Psalms 78
BSB1 Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, 3 that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the coming generation would know them— even children yet to be born— to arise and tell their own children 7 that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments. 8 Then they will not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose heart was not loyal, whose spirit was not faithful to God. 9 The archers of Ephraim turned back on the day of battle. 10 They failed to keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law. 11 They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them. 12 He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. 13 He split the sea and brought them through; He set the waters upright like a wall. 14 He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night. 15 He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink as abundant as the seas. 16 He brought streams from the stone and made water flow down like rivers. 17 But they continued to sin against Him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High. 18 They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved. 19 They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? 20 When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?" 21 Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel, 22 because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation. 23 Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens. 24 He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. 25 Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. 26 He stirred the east wind from the heavens and drove the south wind by His might. 27 He rained meat on them like dust, and winged birds like the sand of the sea. 28 He felled them in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. 29 So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them what they craved. 30 Yet before they had filled their desire, with the food still in their mouths, 31 God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel. 32 In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; despite His wonderful works, they did not believe. 33 So He ended their days in futility, and their years in sudden terror. 34 When He slew them, they would seek Him; they repented and searched for God. 35 And they remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. 36 But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues. 37 Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant. 38 And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath. 39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. 40 How often they disobeyed Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! 41 Again and again they tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power — the day He redeemed them from the adversary, 43 when He performed His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the fields of Zoan. 44 He turned their rivers to blood, and from their streams they could not drink. 45 He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them. 46 He gave their crops to the grasshopper, the fruit of their labor to the locust. 47 He killed their vines with hailstones and their sycamore-figs with sleet. 48 He abandoned their cattle to the hail and their livestock to bolts of lightning. 49 He unleashed His fury against them, wrath, indignation, and calamity— a band of destroying angels. 50 He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. 51 He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. 52 He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness. 53 He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies. 54 He brought them to His holy land, to the mountain His right hand had acquired. 55 He drove out nations before them and apportioned their inheritance; He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. 56 But they tested and disobeyed God Most High, for they did not keep His decrees. 57 They turned back and were faithless like their fathers, twisted like a faulty bow. 58 They enraged Him with their high places and provoked His jealousy with their idols. 59 On hearing it, God was furious and rejected Israel completely. 60 He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men. 61 He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. 62 He surrendered His people to the sword because He was enraged by His heritage. 63 Fire consumed His young men, and their maidens were left without wedding songs. 64 His priests fell by the sword, but their widows could not lament. 65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty warrior overcome by wine. 66 He beat back His foes; He put them to everlasting shame. 67 He rejected the tent of Joseph and refused the tribe of Ephraim. 68 But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved. 69 He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever. 70 He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; 71 from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. 72 So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.
Study Notes — Psalms 78
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Themes from Psalms 78
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 78
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The psalmist begins by stating his intention to tell the story of God's works to the next generation, so they will know God's testimony and the wonders He has done (Psalms 78:1-8). He then recounts the history of the Israelites, from their deliverance from Egypt to their rebellion in the wilderness (Psalms 78:9-39). The psalmist highlights God's patience and mercy, as well as the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience (Psalms 78:40-55). The chapter concludes with the establishment of the tabernacle and the appointment of David as king (Psalms 78:56-72). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and the dangers of forgetting His faithfulness.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 78 is part of the third book of the Psalms, which focuses on the history of God's relationship with the Israelites. The chapter is likely written during the post-exilic period, when the Israelites were returning to their homeland after the Babylonian exile. The psalmist's emphasis on remembering God's works and obeying His commandments serves as a reminder to the readers to prioritize their relationship with God and to trust in His faithfulness, especially in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Psalms 78, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and obeying His commandments. We should prioritize our relationship with God, remembering His works and passing on these stories to future generations. By doing so, we will set our hope in God and avoid the consequences of rebellion, instead experiencing the blessings of obedience and the joy of walking with Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 78 is a chapter that reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him. The psalmist tells the story of the Israelites' rebellion and God's patience and mercy, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to remember God's works and to pass on these stories to future generations, so they will know God's testimony and the wonders He has done (Psalms 78:1-8).
