Justified Anger

Psalm 78

The Message

Psalm 78 shows God's chastising anger, it illustrates God's power.  The Psalm is a summary of Israel's Journey from rule under Egypt to rule under David. The picture is a continuous cycle of idolatry, slavery, forgiveness and redemption. God reigns judgment on both his chosen people and their foes. Against Egypt, God turns rivers to blood; destroys crops and herds by plague, hail, and fire; even takes their first fruits--first born children. Against his own chosen people, Israel,  he allows war. Israel becomes subject to slavery, fire, and death by sword. But God's anger comes with purpose. 

The psalm reads:    

^65-72 Suddenly the Lord was up on his feet
      like someone roused from deep sleep,
      shouting like a drunken warrior.
   He hit his enemies hard, sent them running,
      yelping, not daring to look back.
   He disqualified Joseph as leader,
      told Ephraim he didn't have what it takes,
   And chose the Tribe of Judah instead,
      Mount Zion, which he loves so much.
   He built his sanctuary there, resplendent,
      solid and lasting as the earth itself.
   Then he chose David, his servant,
      handpicked him from his work in the sheep pens.
   One day he was caring for the ewes and their lambs,
      the next day God had him shepherding Jacob,
      his people Israel, his prize possession.
   His good heart made him a good shepherd;
      he guided the people wisely and well.

God desires loyalty and obedience. Psalm 78 can be meditated on as a reminder to God's authority, his power, and the real consequences of sin.