56 But they were bitter against the Most High God, testing him, and not keeping his laws; 57 Their hearts were turned back and untrue like their fathers; they were turned to one side like a twisted bow. 58 They made him angry with their high places; moving him to wrath with their images. 59 When this came to God's ears he was very angry, and gave up Israel completely; 60 So that he went away from the holy place in Shiloh, the tent which he had put among men; 61 And he let his strength be taken prisoner, and gave his glory into the hands of his hater. 62 He gave his people up to the sword, and was angry with his heritage. 63 Their young men were burned in the fire; and their virgins were not praised in the bride-song. 64 Their priests were put to death by the sword, and their widows made no weeping for them. 65 Then was the Lord like one awaking from sleep, and like a strong man crying out because of wine. 66 His haters were turned back by his blows and shamed for ever. 67 And he put the tent of Joseph on one side, and took not the tribe of Ephraim; 68 But he took the tribe of Judah for himself, and the mountain of Zion, in which he had pleasure. 69 And he made his holy place like the high heaven, like the earth which is fixed by him for ever. 70 He took David to be his servant, taking him from the place of the flocks; 71 From looking after the sheep which were giving milk, he took him to give food to Jacob his people, and to Israel his heritage. 72 So he gave them food with an upright heart, guiding them by the wisdom of his hands.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 78:56-72
Commentary on Psalm 78:56-72
(Read Psalm 78:56-72)
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government over his people; a monarch after his own heart. With good reason does the psalmist make this finishing, crowning instance of God's favour to Israel; for David was a type of Christ, the great and good Shepherd, who was humbled first, and then exalted; and of whom it was foretold, that he should be filled with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. On the uprightness of his heart, and the skilfulness of his hands, all his subjects may rely; and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. Every trial of human nature hitherto, confirms the testimony of Scripture, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, and nothing but being created anew by the Holy Ghost can cure the ungodliness of any.