Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 78:61a "And delivered His strength into captivity..."
Day 157 – Psalm 78
“And delivered His strength into captivity…” Psalm 78:61a
CAPTIVITY
If ever there was a word that would bring about a great emotional response, it would be the word “captivity”. Israel had known what it means to be in captivity. What does “captivity” signify? Three things may be highlighted.
1. Oppression is experienced.
2. Humiliation is also felt deeply.
3. Degradation is also experienced.
How could Israel have risked being in captivity again? Had it not learned from its experience in Egypt? Had the nation learned so little in the days of the Judges when they were severely oppressed?
THE CHASTISEMENT OF CAPTIVITY
God decided that He would allow Israel to experience captivity all over again.
“And delivered His strength into captivity,
And His glory into the enemy’s hand.”
Psalm 78:61
1. “His strength”
a) This is a reference to all the strength God displayed to Israel.
b) It took great and awesome strength to establish the nation.
c) God allowed that strength (a veiled reference to Israel) to go into captivity.
2. “His glory”
a) God’s signs and wonders displayed His glory.
b) His glory would include:-
i) His name.
ii) His fame.
iii) His honour.
3. “Delivered… into the enemy’s hands”
Israel would suffer great indignity in captivity. God’s name would be dragged into the mud as well. The shame of defeat of the nation of Israel would reflect on God’s glory. Nevertheless, God was going to allow Israel to go into captivity.