Psalm 78 (77):41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They reverted and tested God, provoking the Holy One of Israel (Psalm 77:41). He echoes the disbelief previously referenced. The purpose of this repetition is to bring to mind the plagues He had brought upon the Egyptians for their benefit, which they should surely recall and not respond with ingratitude. In conclusion, what comes next? They failed to remember His mighty works on the day He delivered them from the oppressor.

This illustrates the patience of God. The specifics of these occurrences can be understood through historical accounts, as the Israelites, during their worship of the golden calf or their association with Beelfegor (Psalms 105:28), occasionally contemplated usurping the authority of the great Moses. Despite being nourished with manna, they exhibited ingratitude. When instructed to take possession of the promised land, they were deterred by their fears. In addition to these instances, they committed countless other offenses, which we will not enumerate, not wishing to prolong the discourse.

The phrase "they turned from one vice to another" suggests a transition from one sin to another. However, some scholars interpret the term "tempted" as inducing sorrow. The Holy One of Israel refers to God Himself, indicating that He should be worshiped and glorified.

The Prophet was astonished by the profound and extensive nature of the Jews' iniquity, notably that they not only caused grief to God again and again but did so in the wilderness—a place where humility should have flourished, and where they ought to have sought the heavens. In this location, they could not be misled or enticed, as could occur in urban centers. Instead, they displayed pride and provoked Him in the 'dry land,' where those in need of water should have been contrite. Even after receiving opportunities for repentance, they turned not towards righteousness but toward further wickedness, testing the Almighty in a folly unbefitting mere mortals, and disrespecting 'the Holy One of Israel,' referring to Christ.

He supports the previous statement by illustrating how the Israelites, while journeying through the wilderness, provoked God with countless transgressions, to the point that they could have been destroyed repeatedly if not for God's immense mercy towards them. The inquiry emphasizes even further that the Israelites' sins were limitless and beyond measure. The term "wilderness" reflects both the specific location and the timeframe of their journey. Thus, the Prophetic message first highlights the Israelites' ingratitude, as they, despite constantly remembering and witnessing God’s blessings, failed to maintain proper conduct. Next, it condemns their uncontrolled appetite for wrongdoing, evidenced by the multitude of sins they amassed in a brief period.

This Psalm, attributed to David and rich in prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, to communicate to all the bountiful mercies of God Almighty bestowed upon the ungrateful descendants of Israel. It admonishes them for their lack of gratitude and serves as a lesson for others to appreciate the immeasurable humanity of God, particularly as manifested in Christ the Lord for those who believe in His name. In this psalm, David seems to speak on behalf of Christ to the believers, urging them to be attentive to the Gospel's teachings. The messages contained within this psalm are relevant not only to the Jewish people of the past but now find their significance for Christ’s faithful. The old covenant foreshadows the new.