Psalm 78 (77):32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Although they had the potential to live their lives in truth and righteousness, as He to Whom it was said, 'Your years shall not pass away,' decreed, they instead journeyed through their days in futility and their years in haste. The entirety of human existence is fleeting, with what seems lengthier merely being a mist that lasts a little longer. However, after they were struck down, some sought Him—not for the gift of eternal life, but out of fear of an untimely end to their own fleeting existence. It was not those who were taken who sought Him, but rather those who feared for their own lives, following the example set by the slain.

Yet they persisted in their transgressions. The Prophet further states: In all these matters they continued to sin and did not trust in His wonders. Their days vanished in emptiness, and their years were filled with anxiety. After indulging in sin and wandering from the truth, with no consideration for what could bring value, they immersed themselves in futility and fruitless endeavors. With great diligence in pursuing these pursuits, they ultimately departed from this earthly life.

Despite experiencing divine blessings and judgments, they continued to sin. Even after witnessing such acts of grace and discipline, they still turned against God in numerous ways, particularly in their fear of the inhabitants of the promised land, demonstrating a lack of faith in His promise. They failed to believe in His miraculous works, thinking these events occurred by chance. Throughout, David criticizes their lack of faith, which led them to face various tribulations. God Himself asked, “How long shall this people vex Me? And how long shall they disbelieve Me at all the signs which I have done among them?” (Num. 14:11). Likewise, Christ rebukes the Jewish people for their unbelief, exclaiming, “O unfaithful and perverse generation!” (Matt. 17:16).

The prophet expressed astonishment at the disbelief and hardness of heart demonstrated by the Jews, who remained oblivious not only to the blessings bestowed upon them but also to the retributions they faced, continuing to sin repeatedly. Their lack of faith and trust in God's miracles led to this behavior, as they, like many wicked individuals, believed that signs and wonders occurred merely by chance. Consequently, their days were marked by a profound insufficiency. The prophet does not refer to the brevity of days as a deficit but rather to the absence of virtue; for someone who does not lead a virtuous life, even a long existence results in a sort of early demise, devoid of the fruitful purpose for which life is given. This is why Scripture refers to Abraham and Job as “filled with days,” even though others may have lived longer (Genesis 15:8; Job 42:16).

Israel sought insignificant things, prompting the anger of the Lord to be directed toward them. They neglected to marvel at the awe-inspiring deeds of God and instead pursued the cravings of their flesh. Yet, ‘the wrath of God is still in their mouths, and the wrath of God is come upon them’ (Psalm 77:30-31). Present your requests to God in alignment with His majesty, that your worth may be exalted in His sight, and that He may take delight in you. When someone approaches a king to request something trivial, they not only diminish their own honor by such a small petition, revealing their foolishness, but they also disrespect the king himself. Likewise, those who seek only worldly blessings in their prayers show a lack of understanding.

In this passage, the Prophet reproaches the Israelites for their profound wickedness, noting that they not only rejected God's word but also scorned His miracles. Consequently, he indicates that their punishments were intensified, as God had declared through Moses: "If ye will not hearken unto me, I will punish you with plagues seven times for your sins" (Lev. 26:18). Here, he speaks of the entire nation, suggesting that all, from the least to the greatest, faced a swift demise. This reference undoubtedly pertains to the harsh decree, confirmed by an oath, that all would perish in the wilderness, save for two—Joshua and Caleb—who, being close to the Promised Land, did not turn back.

This Psalm attributed to David, rich in prophetic insight, was handed over to Asaph, the leader of the singers, so that he could proclaim it for the comprehension of all regarding the countless blessings of God Almighty bestowed upon the ungrateful lineage of the Jews. It admonishes them for their lack of gratitude and serves to instruct others to be grateful for the indescribable benevolence of God, particularly as it has been illuminated through Christ the Lord, who believes in His name. In this psalm, the prophet David seems to speak on behalf of Christ to the believers, urging them to pay attention to the law of the Gospel, as noted by Chrysostom, Theodoret, and Athanasius.