Psalm 78 10

Psalm 78:10 kjv

They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;

Psalm 78:10 nkjv

They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law,

Psalm 78:10 niv

they did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by his law.

Psalm 78:10 esv

They did not keep God's covenant, but refused to walk according to his law.

Psalm 78:10 nlt

They did not keep God's covenant
and refused to live by his instructions.

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 10 Meaning

Psalm 78:10 profoundly articulates a fundamental failure of the ancient Israelites: they actively rejected their foundational covenant with God and stubbornly refused to live according to His divine instructions. This verse captures a recurring theme in the nation's history, highlighting not merely an oversight but a willful choice to turn away from the path of blessing and obedience laid out by the Almighty. It signifies a profound spiritual disconnect, where God's clear revelation and redemptive acts were met with unfaithfulness and an unwillingness to submit to His benevolent rule.

Psalm 78 10 Context

Psalm 78 is an extended historical wisdom psalm, teaching future generations lessons from the past, specifically concerning Israel's unfaithfulness despite God's consistent deliverance and patience. The psalmist, Asaph, recounts a sweeping narrative from the Exodus to David's reign, emphasizing God's mighty acts and Israel's recurrent cycles of disobedience, rebellion, and forgetfulness. Verse 10 appears early in this recounting, following descriptions of God's wonders in Egypt and at the Red Sea (vv. 9). It immediately highlights the pivotal point of Israel's rejection of the covenant established at Mount Sinai, shortly after their miraculous liberation. Historically, this refers to the generation who received the Law at Sinai and subsequently wandered in the wilderness due to their lack of faith and persistent grumbling. The verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which repeatedly demonstrates how Israel's subsequent struggles and divine discipline were direct consequences of this foundational failure to uphold their end of the covenant, despite God's enduring faithfulness.

Psalm 78 10 Word analysis

• They (הֵ֫מָּה - hemma): This pronoun refers specifically to the Israelites, particularly the generation that witnessed the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and subsequently refused to enter the Promised Land, facing judgment in the wilderness. It identifies the direct subjects of this failure.
• did not keep (לֹא־שָׁמְרוּ - lo-shamru): The verb shamru (שָׁמְרוּ) means "to guard," "to observe," "to protect," or "to keep." Coupled with the negation lo (לֹא), it signifies an active and conscious failure. It implies not just an accidental neglect but an intentional withholding of compliance and diligence. They did not preserve their commitment.
• God's covenant (בְּרִית אֱלֹהִים - b'rit Elohim): B'rit (בְּרִית) is a critical biblical term for a binding agreement or solemn pact, often initiated by God and carrying stipulations and promises. Here, it refers primarily to the Mosaic (Sinai) Covenant, which established Israel as God's special people and outlined their responsibilities (Exod 19-24). Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) emphasizes the absolute authority and divinity of the one initiating and sustaining this pact. The covenant demanded fidelity, and they broke faith.
• and refused (וַיְמָאֲנוּ - vay'ma'anu): From the verb ma'an (מָאַן), meaning "to refuse," "to decline," or "to reject." This word strongly emphasizes the willfulness of their disobedience. It indicates a deliberate, hardened posture against God's will, not mere ignorance or weakness. They chose to reject the way of life offered to them.
• to live by his law (לָלֶכֶת בְּתוֹרָתוֹ - lalekhet b'torato):
  • to live by (לָלֶכֶת - lalekhet): This is a infinitive form of halakh (הָלַךְ), meaning "to walk," but commonly used metaphorically in biblical Hebrew to mean "to live," "to conduct oneself," "to follow," or "to behave according to." It points to a practical, ongoing lifestyle. It is not just about knowing the law, but walking in it daily.
  • his law (בְּתוֹרָתוֹ - b'torato): Torah (תּוֹרָה) is typically translated as "law," but its root meaning is "instruction," "guidance," or "teaching." It encompasses the divine principles, statutes, and commandments revealed by God to guide Israel in righteousness. The suffix -to (תּוֹ) means "His," directly linking the instruction back to God as its author and authority. It underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of these commands, intended for Israel's welfare.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "They did not keep God's covenant": This phrase captures the breach of a formal, divinely-established agreement. It points to a violation of trust and sacred obligation. The Sinai covenant was not just a set of rules; it was a relational framework for God and His people, which Israel fundamentally undermined by their actions.
  • "and refused to live by his law": This second part elucidates the manner of their covenant-breaking – it was through a stubborn refusal to embody God's teachings in their daily lives. "To live by" signifies the practical, applied dimension of the "law." The refusal wasn't just theoretical dissent but an active, willful departure from the practical path God laid out. This emphasizes the comprehensive and behavioral aspect of their rejection.

Psalm 78 10 Bonus section

The chronicling of Israel's past in Psalm 78, particularly verses like 78:10, served a crucial pedagogical purpose: to teach future generations about the consequences of disbelieving God's works and disobeying His voice (Psa 78:6-8). This was a polemic against forgetting divine history and repeating the sins of the forefathers. The 'law' or Torah mentioned here includes not only ethical codes but also cultic regulations, designed to distinguish Israel from the pagan nations around them. By rejecting the law, they risked blurring the lines between true worship of Elohim and the syncretistic practices of surrounding cultures, a pervasive issue throughout Israel's history as highlighted by various prophets. Their refusal to live by God's law essentially meant they did not want God's distinct identity to define them. This historical pattern illustrates the human propensity towards idolatry—not always carving an image, but substituting God's will with one's own desires or worldly paths.

Psalm 78 10 Commentary

Psalm 78:10 distills the profound and tragic narrative of Israel's unfaithfulness. It reveals a pattern where divine provision and revelation were met with human defiance. The initial covenant at Sinai was a monumental act of grace, establishing Israel's unique relationship with God, promising blessing for obedience and discipline for disobedience. However, the generation that received this covenant—and indeed, subsequent generations—willfully chose a path contrary to God's instruction. "Did not keep" and "refused" underline a deliberate act of the will, rather than an accidental failing. This wasn't ignorance of the law, but an active rejection of its authority and its life-giving path.

Their failure was multifaceted: they broke the solemn promises made in the covenant and neglected the practical living out of God's Torah, His perfect and good instruction. This reveals a heart condition—an inner stubbornness and unwillingness to submit to God's benevolent guidance. The repeated narrative of Psalm 78 underscores that such defiance inevitably leads to severe consequences, despite God's continued patience and desire for their restoration. This historical account serves as an eternal reminder of the dangers of spiritual apathy and the critical necessity of a repentant, obedient heart that cherishes and actively walks in God's commands.