Psalm 78:59-60
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God's hearing here isn't passive; it signifies a decisive understanding of Israel's persistent betrayal. This isn't just anger; it's a profound, active rejection that leads Him to utterly abandon them.
When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness to God despite His mighty deeds on their behalf. Following their settlement in the land of Canaan, the people, much like their ancestors, turned to idolatry and disobedience, leading God to forsake their sanctuary at Shiloh and allow the Ark of the Covenant to be captured by their enemies. This period of judgment underscores the consequences of their persistent rebellion.
We often think of God's anger as a raw, untamed emotion. But what does it truly mean when Scripture says God 'heard' and was 'wroth'?
This verse, and the surrounding context of Psalm 78, paints a picture of God's reaction to Israel's prolonged rebellion. It wasn't a sudden outburst, but a response to persistent sin.
Hearing and Responding
More Than Just an Emotion
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What happens when God's people repeatedly reject Him? The very place of His dwelling becomes a symbol of His absence.
Psalm 78 doesn't just talk about God's feelings; it shows the tangible consequences of His rejection. For Israel, this meant the abandonment of their most sacred place.
Shiloh: A Symbol of Presence
The Profound Loss
Understand the original words
hemah · Hebrew Noun
The intense, righteous reaction of God against sin and evil. It is His settled opposition to everything that is contrary to His holiness.
ma'as · Hebrew Verb
To reject, cast off, or despise. It signifies a decisive breaking of fellowship or a refusal to recognize a previous relationship.
natash · Hebrew Verb
To abandon, leave, or give up. It implies a departure or withdrawal of presence, especially in a theological context regarding God leaving His people due to their rebellion.
This verse reflects a profound moment of divine judgment following the catastrophic loss of the Ark of the Covenant and the destruction of Shiloh. It underscores that persistent sin and idolatry led to God's abandonment of His people and sanctuary, a stark warning that national identity and divine presence are conditional upon faithfulness.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Ark Captured by Philistines
During the time of High Priest Eli, the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines after a devastating battle at Ebenezer. The sanctuary at Shiloh was subsequently destroyed.
c. 1050-1010 BC
Period of Philistine Dominance
Following the capture of the Ark, the Philistines exerted significant control over Israel, weakening their power and independence for several decades.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
Saul's reign ended, and David was eventually established as king over all Israel, leading to a period of national resurgence and the eventual relocation of the Ark to Jerusalem.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 78, warning that God will abandon His chosen place of worship, just as He abandoned Shiloh, because of the people's wickedness.
Judges 3:7-8This section of Judges illustrates the cycle of sin and divine wrath described in Psalm 78, where Israel's actions led God to hand them over to their oppressors.
1 Samuel 4:10-11This historical account depicts the specific event of the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines, a tangible sign of God's rejection and wrath mentioned in Psalm 78.
Romans 1:24-32This New Testament passage describes God 'giving people over' to their sinful desires as a consequence of their rejection of Him, mirroring the theme of God's abandonment and wrath in Psalm 78.
Hebrews 12:5-6This verse explains that God's discipline and wrath are signs of His fatherly love, offering a perspective on God's 'anger' not as mere temper, but as a corrective and redemptive measure.
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 78:59-66: "When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:"
- God heard it, and was wroth, and exceedingly abhorred Israel. 60. And he forsook the habitation of Shiloh, [358] the tabernacle where he dwelt among men. 61. And he delivered his strength into captivity, and his beauty into the hand of the enemy. 62. And he shut up his people to the sword, and was wroth with his own inheritance. 63. The fire devoured their chosen; [359] , and their virgins were not applauded.…
God's hearing here isn't passive; it signifies a decisive understanding of Israel's persistent betrayal. This isn't just anger; it's a profound, active rejection that leads Him to utterly abandon them.
The psalmist is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness to God despite His mighty deeds on their behalf. Following their settlement in the land of Canaan, the people, much like their ancestors, turned to idolatry and disobedience, leading God to forsake their sanctuary at Shiloh and allow the Ark of the Covenant to be captured by their enemies. This period of judgment underscores the consequences of their persistent rebellion.
The psalmist is recounting Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness to God despite His mighty deeds on their behalf. Following their settlement in the land of Canaan, the people, much like their ancestors, turned to idolatry and disobedience, leading God to forsake their sanctuary at Shiloh and allow the Ark of the Covenant to be captured by their enemies. This period of judgment underscores the consequences of their persistent rebellion.
"When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind," — God's hearing here isn't passive; it signifies a decisive understanding of Israel's persistent betrayal. This isn't just anger; it's a profound, active rejection that leads Him to utterly abandon the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
