Bible Chapter Summary
Psalms 78 Summary
History of Israel's Unfaithfulness and God's Compassion
The psalmist calls the people to hear his law and parable of dark sayings from ancient times, teaching the generation to come God's praises and wonderful works so they will set their hope in Him. He recounts how Israel's stubborn fathers refused to walk in God's law and forgot His wonders despite the great signs He performed in Egypt and the wilderness, from dividing the sea and leading with cloud and fire to giving them manna and water. Though God rained down flesh and filled their desire, they sinned by not believing, and God's wrath consumed their young men; yet in compassion, He forgave them repeatedly, remembered they were but flesh and wind. The chapter culminates in God choosing David from the sheepfolds to feed Jacob and Israel according to the integrity of his heart.
Key themes
Key verses
Psalms 78:3
“Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.”
Psalms 78:12
“Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.”
Psalms 78:38
“But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.”
Psalms 78:70
“He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:”
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