:10-16This narrative depicts Israel crying out to God and seeking Him after falling into sin and oppression, only to return to their wicked ways once delivered, a cycle of shallow repentance that resonates with the verse.
This prophetic passage describes a similar pattern of seeking God only in times of trouble, followed by a desire to return to Him, but with a question of sincerity that echoes the superficiality of the repentance mentioned in Psalm 78:34.
The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the theme of returning to a father after squandering his gifts, showing a desire for reconciliation driven by desperate circumstances, much like the Israelites seeking God when facing His 'slaying' power.
clarkePsalms 78:34: "When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God."
When he slew them - While his judgments were upon them, then they began to humble themselves, and deprecate his wrath. When they saw some fall, the rest began to tremble.
pulpitPsalms 78:34: "When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God."
Verse 34. - When he slew them, then they sought him (comp. Exodus 32:28, 35; Exodus 33:4, 10; Numbers 11:33; Numbers 16:48, 49, etc.). The repentance is not always noticed in the Mosaic narrative, being, as it was, short-lived, if not even feigned (ver. 36). But, no doubt, after each outpouring of the Divine vengeance, there was at least some show of repentance, as noted in Exodus 33:4. And…
This verse reveals a stark contrast: Israel's seeking of God was triggered only when God actively struck them down, suggesting their repentance was born out of fear and desperation, not genuine love or trust. They "returned" and "inquired early," but this was a superficial turning back, seeking relief from immediate judgment rather than a deep-seated change of heart.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting a recurring cycle of God's faithfulness met by human faithlessness. Following moments of God's judgment, like plagues or calamities, the people would often turn back to Him, at least outwardly, before eventually falling away again. This verse captures those temporary moments of seeking God, which the psalm immediately contrasts with their ultimately insincere hearts.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting a recurring cycle of God's faithfulness met by human faithlessness. Following moments of God's judgment, like plagues or calamities, the people would often turn back to Him, at least outwardly, before eventually falling away again. This verse captures those temporary moments of seeking God, which the psalm immediately contrasts with their ultimately insincere hearts.
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pathah · Hebrew Verb
To express insincere praise or admiration, often with ulterior motives or deceptive intent, lacking true commitment or loyalty.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The innermost part of a person; the seat of the will, intellect, emotions, and moral decision-making. In a biblical context, it is the center of human identity and the source of one's spiritual orientation toward or away from God.
nakon · Hebrew Adjective
Firmly fixed, established, or reliable; a state of being unswervingly devoted or constant in purpose and allegiance.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or formal promise between God and His people, involving mutual obligations, blessings, and consequences rooted in God's grace and faithfulness.
Davidic Kingdom Established
David united the tribes and established Jerusalem as the capital, ushering in a golden age.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
"When he killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly. They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer. But they flattered him with their mouths; they lied to him wit…" — This verse reveals a stark contrast: Israel's seeking of God was triggered only when God actively struck them down, suggesting their repentance was born out of fear and desperation, not genuine lov…
