Psalm_78

Scripture

Psalm 78:5-7He decreed statutes for Jacob    and established the law in Israel,which he commanded our ancestors    to teach their children,⁶ so the next generation would know them,    even the children yet to be born,    and they in turn would tell their children.⁷ Then they would put their trust in God    and would not forget his deeds    but would keep his commands.

Observation

1. He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel: Using poetic repetition for style and emphasis, Asaph described first one of the greatest of God’s wonderful works(Psalm 78:4) – the giving of God’s word to Israel.
   1. Centuries later the Apostle Paul would explain that one of the great advantages God gave to Israel was that He committed to them His word, the oracles of God (Romans 3:2).
2. That they should make them know to their children: Then and now, God gives His word that it would be transmittedto following generations. In theory, the revelation of God’s word can perish or become utterly irrelevant if not passed on to the next generation.
   1. “Through Moses he had commanded all Israelites, regardless of tribal descent, to instruct their children at home (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 20-22; cf. Exodus 10:2; 12:26-27; 13:8).” (Van Gemeren)
3. That they may arise and declare them to their children: Not only should our children be taught, they should be taught to teach their childrenso that the word and the work of God continue throughout the generations.
   1. “Five generations appear to be mentioned above: 1. Fathers; 2. Their children; 3. The generation to come; 4. And their children; 5. And their children. They were never to lose sight of their history throughout all their generations.” (Clarke)
4. That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God: The goal of communicating to the next generation is so that they would learn to trust God for themselves, never forgetting His wonderful works.

The above is taken from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-78/

Understanding

I think you can summarize the above into just a few sentences…Not only should our children be taught, they should be taught to teach their children so that the word and the work of God continue throughout the generations…that they may set their hope in God and…learn to trust God for themselves, never forgetting His wonderful works.I think my most favorite part of it is “In theory, the revelation of God’s word can perish or become utterly irrelevant if not passed on to the next generation.”I think the “in theory” part is most critical and my most favorite because as we see later in the chapter, God’s plans will not be derailed and He’ll engage those that are willing – even if not how it was or who was expected. ⁶⁵ Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,    as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine.⁶⁶ He beat back his enemies;    he put them to everlasting shame.⁶⁷ Then he rejected the tents of Joseph,    he did not choose 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 that he established forever.⁷⁰ He chose David his servant    and took him from the sheep pens;⁷¹ from tending the sheep he brought him    to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,    of Israel his inheritance.⁷² And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;    with skillful hands he led them.

Life Application

God, may I not miss out on what you have planned in and through me.  May I recognize “the great advantages [You have given] to [me]…that [You] committed to [me] [Your] word.”May I take that to heart and share Your goodness with everyone I meet…but especially my family, my children, the generation(s) to come…so they may be able to set their hearts and their hope in You.ReiTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.