Their heart was not steadfast toward God, nor were they faithful to His covenant—this is a reminder that true devotion requires intentional, unwavering commitment.
In the midst of recounting Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness, the Psalmist says, “For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, Nor were they faithful to His covenant.” (v.37) Here, the psalm’s author, Asaph, notes that the people’s devotion toward God was inconsistent, despite the many miracles and signs they had witnessed. Asaph, a Levitical singer and worship leader who served around the time of King David (circa 1010-970 BC), and possibly into the reign of Solomon (970-931 BC), compiled these historical reflections to remind future generations of both God’s faithfulness and the people’s struggles with loyalty. He emphasizes that the heart, the seat of commitment and love, was not steadfast—they were easily swayed and distracted by worldly influences.
The mention of “Nor were they faithful to His covenant” (v.37) underscores that Israel failed to uphold their sacred agreement with God. The covenant, given by the Lord through Moses, entailed wholehearted worship and obedience in exchange for His protection and blessing (Exodus 19:5-6). In Psalm 78, Asaph repeatedly highlights the geographical journeys of Israel, including their time in the wilderness of Sinai, a region of rugged and barren desert located east of Egypt and south of the modern-day Negev. This recollection of the wilderness setting underscores how the Israelites kept wavering in their devotion, even in stark and miraculous circumstances where God provided them with manna, water from the rock, and guidance by the pillar of cloud and fire.
Furthermore, Asaph’s reflection about the heart points forward to the New Testament emphasis on a transformed life in Christ (Romans 12:2). The unchanging need for sincere devotion to God is fulfilled through the ultimate covenant established by Jesus. Israel’s example serves as both a warning against half-hearted worship and an invitation to live faithfully in God’s promises.
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Psalms 78:37 meaning
In the midst of recounting Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness, the Psalmist says, “For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, Nor were they faithful to His covenant.” (v.37) Here, the psalm’s author, Asaph, notes that the people’s devotion toward God was inconsistent, despite the many miracles and signs they had witnessed. Asaph, a Levitical singer and worship leader who served around the time of King David (circa 1010-970 BC), and possibly into the reign of Solomon (970-931 BC), compiled these historical reflections to remind future generations of both God’s faithfulness and the people’s struggles with loyalty. He emphasizes that the heart, the seat of commitment and love, was not steadfast—they were easily swayed and distracted by worldly influences.
The mention of “Nor were they faithful to His covenant” (v.37) underscores that Israel failed to uphold their sacred agreement with God. The covenant, given by the Lord through Moses, entailed wholehearted worship and obedience in exchange for His protection and blessing (Exodus 19:5-6). In Psalm 78, Asaph repeatedly highlights the geographical journeys of Israel, including their time in the wilderness of Sinai, a region of rugged and barren desert located east of Egypt and south of the modern-day Negev. This recollection of the wilderness setting underscores how the Israelites kept wavering in their devotion, even in stark and miraculous circumstances where God provided them with manna, water from the rock, and guidance by the pillar of cloud and fire.
Furthermore, Asaph’s reflection about the heart points forward to the New Testament emphasis on a transformed life in Christ (Romans 12:2). The unchanging need for sincere devotion to God is fulfilled through the ultimate covenant established by Jesus. Israel’s example serves as both a warning against half-hearted worship and an invitation to live faithfully in God’s promises.