One of the things I think we are really bad at, as humans, is learning from the past. I believe that we tend to get so focused on the present, or what might come, and we neglect to learn lessons from our history… Much needed lessons. Psalm 78 is a history lesson that can teach us some of those lessons.
In Psalm 78, the psalmist desires to teach the nation of Israel something about God’s character, and in order to do this, he goes back into Israel’s history and gives an example of God’s faithfulness in spite of their rebellion. Like a road map, it lays out the course that Israel has taken through the generations, and shows how God continues to be faithful.
Despite all God had done for them, and all He had been to the Israelites, they didn’t keep His covenant and they refused to walk in His ways. They were a redeemed people, yet they were rebellious, full of complaining, and despised the provisions that God gave them. For their rebellion, their revolt and defiance of His authority, God brought punishment and retribution upon them. When the people repented, pardon was given. God’s grace led them to the land of promise.
Israel Disobeys God’s Commands (verses 1-11)
Psalm 78 is a warning from history, from Moses to David. The psalmist comes to the people as a preacher and demands that they be attentive and listen. God Himself is speaking to Israel through the writer of this psalm, and what He does here is set forth the history of their forefathers in the manner of a parable that it may become a teaching history. The goal is that this history would be, and should have been, passed down from generation to generation, in order to help Israel stay on the right track.
There is an interesting bit of information hidden in here that many readers miss. The privileges of the firstborn belonged to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1) and were assigned by Jacob to Ephraim (Genesis 48:1, 14), the youngest son of Joseph. But Ephraim turned away from this. Just when Ephraim turned back we do not know. But the rights of the firstborn are passed from Ephraim to another. The prophetic writings (especially Hosea) show that Ephraim became the leader in the rebellion and disloyalty which cursed the nation. Figuratively, and as standing for the rest of the nation, Ephraim is addressed. The nation of Israel were guilty and had turned away and forgotten God. The result: God gave Judah the preeminence (Psalm 78:67-70). Reuben had lost the right of the firstborn, and it was given to Joseph, in Ephraim. Ephraim then lost it and it was given to Judah.
Israel Despises God’s Provision (verses 12-34)
Beginning with Egypt, the Psalmist proceeds to tell of what happened year after year until the kingdom was established in David’s lifetime (Psalm 78:68-72). This is a brief treatment of a long and intricate history, but what is brought to the forefront is the rebellion of Israel and the retribution of God. When God chastises Israel, the nation partially reforms. Yet this psalm shows how their general conduct was rebellious, and continually so.
Israel Receives God’s Pardon (verses 35-54)
To this point, it all seems pretty discouraging, and the nation of Israel is in despair. But the psalmist reminds them that when they remembered God, and turned back to Him, He pardoned them. In verse 38, we see how God moderated His anger against Israel, and took their human frailty and mortality into consideration. After all, God is patient, compassionate and kind. Genuine repentance can bring God’s mercy and forgiveness (see 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30-31). How often we fail God; yet His grace never fails us, if we just turn to Him (see Psalm 86:5).
Israel Experiences God’s Power (verses 55-72)
God worked, and works, through His people. After the death of Joshua and Caleb, Israel once again rebelled against God. Think of the apostasy and rebellion during the period of the Judges. They turned to false gods and idolatry. God continues to chastise them and forgive them, over and over, out of love. You could call it tough love.
God, moved by compassion, selected Judah and Mount Zion and David. Through David’s descendant, Jesus, the will of God will be brought to perfect fruition. All is not lost; God is still in control, and actively leading His people.
While at first glance, this psalm may seem a bit depressing, as it focuses on the failures and the rebellious nature of Israel, this is not what the purpose of Psalm 78 is all about. This is a psalm that reveals that God never gives up on us. He never turns his back on us. Psalm 78 is a psalm which inspires and encourages obedience, reverence, and awe from the worshipers, from the people of God.
From us.
From me.
Question: Do you pay attention to the lessons from history? What lessons have you learned in this manner in the past? You can leave a comment by clicking here.