King James Version
Psalms 78:56 in the King James Version says “Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:”
Psalms 78:56 · KJV
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased.
He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:
But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.
For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“and provoked”
H4784to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“the most high”
H5945an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and kept”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Psalms 78:56 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 78:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge