Psalm 78 (77):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God does not allow one to be tempted beyond their capacity, and in the face of temptation, will provide a way out (1 Cor. 10:13) so that one can persevere and not retreat during battle. These individuals are described as a generation that did not set their hearts rightly. It is noteworthy that it speaks of the heart rather than deeds. When the heart is aimed correctly, actions align accordingly; yet, if the heart is misaligned, actions can be misguided, even if they appear righteous. The failure of this wicked generation to direct their hearts is evident in the statement that "his spirit was not entrusted to God." For God is just, and by adhering to the truth as a steadfast standard, one can set right a heart that is inherently twisted.

They did not uphold the covenant of God, nor did they desire to walk in His law, and they forgot His acts of kindness and His wonders that He had shown them" (Psalm 77:9-11). Historical accounts reveal that during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, led a portion of the people away, taking ten tribes to Samaria, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin stayed loyal to Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). Moreover, many from the tribe of Levi—the priests and Levites who had settled in Jerusalem—turned back to the temple of God in that city, as recorded in Chronicles (2 Chronicles 11:13). Hence, three tribes remained in Judah: the royal tribe of Judah, Benjamin, and the Levites who came from various other tribes to serve in the temple. The people of Samaria, belonging to the tribe of Ephraim, established a king. Just as the leadership of Judah stemmed from the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David, so the rulers in Samaria were from Ephraim and were identified as "Ephraim." Let us turn to the prophecy of Hosea, where he states, "Ephraim has become like a senseless dove" (Hosea 7:11). Notice he refers to them as "a senseless dove." They abandoned the temple and sought refuge in the wilderness. Normally, a dove resides in homes, but Ephraim, my dove, left the temple, departed the house, and now dwells in forests and wastelands. This represents only the literal sense. We ought to delve deeper into the narrative. It is as if we must ascend further in understanding. Thus, let us consider all heretics as the sons of Ephraim. They have forsaken the house of God, rejected David and his reign, and dwell in the wilderness. They are likened to doves because, although they engage with Scripture, they misinterpret its meaning. There is much that can be articulated. "The sons of Ephraim, equipped with bows." Observe all the heretics: where do those who have abandoned Jerusalem and the temple of God, now settle in Samaria, fashion golden calves? In Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:29). Notice what is written: they created golden calves at Bethel, within the house of God. In the house of God, they became idolaters. They also committed these acts in Dan, bringing judgment upon themselves. They have left the house of the Lord, consumed solely by their pursuit of wealth. One might ask, "How did they create golden calves? After all, our treasure resides in clay vessels" (2 Cor. 4:7). The individuals of the Church are humble and sincere, while the heretics pursue the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato. Additionally, recognize that all worldly rhetoric is considered gold, for their eloquent speech is deemed precious, as it is written: "The golden cup of Babylon is in the hand of the Lord" (Jer. 51:7). Behold how it is presented: Babylon, a mixture. Thus, this world is akin to a golden cup from which all nations partake. "The sons of Ephraim, equipped with bows." Each heretic, undeniably, harbors superstitions. "They turned back on the day of battle." They remain unaware of Him who declared, "My peace I give unto you, my peace I leave with you" (John 14:27), yet they readily engage in conversation. Their words are many, but let them heed what is inscribed: "Waste the tribes that desire war" (Psalm 67:31). Some may argue that this reflects our own stance. Let us reflect on the order of understanding.

The explanation follows: they did not adhere to the new gospel tradition, which encompasses both the covenant and the law. Despite receiving numerous blessings, they disregarded these memories, evidenced by their decision to hand Him over to Pilate. They failed to believe Him when He proclaimed, "I came from the Father, and I go to Him."

Nevertheless, they succumbed to terror on the very day of their spiritual conflict, revealing their backs to the adversarial spirits. What prompted their retreat and the display of submission to their foes? It was their failure to uphold their covenant with God and their neglect of His commandments. This transgression occurred when they engaged in the worship of the two idols that had been cast. Therefore, the prophet mournfully added, ‘And they forgot His favours, and His wonders which He had shown them: the wonders which He had done before their fathers in the land of Egypt in the field of Taneos.’

The specific battle referenced is unclear, potentially aligning with the account found in 1 Chronicles 7:20. The prophet continues by explaining the reason for the punishment of Ephraim's sons, stating, “They did not keep the covenant of God, neither did they want to walk in His law.” While this sin was widespread among others, the prophet specifically cites Ephraim as an example of divine retribution. This tribe was notable for its numbers, strength, and wealth, having become exceedingly powerful and thereby spreading its corruption throughout the nation. The prophet aimed to caution the general populace not to be misled by the glory and splendor of Ephraim. He criticizes them not for a minor transgression but for disregarding the entirety of the law and violating the covenant. Although both terms are addressed, he emphasizes the covenant first to indicate that he refers not only to ethical living, but also to the full scope of divine worship, faith, and devotion, which the covenant was meant to uphold. Ephraim's offspring are called transgressors of the covenant due to their failure to uphold its commitments. He appropriately follows this by mentioning the law, which embodies the covenant. The severity of their sin is further highlighted by the phrase “not wishing,” implying that their sin was not due to ignorance or misguided passions but was a deliberate and malicious breach of God's holy covenant. Such depravity is truly extraordinary. This behavior was unique to the Israelites, as it seems implausible that Satan could lead them astray from God, to whom they owed so much, unless they had deliberately forgotten the multitude of miracles that should have compelled them to remain obedient and reverent. To leave them without justification for their sin, the prophet recounts these miracles in a manner that underscores their extraordinary nature, thereby making it clear that such wonders should not have been forgotten. Yet, the Israelites willfully closed their eyes to avoid acknowledging God's glory within them.

The Saviour implores His people to listen attentively, lest they experience the same consequences as the ancient Jews who disregarded God’s commands. He urges them to scrutinize the teachings of the Gospel and to engage with prophecies from the depths of their hearts. While the Jewish people possessed strength, they faltered on the day of Christ's Passion due to their lack of faith. The tribe of Ephraim, which succumbed to the idolatry of the golden calf and led the other tribes into similar error, exhibited especially grave unfaithfulness towards God. Consequently, the Lord stripped them of their valor; despite their skills in archery, they succumbed to fear and retreated in battle. They were ultimately taken into captivity and scattered among the nations. Yet, in His mercy, God looked upon the Jews, acknowledging their complete surrender to worldly wisdom and their refusal to repent. In His profound compassion, He chose not to obliterate them in the wilderness, but instead granted them mercy. Humanity, being flesh, is inherently subjected to passions and mortality. The Spirit departs from humanity and will not return until the Second Coming.