Definition: And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Psalm 78:17. It’s a really powerful and sobering verse about how humans can fall short of God’s will even when they’re facing difficult times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a time when people have made a big mistake – a serious transgression – and are now causing more harm to the Lord. It emphasizes that even when things seem bleak, we can still be guilty of wrongdoing. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And they sinned” : This means humans have broken God’s rules or disobeyed Him in some way. It’s a general statement about wrongdoing – anything that goes against what God wants for us. “Yet more against him” : This is the key part. It's not just one mistake; it's a series of mistakes, actions, or behaviors that are causing further harm. “More” emphasizes the severity and ongoing nature of this trouble. “By provoking the most High” : This is where it gets really significant. "Provoking the most high" means they’ve been acting in a way that challenges or disregards God's authority, his plan, or his presence. It suggests they’re actively trying to push against Him. Putting it all together: The verse paints a picture of a time when humans are facing hardship and suffering – perhaps because of their actions, decisions, or even just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their actions are now creating more problems and causing more pain for God. It’s a recognition that we're not always perfect, and our choices can have consequences. Overall Meaning: Psalm 78:17 is a reminder of our fallibility and the importance of seeking forgiveness and turning away from wrongdoing. It suggests that even when things seem hopeless, there’s still an opportunity for repentance and to restore our relationship with God. It's a call to humility and acknowledging that we are all prone to making mistakes. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder of the consequences of sin – it impacts us and those around us. It isn't about blame, but rather about understanding that we are part of a larger story where our actions have impact on God. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail with specific examples? Discuss the context of the psalm? (It's part of a larger collection of Psalms.) Talk about how this verse relates to themes like forgiveness and redemption?