Psalm 78:32 (ESV) … “In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe..”
Israel repeatedly offered shallow repentance toward God, yet he still forgave and favored them.
78:32–37. Even in the face of such divine goodness, the people kept on sinning and did not believe. Consequently, God slew them, and only then did they seek him. Sadly enough, God had to deal with them severely before they remembered he was their Rock and Redeemer. When they finally turned to him, they would flatter him with lying words of insincerity, failing to be loyal to him. Though they supposedly repented, it was insincere and meaningless, a counterfeit turning back to God. They suffered the self-deception of a false sorrow for their sin. Theirs was a bogus belief, a pseudo repentance that caused them to return to their unfaithfulness when tested.
78:38–39. Nevertheless, in spite of their unfaithfulness, God was merciful to them, forgiving their iniquities, and he did not destroy them. He repeatedly restrained the full expression of his anger, remembering that they were weak and lived fleeting lives like a passing breeze.[1]
We must learn the lesson not to abuse the grace and mercy of our great God and Savior.
In Christ & Friends Always,
Bro. Chris.
[1] Lawson, S. J. (2006). Psalms 76–150 (M. Anders, Ed.; Vol. 12, p. 16). Holman Reference.
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