For several days we have been studying God’s Hand of discipline on His people, on Israel. Because of her rebellion and disobedience! Now today … unexpectedly according to the Psalmist … God “reverses” Himself and attacks Israel’s ENEMIES!
Herein God is responding exactly as He had promised! Read Jeremiah 46:28 and worship! “Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.” Wow, ten times! He corrects the Jews “in measure!” But He will never fully destroy Israel!
So Psalm 78:65-66, today’s Bible text reveals: “Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine. And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.”
The foes of Israel has apparently been “beating the daylights” our of her! She had, to some degree, been given into the hands of the wicked!
BUT GOD AWOKE!
That’s what our Text says! The verb also means “to become active!”
And God exhibited His “Might!” Like “a mighty Man,” attacked the enemies! The Hebrew noun is “gibbor,” God as a Champion! Or Chief or Giant! Our great Saviour!
God shouts loudly, says the Poet. And, bold as it is, the Lord is compared to a man who is on “wine!” Intoxicated with Revenge, against those who have sought to harm His people! Listen to God in Isaiah 63:4. “For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” Paul repeats this in Romans 12:19. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Amazing!
Today’s two verses again, a “couplet” of true beauty: “Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine. And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.”
To smite someone in their “hinder parts?”
Like when you “whip” an erring child, on his “bottom!”
But He (God) did afflict the Philistines (long time haters of Israel) with “emerods,” in Hebrew “techor,” meaning “tumors” or “hemorrhoids.” So now we know what “hinder parts” means, as an anatomical term.
But more than just physical, God’s anger included “reproach” as well. The word means “scorn, shame, disgrace,” just one more form God’s rebuke can take! And “perpetual” reproach means “everlasting.” By the way, I think the Philistines are still held in contempt by most Bible students!
Today’s Text, GOD DEFENDING HIS CHILDREN!
After He had whipped them pretty severely, in fact.
Reminds me of Isaiah 54:17, one of my favorite verses in Scripture. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Amen!
And yes, there is ample evidence that our faithful LORD is still taking care of each of us as well! Like Jesus’ astounding Words in John 10:27-30. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”
Oh, yes!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell