Psalm 78 (77):35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

All of this is aimed at acquiring earthly possessions and evading worldly troubles. Those who pursue God for material gain are not truly seeking Him, but rather the benefits He can provide. Consequently, they approach God with a servile fear instead of a genuine love. True worship of God is not fulfilled in such attitudes; real worship arises from what one cherishes. Therefore, recognizing that God surpasses all creation in greatness and goodness, He must be cherished above all else to be rightly worshipped.

The Lord, who loves humanity, did not place these chains on them without purpose; rather, they received immense benefit from it. While they experienced the advantages, they seemed unaware, but in times of suffering, they turned to God's compassion.

Genuine virtue involves constantly keeping God in our thoughts and calling on His aid even during times of abundance. If we remember Him in our joys, He will also be mindful of us in our trials. Conversely, seeking God solely in times of difficulty—when He disciplines us—indicates a reliance born from necessity rather than heartfelt devotion. This approach reflects the attitude of ungrateful servants, who, recognizing God merely as a source of help and deliverance, elicit no mercy from their master, aware that their confessions are compelled by circumstance. The Lord, who sees through the deceit of those who are wicked, is also cognizant of the outcomes that follow such unfaithfulness.

People of God, let us be vigilant and attentive to our own lives, ensuring that the hearts which were once stirred and turned toward Him during times of divine discipline continue to seek Him, to strive toward Him, and to hold fast to Him in seasons of grace. We must examine the inclinations of our hearts, guiding them by spiritual wisdom rather than by fleshly impulses, so we do not wander down the treacherous and hasty path of the ancient and ungrateful Israel, who, for a brief time, turned to the God of judgment and rapidly forgot the God of compassion and grace.

Through these words, he magnifies the offense of the Israelites. When confronted with their sins, although they acknowledged the righteousness of their punishment, they failed to surrender to God from a sincere heart and instead reviled Him with their abominable deceit. Such evil deeds were entirely unforgivable in their case. A madman might be pardoned for his foolish actions, as he lacks awareness, but one who, while asserting his responsibilities, remains flawed or, through pretense, instantly reverts to the same sins, displays an incurable wickedness.

This Psalm, attributed to David and imbued with prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, so that he could proclaim it for the benefit of all, focusing on the countless mercies bestowed by God Almighty upon the ungrateful people of Israel. It serves as a rebuke for their lack of gratitude and as a lesson to others, encouraging a spirit of thankfulness for the unfathomable compassion of God, particularly as manifest in Christ the Lord, who offers salvation through His name. In this psalm, David conveys words as if speaking for Christ to believers, urging them to heed the teachings of the Gospel, as noted by theologians like Chrysostom, Theodoret, and Athanasius.