History of Discipline – Psalm 78:56-72

As we follow the historical record of the dealings of God with His people featured in Asaph's song, we have now moved from the wilderness to the promised land. In spite of blessings promised and received, the all too familiar refrain is echoed once again in verse 56 “Yet they tested and rebelled against the most High God and did not keep His testimonies.” We learn quickly from the inspired historiography of the Psalms that blessings and comfort can yield complacency and rebellion just as easily as trying providences can move a people toward resentment and rebellion. Our sin is a matter of the heart, not our environment, socio- economic condition, oppressed status, victim complex or otherwise. A fruitful study through O.T. History recommended along these lines is to follow the course, location, condition, and prominence of the Ark of the Covenant through the record of Judges and Kings. The spiritual state of the people corresponding to the plight of the symbol of God's presence among them is telling. Asaph recognizes this and provides us snapshots from the covenantal/historical record that are applicable for all time. When nothing is sacred among a people, they are thrown into spiritual chaos. While this condition may be the delusional dream of hedonistic preferences, it is soon proven the judgement of God on their own heads.