Voices from the Church
“The works of God are not to be forgotten, but to be remembered and told to our children, that they may know the wonders which He has wrought.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The rebellion of the Israelites is a warning to us, to beware of the same spirit of disobedience, and to trust in God's faithfulness and mercy.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Psalm (Psalms 78:1-8) — The psalmist introduces the theme of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations.
- The History of the Israelites (Psalms 78:9-39) — The psalmist recounts the history of the Israelites, from their deliverance from Egypt to their rebellion in the wilderness.
- God's Patience and Mercy (Psalms 78:40-55) — The psalmist highlights God's patience and mercy, despite the Israelites' rebellion, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness.
- The Establishment of the Tabernacle (Psalms 78:56-64) — The psalmist describes the establishment of the tabernacle and the appointment of David as king.
- Conclusion (Psalms 78:65-72) — The psalmist concludes by emphasizing the importance of remembering God's works and obeying His commandments, and by highlighting the blessings of obedience and the joy of walking with God.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- Psalms 78 demonstrates God's providence, as He guides the Israelites through the wilderness and provides for their needs despite their rebellion.
- Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights God's faithfulness, as He remains committed to His people despite their disobedience and rebellion.
- Obedience
- The psalmist emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience.
- Remembrance
- The chapter stresses the importance of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations, so they will know God's testimony and the wonders He has done.
Themes from Psalms 78
- God's Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness, as He remains committed to His people despite their disobedience and rebellion.
- Importance of Remembering — The psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations, so they will know God's testimony and the wonders He has done.
- Consequences of Rebellion — The Israelites' rebellion against God serves as a warning to the readers, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness.
- Blessings of Obedience — The chapter highlights the blessings of obedience and the joy of walking with God, encouraging the readers to prioritize their relationship with Him.
- Providence and Guidance — The psalmist demonstrates God's providence and guidance, as He leads the Israelites through the wilderness and provides for their needs despite their rebellion.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways you can remember God's works and pass on these stories to future generations?
- How does the Israelites' rebellion against God serve as a warning to you, and what are some ways you can avoid similar mistakes?
- What are some ways you can trust in God's faithfulness and obey His commandments, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
- How does the establishment of the tabernacle and the appointment of David as king point forward to the coming Messiah?
- What are some ways you can prioritize your relationship with God and set your hope in Him, as encouraged by the psalmist in Psalms 78:7?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Psalm (Psalms 78:1-8)
| Psalms 78:1 | The psalmist introduces the theme of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations. |
| Psalms 78:2 | The psalmist states his intention to tell the story of God's works, so they will know God's testimony and the wonders He has done. |
2. The History of the Israelites (Psalms 78:9-39)
| Psalms 78:9 | The psalmist recounts the history of the Israelites, from their deliverance from Egypt to their rebellion in the wilderness. |
| Psalms 78:10 | The Israelites forgot God's works and did not wait for His counsel. |
3. God's Patience and Mercy (Psalms 78:40-55)
| Psalms 78:40 | The psalmist highlights God's patience and mercy, despite the Israelites' rebellion. |
| Psalms 78:41 | The Israelites limited the Holy One of Israel, and He gave them into the hand of their enemies. |
4. The Establishment of the Tabernacle (Psalms 78:56-64)
| Psalms 78:56 | The psalmist describes the establishment of the tabernacle and the appointment of David as king. |
| Psalms 78:57 | But they were rebellious and grieved Him, and they turned away from Him. |
5. Conclusion (Psalms 78:65-72)
| Psalms 78:65 | The psalmist concludes by emphasizing the importance of remembering God's works and obeying His commandments. |
| Psalms 78:66 | He struck His enemies on the hindquarters, and He put them to everlasting shame. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 78?
The main theme of Psalms 78 is the importance of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations, so they will know God's testimony and the wonders He has done (Psalms 78:1-8).
What is the significance of the Israelites' rebellion against God?
The Israelites' rebellion against God serves as a warning to the readers, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness (Psalms 78:9-39).
How does the establishment of the tabernacle point forward to the coming Messiah?
