Psalms 78:39
“For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”
Psalms 78:39 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- And he remembered that they are flesh: a wind that goeth and returneth not.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- And he remembered that they were but flesh, A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
- DARBYDarby
- And he remembered that they were flesh, a breath that passeth away and cometh not again.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away, and doesn't come again.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- And He remembereth that they are flesh, A wind going on ; and it returneth not.
- BPVBiblePics Version
- For he remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.
Context: Psalms 78
37For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.
38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
39For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
40How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!
41Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
About Psalms 78: Lessons from Israel's History
Psalm 78 recounts the history of Israel and how God proved Himself faithful despite their continuous disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's faithfulness to future generations.
Commentary
Psalm 78 serves as a reminder that forgetting God's faithfulness leads to disobedience and downfall. The psalmist emphasizes the need to teach the next generation about God's work and wonders so that we can honor Him with our lives. The psalm also highlights the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance. Thus, we must make a conscious effort to pass down our faith and knowledge of God's faithfulness to the generations that follow us. Ultimately, we are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness because He is the only one who can grant us eternal salvation.