Psalm 78:31

Modern

God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel.

Traditional

The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.

Literal

And the anger of God came upon them, and He killed the fattest of them and subdued the young men of Israel.

Latin

…et ira Dei ascendit super eos: et occidit pingues eorum, et electos Israël impedivit.

Hebrew

English

God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel.

God powerfully satisfied the people’s desires, but they did not respond with gratitude or faith. Therefore, God exercised his justice.

Israel rebelled in the wilderness despite God’s abundant provision.

This wisdom psalm urges people to learn wisdom and share it faithfully.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah 10:16
Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame.

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes