Psalms 78

Maschil of Asaph.

The monitory and didactic character of the psalm mark it, as the title denotes, as a production of the Asaph family. Its object is to unify and nationalize the tribes, to which the alienating tendencies of the trans-Jordanic portions, added to their nomadic proclivities, but, above all, the envious and ambitious rivalry of the Ephraimites, offered an ominous resistance. To conciliate the tribes and establish firmly the government, two points must be publicly settled by divine authority the sovereignty of the house of David, and the establishment of the ark of God and the national worship in Zion. This accomplished, by the principles of the theocracy the national acquiescence would be held secured. The argument is put with great care, ingenuous boldness, and historical detail. We therefore date the psalm at, or soon after, the removal of the ark to Zion. 2 Samuel 6:0.TITLE:

Maschil To give instruction. No psalm has better claim to this title. The goodness and severity of God, the fickleness and inconstancy of man, the infinite motives to fidelity, the severe rebuke of unfaithfulness, are among the chief lessons of the stern moralist.

Psalms 78:1-8 introduce the writer, with an announcement of his theme: the lessons of piety and moral government derived from the history of God’s people.

Law (Hebrew, תורה , torah,) The word primarily means instruction, which is its sense here, though generally law, often generically for the whole code of Moses, as 2 Kings 14:6.

A parable Any mode of teaching by similitude. See on Psalms 49:4. Matthew (Matthew 13:35) applies this verse to Christ, and to his mode of teaching.

Dark sayings Synonymous with parables, here referring to those principles of moral government and redemption couched in types, figurative words, or acts, or in unexplained providences. Compare “mystery of God,” Revelation 10:7.

Of old Matthew, as above, quotes it “from the beginning of the world,” the common expression for very ancient time.

Testimony… law On these terms see note on Psalms 19:7. They are here used as equivalents, and signify not the code of Moses, but that special precept (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) enjoining the oral instruction of children in the written law, by which alone the latter would be made a lively oracle to the people. The objects of this special law are set forth Psalms 78:7-8.

Their hope in God Their confidence in God, as a God of truth and holiness, who will eternally stand by the right and punish sin.

Works… commandments His acts and his published laws. God’s acts are his comment on his words. Both are to be studied and regarded.

And might not be as their fathers Instruction in the right way is never so impressive as when enforced by warning of the wrong.

Stubborn and rebellious Two strong words, of equal import, describing the very worst of characters. The first is a turning from or refusing, as an unruly animal may the yoke refractory; the second, incurable insubordination.

A generation A kind or species of character.

Set not their heart Their heart was not established; they were wavering, double-minded.

Spirit was not steadfast Not faithful, true; literally, not amen with God.