Psalms 78 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 78 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Asaph's psalms often start with expressions of deep resentment (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1; 77:2–3; 79:5) which are overcome by reassurance about God's nature (Psalm 73:16–18; 74:12; 77:10–11; 79:13). This psalm is a resource which encourages that very process. This makes the use of the term maskiyl appropriate. Maskiyl is used for thoughtful, reflective psalms (Psalm 32; 52; 89).

Israel was always meant to remember what God had done for them (Exodus 10:2). These stories were passed from generation to generation (Psalm 44:1). Asaph commits to teaching his era's children about all the Lord's incredible work on behalf of Israel. This is both an encouragement to trust God and a warning about those who failed to honor Him (Psalm 78:1–8).

An example of failure is the Ephraimites. No context is given for the remark about them losing heart and turning away from God. Some interpreters believe this is a prophetic comment. Others suggest it symbolizes some spiritual failure which led to Judah, not Ephraim, becoming dominant over the twelve tribes. Still another view is that this refers to a literal event which is not recorded elsewhere in the Bible (Psalm 78:9–11).

The most spectacular examples of the Lord's power and love for Israel came during the exodus from Egypt. God brought intense plagues on Egypt, breaking the nation's power and showing the Lord's supremacy (Exodus 3:19–20; 6:6–8; 7:15). This led to the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22), which sealed Israel's rescue from slavery. God's power was evident day and night (Exodus 13:21–22). He even provided plentiful fresh water in a desert wilderness (Exodus 15:23–25). But Israel continued to complain, even as God miraculously provided food and water. Rather than gratitude for earlier miracles, the people became entitled and doubtful (Psalm 78:12–20).

God responded to Israel's disrespect and arrogance with a display of fiery power (Numbers 11:1–3). Then, mercifully, He provided food in the form of bread and meat (Exodus 16:12–15). Even then, the people were not satisfied, so God struck them (Numbers 11:33) with a plague (Psalm 78:21–31).

This pattern of forgetfulness and complaining continued for Israel's entire journey through the wilderness and into their settlement in Canaan. No matter how often the Lord intervened, the people fell back into disobedience. Rather than destroying them outright, God chose to be merciful. This patience is amazing, considering all the intense disasters which God brought onto the people of Egypt (Exodus 3:20). Asaph describes the ten plagues (Exodus 7—12); this included the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–30) and the first Passover (Exodus 12:12–14). Then God brought His people safely across the Red Sea, drowning their enemies (Exodus 14:26–29). He then empowered the people to overcome depraved Canaanite nations to settle in the Promised Land (Psalm 78:32–55).

After entering Canaan, Israel continued to fall into sin and rejection of their Lord God (Judges 2:16–19). As promised (Deuteronomy 11:26–28), God responded by allowing other nations to oppress and even conquer Israel (Deuteronomy 28:15–25). Among the most embarrassing of these defeats was a battlefield loss to the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10), who temporarily captured the ark of the covenant (1 Samuel 4:11). Some of Israel's leading priests were killed in that event (Psalm 78:56–64).

Through all these events, the Lord was still working for Israel's benefit. The lessons and experiences in Sinai and Canaan led to the rise of David (1 Samuel 16:1–13; 2 Samuel 1:4). He established his capital on mount Zion, which became the city of Jerusalem. Though David was not Israel's first king (1 Samuel 10:21–24), he was its greatest ruler (Psalm 78:65–72).

These highlights cover Israel's history from slavery in Egypt to a kingdom under the rule of David. Asaph's purpose is to support the idea that no matter how far Israel fell, God was still with them. He has always rewarded those who are faithful to Him.

Psalm 78:1–8 prefaces a lengthy history lesson. Modern theologians would call this a "prolegomenon:" with an explanation of why and how this material needs to be discussed. God expected Israel to pass along stories of His intervention from generation to generation. Since being rescued from Egypt, the nation was routinely forgetful and disobedient. Remembering God's work was meant to inspire them to obedience and give them confidence during hardship.

Psalm 78:9–64 is a long summary of God's work on behalf of Israel. God freed the people from slavery in Egypt, guiding them day and night. He brought them across the Red Sea while drowning their Egyptian attackers. Despite their complaints and bitterness, the Lord provided food and water. When Israel finally entered the Promised Land, He empowered them to take it from the depraved Canaanites. Even then, the people betrayed their God. This led to the cycle of rescue and defeat described in the book of Judges.

Psalm 78:65–72 explains how Israel's stubborn, disobedient history did not stop the Lord from working on their behalf. He preserved the nation and brought it under the rule of King David, of the tribe of Judah. God established Jerusalem and continued to bless His chosen people.

Chapter Summary:

This psalm begins with a call for Israel to remember. In fact, they are told to remember remembering: God intends them to look back on their history during hard times. After setting this scene, Asaph gives a detailed list of ways in which the Lord has dealt with Israel. This includes punishment for blatant sin, but also consistent protection and care. Every time Israel sinned, God preserved and restored them, no matter how far they fell.

Chapter Context:

Asaph's name is associated with several psalms that start with worry (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1; 77:2–3; 79:5) and end in confidence (Psalm 73:16–18; 74:12; 77:10–11; 79:13). This song is an extensive list of reasons why the people of Israel should trust the Lord, even in hard times. When Israel was freed from Egypt by God's power, they continued to be stubborn and disobedient. Even so, the Lord cared for them. Those events are the basis of Psalm 78.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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