“And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.”
Despite this provision, the people sin: "Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert." The theological structure of the entire psalm is established here: divine gracious provision is met with human rebellion. The phrase "yet they sinned still more" suggests escalating unfaithfulness; each act of divine care might have prompted gratitude and obedience, but instead provoked further rebellion.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:17
1. This Psalm does contain the things which are said to have been done among the old people: but the new and latter people is being admonished, to beware that it be not ungrateful regarding the blessings of God, and provoke His anger against it, whereas it ought to receive His grace....The Title thereof does first move and engage our attention. For it is not without reason inscribed, “Understanding of Asaph:” but it is perchance because these words require a reader who does…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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