Psalm 95:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For forty years I loathed that generation and said, "They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways."

NIV: For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’

NASB: For forty years I was disgusted with that generation, And said they are a people who err in their heart, And they do not know My ways.

CSB: For forty years I was disgusted with that generation; I said, "They are a people whose hearts go astray; they do not know my ways."

NLT: For forty years I was angry with them, and I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’

KJV: Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

NKJV: For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.’

Israel was miraculously rescued from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 3:20; 12:41). As they traveled to the Promised Land, God used more miracles to provide clean water (Exodus 15:22–26) and good food (Exodus 16:2–3, 12–14). Despite all His work on their behalf, the people still complained and acted in fear. In this way, they strained the Lord's patience and tried to force Him to intervene on their behalf (Exodus 17:1–7). The same attitude arose when the nation refused to move into Canaan to take the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1–4).

Because of this persistent trying of His patience, God denied that entire generation the privilege of entering Canaan and taking their place in the Promised Land (Numbers 14:28–32). This was a sign of God's displeasure—"loathing" (Malachi 1:2–3)—for those who refused to act in trusting obedience (Psalm 95:11). Jesus overcame that temptation when He refused to "test" God at the Devil's suggestion (Matthew 4:5–7; Deuteronomy 6:16).

Psalm 95:8–11 refers to the incident recorded in Exodus 17, and potentially a similar incident in Numbers 20. Despite all the Lord had done for Israel, the people "tested" Him with doubt. A similar obstinate lack of trust arose when the nation was supposed to take the Promised Land (Numbers 13—14). For this, God denied His "rest" to an entire generation of Israelites. The book of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:7–11, 15, 4:3–7) applies this idea to show that even saved believers can experience a loss of divine fellowship and blessing when we doubt and resist God's Word.

The psalm begins with a call to worship, gratitude, and celebration of the Lord. God is great and a great King above all gods. He rules over the oceans and lands, which He created. The psalmist then turns to a warning about a time when Israel resisted the Lord's leadership. That entire generation was denied God's "rest," including being barred from entering the Promised Land.

"Enthronement" psalms make up this portion of Scripture. Because they speak of God's rule, they are also labelled "theocratic." Psalms 24, 27, 93, and 96—99 have similar themes. These songs anticipate the Lord God ruling over the entire world. This perspective often aims at the future when the Messiah Jesus will personally oversee earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). The last portion of the song is quoted in the New Testament book of Hebrews (Hebrews 3:7–11, 15, 4:3–7).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 1:17:06 PM