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Psalm 78:65a "Then the Lord awoke as from sleep..."

Day 160 – Psalm 78

“Then the Lord awoke as from sleep…” Psalm 78:65a

A PECULIAR DESCRIPTION

Asaph gave a very peculiar description of God in the following text:-

“Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
Like a mighty man who shouts because of wine.”
Psalm 78:65

1. The Imagery of awaking from sleep

a) This shows us that Asaph had difficulty in understanding how God could have allowed Israel to go into captivity.

b) He knew and accepted that God was furious with His people for turning to idolatry.

c) He also accepted that God had the right to allow His people to be chastised through severe affliction.

2. A gentler appreciation of the imagery

a) Sleep may be seen in a bad and negative light.

b) But this imagery of sleep may also be seen in a good and positive manner.

i) Sleep is always temporary.

ii) Soon one is awakened from sleep.

c) Asaph allowed for the fact that God temporarily allowed Israel to suffer.

d) But He would awake soon to help Israel.

3. “Like a mighty man who shouts because of wine”

a) This is another peculiar expression that is difficult to comprehend.

b) This can be interpreted positively.

c) This imagery describes how God would once again come to the rescue of His people.

i) God would come to the rescue of Israel in great strength.

ii) He would come as a man of might to deliver Israel.

d) God would not allow Israel to suffer forever; He would once again deliver His people.