Psalm 78 65

Psalm 78:65 kjv

Then the LORD awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

Psalm 78:65 nkjv

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, Like a mighty man who shouts because of wine.

Psalm 78:65 niv

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine.

Psalm 78:65 esv

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine.

Psalm 78:65 nlt

Then the Lord rose up as though waking from sleep,
like a warrior aroused from a drunken stupor.

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 65 Meaning

Psalm 78:65 describes a pivotal moment when God, after a period of seemingly allowing disaster to befall His people and His sanctuary (Shiloh), intervenes decisively and powerfully. The verse uses strong anthropomorphic language, portraying God as awakening from a perceived state of "sleep" and then acting with the vigorous, triumphant strength of a "mighty man" roused or invigorated, shouting due to an abundance of wine. This imagery signifies God's sudden, potent, and resolute re-engagement in the affairs of His people, initiating judgment against their enemies and bringing about salvation and renewed order.

Psalm 78 65 Context

Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm recounting God's faithfulness and Israel's recurrent disobedience from the Exodus through the establishment of the Davidic covenant. Leading up to verse 65, the psalm details Israel's rebellion, God's discipline, their cries for help, and God's repeated deliverance. Crucially, verses 60-64 specifically describe God's abandonment of Shiloh (where His sanctuary and the Ark of the Covenant resided) due to Israel's idolatry, culminating in the Ark's capture by the Philistines and the slaughter of Israel's priests (Eli's sons). This period represented a severe judgment, an apparent defeat for God's people, and seemingly, a period of divine passivity. Verse 65 then marks a dramatic turning point where God ends this phase of "slumber" or apparent inaction, rising up in formidable power to act decisively, ultimately leading to the rejection of Ephraim's leadership (symbolized by Shiloh) and the choice of Judah and David for eternal kingship.

Psalm 78 65 Word analysis

• Then (וַיִּקַץ, wayyiqqats): This marks a temporal and consequential shift. It introduces God's abrupt change from a perceived state of passivity to vigorous action, directly following the calamities described in preceding verses.
• the Lord (אֲדֹנָי, ʾădōnāy): Refers to YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. Using ʾădōnāy (Lord/Master) rather than the tetragrammaton here emphasizes God's sovereign authority and control, even when His actions seem delayed from a human perspective.
• awoke (וַיִּקַץ, wayyiqqats): From the verb qûṭs (קוץ), meaning "to awake" or "to arise." This is potent anthropomorphism. God, being omnipresent and omniscient, never literally sleeps (Ps 121:4). The imagery portrays human perception of God's hiddenness or non-intervention during the period of Israel's affliction and the Ark's capture. His "awakening" signifies the end of His passive endurance of sin and calamity, and the beginning of His decisive intervention, displaying His power and justice.
• as from sleep (כְּיָשֵׁן, kĕyāšēn): The Hebrew kĕ meaning "like" or "as." This strengthens the anthropomorphic depiction, highlighting the stark contrast between God's previous "resting" (allowing judgment to run its course) and His sudden, forceful resumption of overt action. It speaks to human limitations in comprehending divine timing and purposes.
• as a mighty man (כְּגִבּוֹר, kĕgibbōr): Kĕgibbōr means "like a hero" or "like a strong man/warrior." This simile emphasizes God's strength, valor, and capacity for overcoming adversaries. It positions God not merely as awakening, but as waking up with immense, battle-ready power and determination, characteristic of a conquering warrior.
• shouts (מִתְרֹעֵעַ, mitrôʿēaʿ): From the verb rûaʿ (רוע), which means "to shout," "to roar," "to shatter," or "to break." In this context, it suggests a triumphant cry, a forceful declaration, or a powerful sound indicative of decisive action or war-cry before battle. It denotes a vigorous and unrestrained display of power.
• because of wine (מִיַּיִן, miyyāyin): This striking and somewhat provocative simile (God is not intoxicated) clarifies the nature of the "shout" and the "mighty man's" energy. It implies a state of invigoration, boldness, unrestrained joy, and heightened resolve, such as a warrior refreshed and empowered, ready for victory or celebrating it boisterously. It conveys the unbridled, overwhelming, and triumphant quality of God's intervention, far from any weariness or defeat. The energy described is pure, divine vigor and zeal for His purposes.

Words-group analysis:

• Then the Lord awoke as from sleep: This phrase powerfully conveys the human experience of divine timing. It shows a perceived period of dormancy (not actual sleep) giving way to immediate and dramatic divine action. It contrasts with pagan deities who are often depicted as asleep or unresponsive, affirming the living, active nature of YHWH.
• as a mighty man shouts because of wine: This complex simile defines the quality of God's "awakening." It's not a gentle stir, but an explosive, vigorous, and decisive re-engagement, full of triumph and righteous indignation. The "wine" aspect underscores boundless energy and a joyful, conquering spirit, rather than negative intoxication. It signifies absolute power and confidence in overcoming obstacles and enemies.

Psalm 78 65 Bonus section

• Theological Implication: This verse underscores the concept of divine apathos (incapability of suffering or feeling human passions) alongside anthropomorphic language. God does not literally "sleep" or become "drunk," yet these human experiences are used as powerful analogies to communicate His disposition and action. It reveals that even in periods where God's hand seems withdrawn, He remains sovereignly in control, His "hiddenness" serving His overarching purposes, only to be followed by glorious, overt manifestations of His power and justice.
• Contrast with Idolatry: The depiction of YHWH awakening contrasts sharply with the deadness and inertness of idols worshiped by surrounding nations, which "have eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear" (Ps 115:5-7). The God of Israel is a living, dynamic, and responsive God who hears the cries of His people and acts with unparalleled strength.
• Messianic Foreshadowing: While not directly Messianic, God's mighty "awakening" to save His people and establish His kingdom (culminating in the Davidic choice) foreshadows the ultimate "awakening" of salvation and judgment that will come through His Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's victorious warrior-like power.

Psalm 78 65 Commentary

Psalm 78:65 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, patience, and decisive action. After a period where Israel faced humiliation and loss (the Ark's capture), which humanly might suggest God's disengagement or weakness, this verse dramatically declares His re-engagement. The anthropomorphic language, especially "awoke as from sleep," powerfully expresses the shift from perceived divine inactivity (often God's allowing of consequences for sin) to overt, forceful intervention. The image of the "mighty man shouting because of wine" does not imply intoxication, but rather portrays God's subsequent action as sudden, irresistibly powerful, and exultantly triumphant, akin to a warrior full of renewed zeal and resolve. This mighty awakening signifies God's justice against His enemies and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, ultimately leading to the rejection of Shiloh and the choice of Jerusalem and David, redirecting His covenantal faithfulness towards a new phase of His redemptive plan.