Psalms 78:17

“To him which smote great kings, etc.] Either the thirty one kings in the land of Canaan; or those who are after particularly mentioned; which seems best, since the kings of Canaan were petty kings, when these were greater ones; for his mercy [endureth] for ever; the smiting of those kings were in mercy to Israel; both to preserve them from falling into their hands, and that they might possess their countries, as is later declared.”

“And they sinned yet more against him - literally, “They added to sin against him.” The idea is, that his mercies, and the proofs of his presence were only made the occasion of greater sin on their part. This may have been in two ways; (1) their sin was thus more aggravated, as being committed against greater light; and (2) they evinced more and more their depravity, in proportion as he bestowed mercies on them - not an uncommon thing with people. By provoking the Most High - literally, “embittering.” They rebelled against him. They refused to submit to him. They forgot his mercies. Compare Deuteronomy 9:22. In the wilderness - literally, “in the dry place;” in the desert. In the very place…”

“Wilderness - Where they had such singular obligations to obedience. This was a great aggravation of their sins. Psalms 78:18”

“78:17-31 Israel rebelled in the wilderness despite God’s abundant provision.”

“Psa 78:32, Psa 95:8-10, 106:13-32; Deu 9:8, Deu 9:12-22; Heb 3:16-19 Psalms 78:18”