King James Version
What Does Psalms 78:62 Mean?
“He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.”
Psalms 78:62 · KJV
Context
60
So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men;
61
And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.
62
He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.
63
The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage. given: Heb. praised
64
Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryHe gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance. The phrase gave his people over (vayyasger, וַיַּסְגֵּר) means to deliver up or surrender—God withdrew protective covering. Unto the sword describes military slaughter; 30,000 Israelites died at Aphek (1 Samuel 4:10). Divine wrath manifested in removing divine protection, exposing Israel to their enemies' violence.
Was wroth with his inheritance (charah benachalato, חָרָה בְּנַחֲלָתוֹ) contains tragic irony. Israel was God's special possession, His nachalah (נַחֲלָה)—inherited treasure (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 32:9). Yet their Benefactor became their Judge. Covenant privilege doesn't exempt from covenant curses; it intensifies accountability. Those who know more are judged more strictly (Luke 12:47-48).
This verse anticipates Paul's repeated phrase about God's judicial abandonment: 'God gave them up/over' (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). When people persistently reject God, He eventually grants their desire for autonomy—a terrifying judgment. Hell is God saying, 'Your will be done.'
Was wroth with his inheritance (charah benachalato, חָרָה בְּנַחֲלָתוֹ) contains tragic irony. Israel was God's special possession, His nachalah (נַחֲלָה)—inherited treasure (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 32:9). Yet their Benefactor became their Judge. Covenant privilege doesn't exempt from covenant curses; it intensifies accountability. Those who know more are judged more strictly (Luke 12:47-48).
This verse anticipates Paul's repeated phrase about God's judicial abandonment: 'God gave them up/over' (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). When people persistently reject God, He eventually grants their desire for autonomy—a terrifying judgment. Hell is God saying, 'Your will be done.'
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Aphek disaster under Eli's weak leadership demonstrated that God doesn't automatically defend covenant people who violate covenant. This shocking reversal—Israel massacred by Philistines—shattered presumptuous confidence in election privileges apart from obedience. It prepared the way for Samuel's reforms and the monarchy.
Reflection Questions
- How does being part of God's 'inheritance' (the church) increase rather than decrease accountability for faithfulness?
- What does it mean that God's greatest judgment might be simply giving people over to their chosen autonomy?
- How should believers respond when God withdraws blessing or protection due to communal sin?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsלַחֶ֣רֶב2 of 5
“also unto the sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
עַמּ֑וֹ3 of 5
“his people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּ֝בְנַחֲלָת֗וֹ4 of 5
“with his inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
הִתְעַבָּֽר׃5 of 5
“and was wroth”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Study Guide
Historical Context
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.
Theological Significance
Psalms 78:62 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 78:62 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge