Psalms 78:65
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse depicts God "awakening," not because He was actually sleeping, but because He was about to act decisively after a period of apparent inactivity. The comparison to a "strong man shouting because of wine" isn't about drunkenness, but about a hero energized and ready for battle, emphasizing the power and eagerness with which God intervenes for His people.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness and God's persistent mercy and judgment. After detailing Israel's deep sinfulness and God's withdrawal of favor, culminating in the capture of the Ark and the destruction of Shiloh, this verse marks a dramatic shift. God, who seemed to have been sleeping through Israel's suffering and disgrace, is depicted as suddenly rousing Himself to act with immense power against their enemies, the Philistines.
Has there been a time when you felt God was distant, silent, or even asleep in the midst of your struggles or the world's chaos?
Psalm 78 recounts Israel's history, highlighting their persistent unfaithfulness and God's repeated, yet often delayed, responses. In verses 59-64, we see a devastating period where the Ark of the Covenant was captured, and Israel suffered heavy losses. During such times, God might seem 'asleep' to His people's plight or His own honor.
This imagery isn't about God literally sleeping, but about how His intervention appeared to His people. He allowed His Ark—a symbol of His presence—to be taken, and His people to suffer. This apparent passivity is a stark contrast to His power, and it's meant to reveal the depth of Israel's sin and the gravity of their choices.
What does it mean for God to be like a 'strong man shouting because of wine'? Is this a picture of uncontrolled rage or something more strategic?
The image of God 'like a strong man shouting because of wine' is powerful and, to our modern sensibilities, potentially jarring. Commentators note that this isn't about a man overcome by drunkenness, but rather a warrior, energized and emboldened by wine, ready to charge into battle with a war cry.
This isn't God losing control; it's Him strategically unleashing His power with fierce intent. He 'awakes' not out of slumber, but from a period of restraint, and His 'shout' is a declaration of war against His people's enemies. It signifies His readiness, His certainty of victory, and His passionate defense of His people and His name. It's a picture of divine power unleashed with purpose and a triumphant cry.
How does God's awakening and 'shouting' immediately turn the tide? What does this transition reveal about His character and His covenant?
Psalm 78:65-66 marks a dramatic turning point. After a period of intense suffering and apparent divine neglect, God intervenes decisively. This awakening isn't just a return to action; it's a purposeful judgment against those who dared to attack His people and His covenant symbols.
Understand the original words
Adonai · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew title for the Sovereign God (Adonai), emphasizing His authority, majesty, and supreme rule over all creation and humanity.
This verse reflects the dramatic moment after the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines, when God's people felt abandoned. It speaks to the sudden, powerful intervention of God on behalf of His people, likened to a warrior roused by wine, signifying His decisive action against their enemies and the restoration of His presence.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Ark Captured by Philistines
During the time of Eli the priest, the Israelites suffer a devastating defeat against the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. This event leads to the abandonment of Shiloh, the tabernacle's dwelling place.
c. 1050 BC
Philistines Suffer Divine Plagues
The Philistines experience terrible plagues and afflictions after capturing the Ark, indicating God's powerful intervention against those who took His symbol of presence.
c. 1045 BC
Ark Returned to Israel
After a period of suffering, the Philistines return the Ark to the Israelites, though it does not immediately return to Shiloh and is eventually housed in Jerusalem.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
David is anointed king, establishing a new dynasty and a more stable, centralized worship of God, with Jerusalem becoming the spiritual center.
This passage also describes God as if he were asleep, urging him to 'Awake, O Lord! Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!' highlighting the theme of God's perceived inactivity in times of his people's distress.
Isaiah 42:13This verse directly parallels the imagery, stating, 'The Lord will go out like a mighty warrior; he will stir up his zeal like a warrior full of battle cry; he will shout, he will raise a war cry, and will prevail over his enemies.' This further illustrates God's powerful intervention.
Zechariah 10:7This verse describes Ephraim and Judah as becoming like mighty warriors when God brings them back, with those who shout because of wine representing their strength and joy in God's deliverance. It connects the 'shouting because of wine' imagery to divine victory and restoration.
1 Samuel 4:10-11This historical account describes the Philistines defeating Israel and capturing the Ark of the Covenant, the very event that precedes God 'awaking' in Psalm 78. It provides the context for why God's intervention in verse 65 felt like an awakening.
Judges 16:20Samson, after being captured by the Philistines, is described as unaware that 'the Lord had departed from him,' echoing the sense of God's presence being withdrawn, which then necessitates his 'awakening' and reassertion of power as seen in the Psalm.
pulpitPsalms 78:65: "Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine."
Verse 65. - Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep (comp. Psalm 7:6; Psalm 35:23; Psalm 73:20). God is said to "awake," when, after a time of inaction, he suddenly exerts his Almighty power, to the discomfiture of his enemies. That God never really slept was the profound conviction of the Israelites generally (see 2 Kings 18:27; Psalm 121:3, 4). And like a mighty man that shouteth…
clarkePsalms 78:65: "Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine."
Then the Lord awaked - He seemed as if he had totally disregarded what was done to his people, and the reproach that seemed to fall on himself and his worship by the capture of the ark. Like a mighty man - כגבור kegibbor, like a hero that shouteth by reason of wine. One who, going forth to meet his enemy, having taken a sufficiency of wine to refresh himself, and become a proper sti…
The verse depicts God "awakening," not because He was actually sleeping, but because He was about to act decisively after a period of apparent inactivity. The comparison to a "strong man shouting because of wine" isn't about drunkenness, but about a hero energized and ready for battle, emphasizing the power and eagerness with which God intervenes for His people.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness and God's persistent mercy and judgment. After detailing Israel's deep sinfulness and God's withdrawal of favor, culminating in the capture of the Ark and the destruction of Shiloh, this verse marks a dramatic shift. God, who seemed to have been sleeping through Israel's suffering and disgrace, is depicted as suddenly rousing Himself to act with immense power against their enemies, the Philistines.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness and God's persistent mercy and judgment. After detailing Israel's deep sinfulness and God's withdrawal of favor, culminating in the capture of the Ark and the destruction of Shiloh, this verse marks a dramatic shift. God, who seemed to have been sleeping through Israel's suffering and disgrace, is depicted as suddenly rousing Himself to act with immense power against their enemies, the Philistines.
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The transition from seeming inaction to fierce action demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people falter. He doesn't abandon them. His 'shout' is followed by His enemies being smitten, bringing them 'everlasting disgrace.' This shows that God's actions, even when delayed, are ultimately redemptive and just, vindicating His name and protecting His chosen.
"Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine." — The verse depicts God "awakening," not because He was actually sleeping, but because He was about to act decisively after a period of apparent inactivity. The comparison to a "strong man shouting bec…
