Psalms 78:32-39 - Homilies By C. Short

God's tender mercy.

This passage describes the conduct of the rebellious and lustful Israelites in the wilderness, and sets forth three things—God's chastisement of their sin; their superficial repentance; God's pitiful compassion.

I. GOD 'S CHASTISEMENT OF SIN . ( Psalms 78:33 , Psalms 78:34 .) "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."

1 . Their sin was sensual indifference to the wonders of God ' s redemption. ( Psalms 78:32 .) "They believed not his wondrous works"—in connection with their redemption from the miseries of Egypt. The same sin now in reference to the work of Christ.

2 . The punishment was trouble and death. ( Psalms 78:33 , Psalms 78:34 .) Sin always leads to trouble, and sometimes to death.

3 . By granting them their sinful desires. ( Psalms 78:29 .)

II. SUPERFICIAL REPENTANCE . ( Psalms 78:34-37 .)

1 . It was inspired by fear. ( Psalms 78:34 .) Fear—terror—never produces genuine repentance.

2 . They made insincere promises of amendment. ( Psalms 78:36 .) "They flattered God with their mouth, and lied unto him with their tongues." It was no true repentance.

3 . They were still unchanged in heart. ( Psalms 78:37 .) And no repentance is true and lasting which does not make the heart right towards God.

III. GOD 'S PITIFUL COMPASSION . ( Psalms 78:38 , Psalms 78:39 .)

1 . God ' s punishment of sin is a moderated punishment. ( Psalms 78:38 .) "And did not stir up all his wrath." No punishment goes beyond the desert, and he makes it as light as it can be.

2 . God pities as well as condemns our weakness and misery. ( Psalms 78:39 .) "He knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are dust."

3 . God ' s forbearance is exercised with a view to our redemption. ( Psalms 78:38 .) "Many a time turned he his anger away." "Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."—S.