“Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”
The nature of their rebellion is specified: "They tested God again and again, and provoked the Holy One of Israel." The repeated testing of God (asking for impossible demonstrations of power to confirm God's commitment) represents a demand for proof beyond what reasonable faith requires. The title "Holy One of Israel" emphasizes God's majestic otherness; the people's testing attempts to domesticate the divine.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:41
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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