Psalms Chapter 78 — God’s Faithfulness and Israel’s History
Asaph recounts Israel's history from the Exodus to the reign of David, emphasizing God's constant provision and the people's frequent rebellion.
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Notable Verses
Psalms 78:7
“that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”
This verse states the primary purpose of the psalm: to encourage faithfulness through remembering God's past actions.
Psalms 78:25
“Man ate the bread of angels. He sent them food to the full.”
This verse describes the supernatural provision of manna during the wilderness wanderings.
Psalms 78:72
“So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”
This concluding verse highlights the qualities of leadership God established through King David.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 78 is a historical maskil, or teaching psalm, designed to ensure that the wonders of God are passed down to future generations. It provides a detailed account of the Exodus, describing how God split the Red Sea, guided the Israelites with a cloud by day and fire by night, and provided water from rocks in the wilderness. Despite these miracles, the text notes that the people repeatedly rebelled, doubted God's power, and failed to keep His covenant. The psalm recounts the various plagues sent upon Egypt, the provision of manna and meat in the desert, and the eventually settled land where the people again turned to idolatry. This led to God's rejection of the sanctuary at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim. The narrative concludes with God choosing the tribe of Judah and selecting David, a shepherd, to lead Israel with integrity of heart and skillful hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The psalm is intended as a teaching tool for the people of Israel. It recounts history so that children and future generations will learn from the mistakes of their ancestors and keep their hope in God.
The chapter mentions the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna and water in the wilderness, the rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh, and the choosing of King David.
The term refers to the manna that God provided for the Israelites in the desert. It suggests that the food was of divine origin, coming down from heaven to sustain the people.
The shepherd is David, whom God took from following the ewes to become the leader of Israel. The text emphasizes his integrity and skill in guiding the nation.
Study Note
Psalm 78 is the second-longest psalm in the Bible and serves as a poetic retelling of the history found in the Pentateuch and the Book of Judges.
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