Psalms 78:65

65 At last the Lord woke up as though from sleep; he was like a strong man excited by wine.

Psalms 78:65 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 78:65

Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep
He seemed to be asleep, while he suffered the ark to be taken, and the Israelites to be slain; and he may be said to awake when he exerted his power in smiting the Philistines, and causing their idol to fall before his ark; see ( Psalms 7:6 ) ( 44:23 ) ,

and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine;
who having taken a free draught of generous wine, not to excess, goes forth with great courage and cheerfulness to meet his adversary, shouting as he goes, being sure of victory; which must be applied to God with decency, consistent with the glory of his majesty, and the perfections of his nature; and seems designed to express his power and readiness to help his people, and avenge himself on his enemies; see ( Isaiah 42:13 ) ( Zechariah 9:15 ) .

Psalms 78:65 In-Context

63 Young men were killed in war, and young women had no one to marry.

64 Priests died by violence, and their widows were not allowed to mourn.

65 At last the Lord woke up as though from sleep; he was like a strong man excited by wine.

66 He drove his enemies back in lasting and shameful defeat.

67 But he rejected the descendants of Joseph; he did not select the tribe of Ephraim.