Psalms 78:34
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.
American King James Version (AKJV)
When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.
American Standard Version (ASV)
When he slew them, then they inquired after him; And they returned and sought God earnestly.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
When he sent death on them, then they made search for him; turning to him and looking for him with care;
Webster's Revision
When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.
World English Bible
When he killed them, then they inquired after him. They returned and sought God earnestly.
English Revised Version (ERV)
When he slew them, then they inquired after him: and they returned and sought God early.
Clarke's Psalms 78:34 Bible Commentary
When he slew them - While his judgments were upon them, then they began to humble themselves, and deprecate his wrath. When they saw some fall, the rest began to tremble.
Barnes's Psalms 78:34 Bible Commentary
When he slew them - When he came forth in his wrath and cut them down by the plague, by fiery serpents, or by their enemies.
Then they sought him - Their calamities had the effect of producing temporary reformation. They became professedly penitent; they manifested a wish to know God, and expressed a purpose to serve him. It was, however, a temporary and hollow, not a deep and real reformation. This often occurs. In times of affliction, in sickness, in bereavement, in the loss of property, people become serious, and express a purpose to repent and turn to God. A deep impression seems to be produced on their minds, to last, alas! only as long as the hand of God rests upon them. Resolutions of repentance are formed only to be forgotten when the affliction is removed, and when the days of prosperity again return.
And they returned and inquired early after God - The word rendered "inquired early" has reference to the first rays of the morning - the aurora - the dawn. Then it comes to denote the beginning of anything; or, the first thing. Thus employed, it may refer to the act of seeking God as the first thing; in youth; in the morning; at the commencement of any enterprise or undertaking. See Proverbs 8:17; Proverbs 1:28. Here it means that, in their affliction, they did not delay to seek God, but expressed an early intention of serving him. They evinced a prompt purpose to break off their sins, and to return to him.
Wesley's Psalms 78:34 Bible Commentary
78:34 Returned - From their idols.Enquired - Speedily sought to God for ease and safety.