Psalm 78:39-41

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Psalm 78:39 tn The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) consecutive signals a return to the narrative.
2. Psalm 78:39 tn Heb “and he remembered that they [were] flesh, a wind [that] goes and does not return.”
3. Psalm 78:40 tn Or “caused him pain.”
4. Psalm 78:41 tn Heb “and they returned and tested God.” The Hebrew verb שׁוּב (shuv, “to return”) is used here in an adverbial sense to indicate that an earlier action was repeated.
5. Psalm 78:41 tn Or “wounded, hurt.” The verb occurs only here in the OT.
6. Psalm 78:41 sn The basic sense of the word “holy” is “set apart from that which is commonplace, special, unique.” The Lord’s holiness is first and foremost his transcendent sovereignty as the ruler of the world. He is “set apart” from the world over which he rules. At the same time his holiness encompasses his moral authority, which derives from his royal position. As king he has the right to dictate to his subjects how they are to live; indeed his very own character sets the standard for proper behavior. This expression is a common title for the Lord in the book of Isaiah.