Psalms 78:34-39

Psalms 78:34-39

[34] When he slew  them, then they sought  him: and they returned  and enquired early  after God.  [35] And they remembered  that God  was their rock,  and the high  God  their redeemer.  [36] Nevertheless they did flatter  him with their mouth,  and they lied  unto him with their tongues.  [37] For their heart  was not right  with him, neither were they stedfast  in his covenant.  [38] But he, being full of compassion,  forgave  their iniquity,  and destroyed  them not: yea, many a time  he his anger  away,  and did not stir up  all his wrath.  [39] For he remembered  that they were but flesh;  a wind  that passeth away,  and cometh not again. 

What does Psalms 78:34-39 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

When God killed some of that generation, others of them turned back to Him. However, they did not do so wholeheartedly or consistently. Still, God faithfully showed them compassion, forgave them, and did not destroy all of them at once. The contrast between Israel"s unfaithfulness and Yahweh"s loyal love stands out in this pericope.