Old Testament
Psalms 78:58
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For they provoked him to anger with their high places and moved him to jealousy with their carved images.
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For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.
What Psalms 78:58 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist highlights how the people of Israel angered God by worshiping idols and setting up high places for false worship. These high places were often locations where people would offer sacrifices to other gods, which was a direct violation of their covenant with the Lord. The mention of 'carved images' refers to the physical representations of these false gods, which stirred God's jealousy. Jealousy here signifies God's desire for exclusive devotion from His people, as He is a jealous God who does not tolerate idolatry. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from true worship and the importance of fidelity to God. It reflects the broader theme of Israel's repeated disobedience and the resulting anger of God, emphasizing the seriousness of idolatry in the relationship between God and His people.
How to apply Psalms 78:58 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for any 'high places' or idols that may distract us from our relationship with God. It reminds us to prioritize our devotion to Him and avoid anything that could lead us away from true worship. Staying focused on God helps maintain a healthy spiritual life.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 78:58 mean?
Psalms 78:58 means that the people of Israel angered God by worshiping idols and setting up places for false worship. Their actions violated their covenant with Him, provoking His jealousy as He desires exclusive devotion.
What is the significance of 'high places' in Psalms 78:58?
In Psalms 78:58, 'high places' refer to locations where people worshiped false gods, often through sacrifices. These sites represented a direct challenge to God's authority and the worship He expected from His people.
What does 'graven images' refer to in Psalms 78:58?
'Graven images' in Psalms 78:58 refers to physical representations or idols of false gods that the Israelites worshiped. These images stirred God's jealousy as they symbolized the people's unfaithfulness to Him.
How does Psalms 78:58 relate to idolatry?
Psalms 78:58 highlights the issue of idolatry by showing how the Israelites provoked God through their worship of idols. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from true worship.
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