View source for Psalm 78/Notes/Phrasal.v. 18.194438

{{ExegeticalNote
|Layer=Phrasal
|VerseRange=v. 18
|Diagram=Vv-17-19-None
|Text='''v. 18''' – While בִּלְבָבָ֑ם could be understood as a metaphorical locative, i.e., "in secret" or the like (so Jenni 1992, 202), the following co-text makes this improbable. Thus, "mind, attention" (SDBH; NJPS) and even "intentions" (van der Merwe 2023) has been preferred, implying בְּ should be understood as instrumental. See, e.g., the NIV's "they willfully put God to the test" (cf. NET, TOB).
}}