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
But made his own people to go forth like sheep (comp. Psalms 77:20 ; Psalms 95:7 ). And guided them in the wilderness like a flock. The guidance began from Succoth, and was effected by means of the pillar of the cloud and the pillar of fire (see Exodus 13:20-22 ). read more
And he led them on safely, so that they feared not (comp. Exodus 14:13-22 ). At Pi-hahiroth they "were sore afraid" ( Exodus 14:10 ), but after Moses had exhorted them ( Psalms 78:13 ), they showed no more signs of fear. But the sea overwhelmed their enemies ( Exodus 14:26-31 ; Exodus 15:1 , Exodus 15:4 , Exodus 15:10 ). read more
And he brought them to the Border of his sanctuary. The "sanctuary" is here probably the Holy Land, as in Exodus 15:17 ; or we may translate גבוּל קדשׁוֹ "his holy territory." Even to this mountain. Mount Zion, on which the writer regards himself as standing while his words are chanted in the temple service. Which his right hand had purchased; or, had gotten, "had won." God's right hand won the whole land for his people. read more
He cast out the heathen also before them (comp. Exodus 34:24 ; Deuteronomy 7:1 ; 1 Kings 21:26 : Psalms 44:2 , etc.). "They get not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but God's right hand, and his arm, and the light of his countenance" ( Psalms 44:3 ). And divided them an inheritance by line. The measuring line, which was employed in parcelling out territory, is intended (comp. Jeremiah 31:39 ; Amos 7:17 ). Joshua's division of the... read more
But made his own people to go forth like sheep ... - That is, he was a shepherd to them. He defended them; provided for them; led them - as a shepherd does his flock. See the notes at Psalms 23:1-2. read more
And he led them on safely, so that they feared not - In hope; in confidence; so that they had no occasion for alarm. He showed himself able and willing to defend them.But the sea overwhelmed their enemies - Margin, as in Hebrew, covered. See Exodus 14:27-28; Exodus 15:10. read more
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “to the mountain of his holiness”; that is, his holy mountain. But the reference is rather to the whole land of Canaan. He brought them to the borders of that land - the land of promise - the holy land. They who came out from Egypt did not indeed enter that land, except Caleb and Joshua, but they were conveyed to its borders before all of them fell. It was true also that the people - the... read more
He cast out the heathen also before them - literally, the nations. The idea of their being pagan, in the sense which is now attached to that word, is not in the original. The word is one which would be applied to any nation, without reference to its religion. These nations were, indeed, pagans according to the present use of that term, but that idea is not necessarily in the Hebrew word.And divided them an inheritance by line - Divided to his people an inheritance by a measurement of the land.... read more
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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