psalm-78:9,-psalm-78:10-niv

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 78:9

(9) Armed, and carrying bows.—Following Jeremiah 4:29, and from analogy with Jeremiah 44:9 (“handle and bend the bow”) we get as literal rendering of the Hebrew here, drawing and shooting with the bow. LXX. and Vulgate, “bending and shooting with the bow.” But a close comparison of this verse with Psalms 78:57 of this psalm, and with Hosea 7:16, has suggested to a recent commentator a much more satisfactory explanation, The sons of Ephraim (are like men) drawing slack bowstrings which turn back... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 78:1-72

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 78:1-72

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 78:1-72

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 78:9

78:9 The children of {h} Ephraim, [being] armed, [and] carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.(h) By Ephraim he means also the rest of the tribes, because they were most in number: whose punishment declares that they were unfaithful to God, and by their multitude and authority had corrupted all others. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 78:1-72

Psalms 67:0 The first half dozen of these psalms form a group millennial and Messianic. The first is millennial. It is Israel who speaks; the psalm cannot be appreciated unless the word “us” in Psalms 67:1 is so applied. When God has mercy upon and blesses Israel in the latter days, His way and His saving health unto all nations (Psalms 67:2 ) will begin to be known. In other words, the present age is one of out-gathering, but the age to come (millennial) will be one of in-gathering. God is now... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Psalms 78:1-72

Day and Night Leading Psa 78:14 Did some man imagine this? I thank him. Life is the sweeter for having such men among us. What a man it was that thought of this condescension and love on the part of the miracle-working God described in this most musical psalm! It was worth being born to imagine this conception of God. It is so tender, so fatherlike, so comforting; it is charged to the full with inspiration of the best kind; it makes all things feel securer; it brings to the soul contributions... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 78:9-16

We need only refer to the history of Israel in the wilderness, to discover to what particular period of the church the prophet in these verses refers. Perhaps, as in several other parts of scripture, Ephraim, as one of the tribes of Israel, is put for the whole. Jeremiah 31:20 ; Hosea 11:8 . But when the Reader hath paid all due respect to this interesting passage, considered as an history, I beg to call his attention to a subject, suggested from it, of an infinitely higher nature. Did the Lord... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 78:9

Help. The necessity of grace, and the co-operation of free-will, are here plainly asserted. (St. Augustine) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 78:1-39

1-8 These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their children, that the church may abide for ever. Also, that the providences of God, both in mercy and in judgment, might encourage them to conform to the will of God. The works of God much strengthen our resolution to keep his commandments. Hypocrisy is the high road to apostacy; those that do not set their hearts right, will... read more