Psalms 78:4 - Homilies By S. Conway

Religious education.

The first eight verses of this psalm have much to say upon this great question. Upon—

I. ITS AUTHORITY . "He commanded our fathers" ( Psalms 78:5 ; cf. Deuteronomy 6:1-25 .). That which reason, conscience, and experience would alike teach, the authority of God confirms by direct command. And it is at our peril that we neglect this. The sanctions that accompany the command have not to wait for the future life for their fulfilment; they are visible everywhere in the present, as they have been in all the past.

II. ITS IMPORTANCE . This entire psalm is the sad record of the results of neglecting this command (see Psalms 78:8 , Psalms 78:40 ).

III. ITS METHOD .

1 . By entrusting this duty mainly to the parents (see Psalms 78:5 )—those who might naturally be expected to feel the chief interest in, and responsibility for, their children.

2 . Adopting the most interesting mode of instruction—the parabolic ( Psalms 78:2 ); the historic ( Psalms 78:4 ).

3 . Charging the children with the responsibility of transmission ( Psalms 78:5 , Psalms 78:6 ).

IV. ITS HIGH AND HOLY PURPOSE . ( Psalms 78:7 , Psalms 78:8 .)—S.C.