The establishment of the tabernacle points forward to the coming Messiah, as it represents God's presence among His people and foreshadows the ultimate tabernacle, which is Christ's body (Psalms 78:56-64, John 1:14).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 78:1 → Exodus 18:21 | The psalmist's introduction to the theme of remembering God's works is reminiscent of Exodus 18:21, where Moses appoints leaders to help him govern the Israelites. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:9 → 1 Samuel 4:1-11 | The Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness is similar to their rebellion in 1 Samuel 4:1-11, where they are defeated by the Philistines. |
| 3 | Psalms 78:12 → Exodus 7:14-12:30 | The psalmist's recounting of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt is similar to the account in Exodus 7:14-12:30. |
| 4 | Psalms 78:17 → Numbers 14:1-45 | The Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness is similar to their rebellion in Numbers 14:1-45, where they refuse to enter the Promised Land. |
| 5 | Psalms 78:24 → John 6:31-59 | The psalmist's mention of manna is reminiscent of John 6:31-59, where Jesus is the bread of life. |
| 6 | Psalms 78:40 → Hebrews 3:7-19 | The psalmist's emphasis on God's patience and mercy is similar to the theme in Hebrews 3:7-19, where the author encourages the readers to trust in God's faithfulness. |
| 7 | Psalms 78:56 → Acts 13:22 | The psalmist's mention of David as king is reminiscent of Acts 13:22, where David is described as a man after God's own heart. |
| 8 | Psalms 78:65 → Revelation 19:11-21 | The psalmist's conclusion, where God strikes His enemies, is similar to Revelation 19:11-21, where Jesus returns to defeat His enemies. |
| 9 | Psalms 78:70 → 1 Samuel 16:1-13 | The psalmist's mention of David's appointment as king is similar to 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where David is anointed as king. |
| 10 | Psalms 78:72 → Matthew 2:6 | The psalmist's conclusion, where David shepherds God's people, is reminiscent of Matthew 2:6, where Jesus is described as the shepherd of God's people. |
Sermons on Psalms 78
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Feeding and Leading by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a person of integrity and using one's unique gifts and message in preaching. He encourages preachers to not be imitat |
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Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the concept of complete salvation and how many Christians may only experience an incomplete version of what God has provided. The |
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Great Awakenings in American History Part 2 by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the stories of what God has done with future generations. He shares an anecdote about an aged Presbyterian minister |
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Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr |
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Glory of God in Dry Places by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the common struggle that believers face when they leave the sanctuary and enter a hostile world. He emphasizes that the devil continuously bo |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 1-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of farsightedness and not being deceived by immediate fulfillment offered by Satan. He warns against turning aside from God's |
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Thursday #1 Revival in the Late 1800's by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of sharing the stories of God's work with future generations. He also mentions two significant awakenings that occurred in the |
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Unbelief by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in God. He criticizes the dangerous teaching that focuses on material wealth and encourages believers to |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man in the Bible - Part 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of new creation and the transformation that takes place within individuals. He highlights the importance of love and how it can |
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A Cure for Carnality - a Call to Be Steadfast - Part 2 by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the primary mission of pastor teachers is emphasized, which is to prepare God's people for works of service and to build up the body of Christ. The speaker highligh |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 78
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 78 highlights the importance of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations. He emphasizes the theme of God's faithfulness, despite the Israelites' rebellion, and encourages the readers to trust in God's patience and mercy. Henry also notes the significance of the establishment of the tabernacle and the appointment of David as king, pointing forward to the coming Messiah. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the practical lessons of the chapter, encouraging the readers to prioritize their relationship with God and to obey His commandments, so they will experience the blessings of obedience and the joy of walking with Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Rebellion
The Israelites' rebellion against God is a recurring pattern throughout the chapter, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God. This pattern serves as a warning to the readers to avoid similar mistakes.
God's Patience and Mercy
Despite the Israelites' rebellion, God remains patient and merciful, providing for their needs and guiding them through the wilderness. This demonstrates God's character and encourages the readers to trust in His faithfulness.
Importance of Remembering
The psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering God's works and passing on these stories to future generations. This serves as a reminder to the readers to prioritize their relationship with God and to trust in His faithfulness.