Psalms 78:34

34 When he killed [some of] them, [the rest] searched for him. They turned from their sins and eagerly looked for 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 In spite of all this, they continued to sin, and they no longer believed in his miracles.

33 He brought their days to an end like a whisper in the wind. He brought their years to an end in terror.

34 When he killed [some of] them, [the rest] searched for him. They turned from their sins and eagerly looked for God.

35 They remembered that God was their rock, that the Most High was their defender.

36 They flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues.