The historical portion of the psalm now follows. It commences with some general remarks on the transgressions of Ephraim, i.e. of Israel while under the guidance of Ephraim—from Joshua to Samuel (verses 9-11). It then proceeds to details, and sketches the Israelite history. from the deliverance out of Egypt to the establishment of David's kingdom (verses 12-72). read more
God's chosen ones. These verses show that they whom God chooses are— I. OFTEN NOT FOUND AMONGST THE GREAT . ( Psalms 78:67 .) Ephraim was the lordly tribe, the aristocracy of Israel. They had a long roll call of illustrious names. But God "refused the tabernacle of Joseph" (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1-31 .). II. BUT , NEVERTHELESS , THEY MAY BE . ( Psalms 78:68 .) For the tribe of Judah was but little less exalted than Ephraim. God puts no ban upon any rank,... read more
He chose David also his servant (see 1 Samuel 16:1 , 1 Samuel 16:12 ). And took him from the sheepfolds . read more
The grace of Divine selections. "He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds." The selection of David may be. viewed from two sides. It was an act of Divine grace toward David himself; and an act of Divine grace in providing such a king for the people. I. DIVINE GRACE TOWARD DAVID HIMSELF . A careful study of David's early life brings out the fact that he was, in some sense, the despised one of the family. He was evidently much younger than his brothers;... read more
From following the ewes great with young he brought him (comp. Isaiah 40:11 ). The Hebrew word translated "ewes great with young" really means "ewes that are giving suck." This is the portion of the flock which needs the tenderest care. To feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance (see 1 Chronicles 11:2 ). As Peter, James, and John were called from their occupation of fishers to be "fishers of men" ( Matthew 4:19 ), so David was called from feeding sheep to feed God's people. read more
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart. On the whole, David performed his task of governing Israel faithfully. He had the direct testimony of God to that effect (see 1 Kings 9:4 ). And he guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. David was not only an upright and faithful king, but also a "skilful" or prudent one. He built up his kingdom into an empire without suffering any serious disasters. Israel reached its acme of glory and prosperity under him, decline setting in... read more
He chose David also his servant - He chose him that he might set him over his people as their king. The idea is, that David was selected when he had no natural pretensions to the office, as he did not pertain to a royal family, and could have no claim to such a distinction. The account of this choice is contained in 1 Samuel 15:1-30.And took him from the sheep-folds - From the humble occupation of a shepherd. 1 Samuel 16:11; 2 Samuel 7:8. read more
From following the ewes great with younq - Margin, as in Hebrew, From after. The meaning is, that he followed after them; that is, he attended them, or watched over them as a shepherd. The single word rendered “the ewes great with young” - עול ‛ûl - is a participle from עלוה ‛âlâhô, to ascend, to go up; and then, to bring up, to nourish. The exact idea here is doubtless that of bringing up, or of sucking them, and the word should have been so translated here. It is so rendered by Luther.... read more
So he fed them - He performed toward them the office of a shepherd.According to the integrity of his heart - literally, “According to the perfection of his heart.” That is, he was upright and pure in the administration of his government.And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands - literally, “by the understanding of his hands” - as if the hand had been endued with intelligence. Compare Psalms 144:1 : “Which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” See also Psalms 137:5. The... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 78:1-72
Whole psalm: Warnings against unbelief. I. ITS PURPOSE . 1 . To warn Ephraim; not to taunt and exult over him, but to warn. This psalm seems to belong to the period of the disruption. Ephraim, with the other northern tribes, had broken away from Judah and from the worship of God, and this psalm seems designed, by its recital of their old sins and the consequences thereof, to warn them against like sin in the future (cf. 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 .). 2 . To warn Judah. If... read more