Psalms 78:34

34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and inquired early after God.

Psalms 78:34 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 78:34

When he slew them
Some of them, the spies particularly; or when he threatened to slay them, or was about to do it:

then they sought him;
that is, those who either survived the slain, or were threatened with destruction; these sought the Lord by prayer and supplication, that he would not destroy them; the Targum is,

``they repented and sought him;''

see ( Numbers 14:37 Numbers 14:39 Numbers 14:40 ) ,

and they returned;
from their evil ways, and by repentance, at least in show and appearance:

and inquired early after God;
but not earnestly, and with their whole hearts and spirits; the Targum is,

``they prayed before God;''

which is often done, by carnal professors, in trouble; see ( Isaiah 26:16 ) ( Hosea 5:15 ) .

Psalms 78:34 In-Context

32 For all this, they sinned still and believed not in His wondrous works.

33 Therefore their days did He consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and inquired early after God.

35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God, their redeemer.

36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues.