Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 78:58
58. Idolatry resulted from sparing the heathen (compare :-). read more
58. Idolatry resulted from sparing the heathen (compare :-). read more
Psalms 78This didactic psalm teaches present and future generations to learn from the past, and it stresses the grace of God. Didactic psalms offer wisdom to the reader. Some have called this a history psalm (cf. Psalms 105, 106, 114, 135, , 136). [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 230.] "This could be sub-titled, in view of Psalms 78:12; Psalms 78:68, From Zoan to Zion, for it reviews the turbulent adolescence of Israel from its time of slavery in Egypt to the reign of David. Like the... read more
3. The record of God’s goodness and Israel’s unfaithfulness 78:12-72 read more
After Joshua died, the people again tested God by failing to drive the inhabitants of the land out as He had commanded them to do. They turned from Him to worship false gods (Psalms 78:56-58). Consequently God permitted the Philistines to capture the ark at Shiloh (cf. 1 Samuel 4:4-11). Many Israelites died on that occasion, including the priests Hophni and Phinehas (Psalms 78:64). read more
This long historical Ps. may be compared with Psalms 105, 106, and with Deuteronomy 32. It traces the course of God’s relations with His people from the exodus down to the time of David, and dwells on the repeated manifestations of Israel’s rebelliousness, on the chastisements by which they were visited, and on the patient mercy of God which continued to bless them in spite of all their sins. The Ps. does not follow a strict chronological order, but records first Israel’s ingratitude for God’s... read more
Psalms 78:7 In its original application this verse is simply a statement of God's purpose in giving to Israel the Law, and such a history of deliverance. So, then, the words may permissibly bear the application which I purpose to make of them in this sermon, re-echoing only the thoughts which the season has already, I suppose, more or less, suggested to most of us. Though every day be a New Year's Day, still the alteration in our dates and our calendars should set us all thinking of that... read more
Psalms 78:1-72THIS psalm is closely related to Psalms 105:1-45; Psalms 106:1-48; Psalms 107:1-43. Like them, it treats the history of Israel, and especially the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, for purposes of edification, rebuke, and encouragement. The past is held up as a mirror to the present generation. It has been one long succession of miracles of mercy met by equally continuous ingratitude, which has ever been punished by national calamities. The psalm departs singularly from... read more
Psalm 78-83 Psalms 78:0 A Historical Retrospect 1. The call to hear (Psalms 78:1-8 ) 2. Ephraim’s failure (Psalms 78:9-11 ) 3. His dealings in power and mercy (Psalms 78:12-55 ) 4. The continued provocation (Psalms 78:56-64 ) 5. His sovereign grace in choosing David (Psalms 78:65-72 ) This historical retrospect needs no further comment. It is God speaking to the hearts of His people through their own history from Egypt to David. How graciously He dealt with them all the way! The... read more
78:58 For they {k} provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images.(k) By serving God other than he had appointed. read more
Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 78:56-65
CONTINUED WICKEDNESS OF ISRAEL IN CANAAN"Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, And kept not his testimonies; But turned back, and dealt treacherously like their fathers: They were turned aside like a deceitful bow. For they provoked him to anger with their high places; And moved him to jealousy with their graven images. When God heard this, he was wroth, And greatly abhorred Israel; So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, The tent which he placed among men; And delivered... read more