Psalm 78 34

Psalm 78:34 kjv

When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

Psalm 78:34 nkjv

When He slew them, then they sought Him; And they returned and sought earnestly for God.

Psalm 78:34 niv

Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again.

Psalm 78:34 esv

When he killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly.

Psalm 78:34 nlt

When God began killing them,
they finally sought him.
They repented and took God seriously.

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 34 Meaning

Psalm 78:34 depicts a recurring pattern in the history of Israel, particularly during their wilderness wanderings and later generations. When divine judgment, manifested as plagues or affliction ("He slew them"), struck the disobedient Israelites, they would, in their distress, turn to God, ostensibly seeking Him earnestly and returning to their covenant relationship. This verse highlights a reactive rather than proactive or heartfelt seeking of God, driven by temporary fear and calamity.

Psalm 78 34 Context

Psalm 78 is a "Maschil" (didactic psalm) of Asaph, recounted as a lengthy historical poem designed to instruct future generations through the past failures of Israel. The psalm narrates a cycle of God's covenant faithfulness and mighty acts, contrasted with Israel's repeated rebellion, unfaithfulness, and idolatry, particularly during the wilderness period. Preceding verse 34, the psalm details Israel's murmuring, demanding food (manna), and provoking God's wrath due to their unbelief despite divine provisions (vv. 10-33). God, in His patience, provided and also disciplined them with plagues and hardship. Verse 34 describes their typical reaction to these afflictions: a superficial, temporary turning to God born out of desperation. The verses immediately following (vv. 36-37) further clarify that this seeking was not from a sincere heart, as they continued to flatter God with their lips while their hearts were unfaithful. The psalm intends to warn the audience against repeating the spiritual complacency and disobedience of their ancestors.

Psalm 78 34 Word analysis

• When He slew them (בְּהַמִּיתוֹ bə·ham·mi·tōw):
  • `בְּ` (bə-): "When, in, upon," indicates the timing or circumstance.
  • `הַמִּיתוֹ` (ham·mi·tōw): A causative infinitive from the root מָוֶת (māveth), meaning "death, kill." Here, it's used causatively, "He caused them to die" or "He slew them," implying active divine judgment. It emphasizes that the suffering was directly from God's hand as discipline for their rebellion. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where God is directly involved in both blessing and cursing according to covenant.
• then they sought Him (וּדְרָשֻׁהוּ ū·ḏə·rā·šu·hu):
  • `וּ` (ū-): "And, then," linking the consequence to the action.
  • `דְרָשֻׁהוּ` (də·rā·šu·hu): From דָּרַשׁ (darash), "to seek, inquire, consult, investigate." This word can denote earnest seeking for God's presence, wisdom, or favor. In other contexts, it can indicate sincere devotion (e.g., Psa 105:4). Here, its proximity to their suffering suggests seeking driven by desperation rather than genuine devotion. The suffix `-hu` means "Him," referring to God.
• and they returned (וַיָּשׁוּבוּ way·yā·šū·ḇū):
  • `וַיָּשׁוּבוּ` (way·yā·šū·ḇū): From שׁוּב (shuv), "to turn back, return, repent." This is a foundational verb for "repentance" in the Old Testament, signifying a turning away from sin and turning back to God. While it conveys an action of turning, the subsequent verses (Psa 78:36-37) reveal that this particular "returning" was outwardly performed but inwardly superficial, lacking true heart change. It implies a pattern of backsliding and then temporarily coming back under duress.
• and diligently sought God (וַיְשַׁחֲרוּ־אֵל way·šah·ărū-’ēl):
  • `וַיְשַׁחֲרוּ` (way·šah·ărū): From שָׁחַר (shachar), "to seek early, diligently, earnestly." This term intensifies the seeking implied by `darash`. It suggests a zealous, determined, almost desperate pursuit, like one rising early to pursue something vital. The idea of rising early was often associated with devotion or urgent activity (Psa 63:1, Prov 8:17).
  • `אֵל` (’ēl): "God," a common name for God in the Hebrew Bible.
  • Words-group Analysis: "then they sought Him; and they returned and diligently sought God." This phrase portrays a progression from a general "seeking" to an "earnest return" and "diligent seeking." On the surface, it seems positive. However, given the broader narrative of Psalm 78 and the verses that immediately follow, this "earnestness" is shown to be reactive and conditional, prompted solely by their affliction and lacking in lasting sincerity. It describes a transient obedience, an outward display of piety that did not spring from genuine faith or a changed heart, contrasting true, heart-based repentance. This highlights the cycle of sin, judgment, superficial repentance, and relapse.

  Commentary

  Psalm 78:34 encapsulates a critical pattern of human behavior, especially pertinent to Israel's history with God. When faced with the severe consequences of their disobedience—when God's disciplining hand "slew them" with judgment—the Israelites would instinctively "seek Him." This seeking was born out of distress and desperation, manifesting as a return and an earnest "diligent seeking" of the divine presence. However, as the subsequent verses reveal, this turning was largely an outward act, a strategic response to alleviate suffering, rather than a genuine transformation of heart. Their repentance was reactive and provisional, disappearing once the immediate threat subsided. This verse underscores the contrast between external conformity and true inner devotion, reminding believers that while God uses hardship to draw people to Himself, true repentance involves a loyal heart and lasting commitment, not just a transient plea for relief from trouble.

  Bonus section

  The "diligently sought" phrase often implies rising early for earnest seeking. This visual suggests an extreme effort or priority in seeking God. However, in Psalm 78, it illustrates a superficial imitation of true piety, driven by duress. The underlying spiritual lesson is that outward expressions of repentance, however intense, are worthless without inward integrity and a genuinely changed heart. This cyclical behavior of Israel serves as a perennial warning against self-deception and the illusion of piety when one's heart is not fully committed to God. It highlights God's continuous pursuit and discipline, even in the face of such conditional and temporary obedience, showcasing His steadfastness amidst human fickle faith.

Psalm 78 34 Bonus section

Psalm 78 34 Commentary