For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text doesn't just say they worshipped idols; it emphasizes they did so in "high places," essentially setting up unauthorized worship sites that directly challenged God's chosen place for His presence. This wasn't just a private sin, but a public, defiant elevation of rivals to God's own holy ground.
For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm recounts Israel's history as a lesson in faithfulness, highlighting their repeated cycle of sin and God's subsequent judgment and deliverance. After establishing them in the promised land, the people fell into idolatry, worshipping at pagan shrines and making idols, which deeply angered and grieved God. This verse captures a key moment where their unfaithfulness, symbolized by these forbidden practices, provoked God's jealousy and set the stage for further divine discipline.
We often think of jealousy as a negative human emotion. But when the Bible talks about God's jealousy, it's something entirely different – and deeply serious.
The Meaning of Divine Jealousy
The verse speaks of Israel moving God to 'jealousy' with their idols. This isn't petty envy, but a righteous anger stemming from a covenant relationship. God, as the faithful husband, rightfully demands exclusive devotion from His people, Israel, who are portrayed as His wife.
When Israel turned to other gods, they weren't just making a mistake; they were committing spiritual adultery. This betrayal wounds God deeply because it violates the sacred bond He established with them. It's a jealousy that protects His honor and the purity of His people.
Provoking Anger and Jealousy
The 'high places' were illicit worship sites, often associated with Canaanite paganism. Setting up idols there was a direct affront to God's command for unified worship at designated places (like the Tabernacle or later the Temple).
These actions didn't just annoy God; they provoked Him. The word for 'provoke' suggests an ongoing, irritating offense that builds toward anger. The idols, being false gods, were seen as rivals, directly challenging God's sovereignty and His people's loyalty. This is why the text uses the strong term 'jealousy' – God's very identity and covenant relationship were being attacked.
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We might think of idols as statues in ancient temples. But the 'idols' that pull us away from God can be far more subtle and modern.
The Deceit of Idolatry
The 'graven images' mentioned here were physical representations of false gods that the Israelites adopted. These idols offered a tangible focus for worship, promising power, fertility, or prosperity – things they craved.
However, the core issue was that these idols represented a departure from the one true God. They were a substitute for genuine trust and obedience. When we prioritize anything – wealth, success, relationships, even good causes – above our devotion to God, it becomes an idol.
Modern-Day 'High Places'
Just as the Israelites built 'high places' for their illicit worship, we can create our own 'high places' in our lives. These are areas where we seek fulfillment, security, or validation apart from God. They might be:
These aren't necessarily evil in themselves, but they become problematic when they usurp God's rightful place in our hearts and lives.
Understand the original words
ka'as · Hebrew Verb
To incite, irritate, or goad someone to emotional reaction. In Scripture, it is frequently used to describe human behavior that moves God to righteous indignation.
bamah · Hebrew Noun
Sites of unauthorized worship, typically built on elevated ground, often associated with pagan practices and the setting up of idols that competed with the worship of Yahweh.
pesel · Hebrew Noun
A human representation of a deity. Biblically, these are inanimate objects or images that are sinful to worship because they replace the true God and cannot save.
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting God’s intense, protective, and exclusive love for His covenant people, which is ignited when His people offer the devotion rightfully His to false gods.
This psalm's reflection on Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, particularly their idolatry and worship at 'high places' (sites of illicit worship), hits hardest during the chaotic Period of the Judges. It highlights how easily Israel, even after experiencing God's mighty acts, slipped back into the very practices of the nations they were meant to displace.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites finally cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of the land of Canaan.
c. 1406 - 1077 BC— this verse
Period of the Judges
A turbulent era where Israel lacked strong central leadership, leading to repeated cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance. This period saw frequent lapses into idolatry.
c. 1105 BC
Ark Captured by Philistines
During a battle at Eben-ezer, the Israelites suffer a devastating defeat, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines, signifying a profound spiritual and national low point.
c. 1046 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking the transition from the period of the Judges to the monarchy.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King
David is established as king over all Israel, ushering in a golden age for the nation and setting up Jerusalem as its capital.
This passage directly lays out the prohibition against worshipping other gods and making idols, establishing the 'jealousy' God feels when His people turn to them, which is the core issue in Psalm 78:58.
Deuteronomy 32:16This verse speaks of Israel provoking God with foreign gods and abominations, a parallel to the 'high places' and 'graven images' mentioned in Psalm 78:58, highlighting the consistent theme of Israel's unfaithfulness.
Judges 2:11-13This passage shows the direct consequence of Israel's idolatry after entering the Promised Land, mirroring the historical context of Psalm 78 where turning to other gods led to God's anger.
1 Kings 14:22-24This passage describes the continued practice of 'high places' and idolatry by Israel, even during the early monarchy, showing how deeply ingrained this sin became and how it repeatedly provoked God's jealousy.
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…
calvinPsalms 78:52-58: "But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock."
- And he made his people to go forth like sheep, and led them in the wilderness like a flock. 53. And he conducted them in safety, and they were not afraid: and the sea covered their enemies. 54. And he brought them to his holy border, [literally to the border of his holiness,] this mountain, [353] which his right hand acquired. [354] 55. He expelled the heathen from before them;…
The text doesn't just say they worshipped idols; it emphasizes they did so in "high places," essentially setting up unauthorized worship sites that directly challenged God's chosen place for His presence. This wasn't just a private sin, but a public, defiant elevation of rivals to God's own holy ground.
This psalm recounts Israel's history as a lesson in faithfulness, highlighting their repeated cycle of sin and God's subsequent judgment and deliverance. After establishing them in the promised land, the people fell into idolatry, worshipping at pagan shrines and making idols, which deeply angered and grieved God. This verse captures a key moment where their unfaithfulness, symbolized by these forbidden practices, provoked God's jealousy and set the stage for further divine discipline.
This psalm recounts Israel's history as a lesson in faithfulness, highlighting their repeated cycle of sin and God's subsequent judgment and deliverance. After establishing them in the promised land, the people fell into idolatry, worshipping at pagan shrines and making idols, which deeply angered and grieved God. This verse captures a key moment where their unfaithfulness, symbolized by these forbidden practices, provoked God's jealousy and set the stage for further divine discipline.
"For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols." — The text doesn't just say they worshipped idols; it emphasizes they did so in "high places," essentially setting up unauthorized worship sites that directly challenged God's chosen place for His pr…
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Last reviewed October 2026