Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78
Verses 1-72
PSALM 78
Ps 78:1-72. This Psalm appears to have been occasioned by the removal of the sanctuary from Shiloh in the tribe of Ephraim to Zion in the tribe of Judah, and the coincident transfer of pre-eminence in Israel from the former to the latter tribe, as clearly evinced by David's settlement as the head of the Church and nation. Though this was the execution of God's purpose, the writer here shows that it also proceeded from the divine judgment on Ephraim, under whose leadership the people had manifested the same sinful and rebellious character which had distinguished their ancestors in Egypt.
1. my people … my law—the language of a religious teacher (Ps 78:2; La 3:14; Ro 2:16, 27; compare Ps 49:4). The history which follows was a "dark saying," or riddle, if left unexplained, and its right apprehension required wisdom and attention.
Verses 2-3
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 6:20) for God's honor, and that the principles of His law might be known and observed by posterity. This important sentiment is reiterated in (Ps 78:7, 8) negative form.
Verses 4-5
5. testimony—(Ps 19:7).
Verses 6-8
8. stubborn and rebellious—(De 21:18).
set not their heart—on God's service (2Ch 12:14).
Verses 9
9-11. The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1Ch 5:1, 2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Ge 48:1). The supremacy of the tribe thus intimated was recognized by its position (in the marching of the nation to Canaan) next to the ark (Nu 2:18-24), by the selection of the first permanent locality for the ark within its borders at Shiloh, and by the extensive and fertile province given for its possession. Traces of this prominence remained after the schism under Rehoboam, in the use, by later writers, of Ephraim for Israel (compare Ho 5:3-14; 11:3-12). Though a strong, well-armed tribe, and, from an early period, emulous and haughty (compare Jos 17:14; Jud 8:1-3; 2Sa 19:41), it appears, in this place, that it had rather led the rest in cowardice than courage; and had incurred God's displeasure, because, diffident of His promise, though often heretofore fulfilled, it had failed as a leader to carry out the terms of the covenant, by not driving out the heathen (Ex 23:24; De 31:16; 2Ki 17:15).
Verses 10-12
12-14. A record of God's dealings and the sins of the people is now made. The writer gives the history from the exode to the retreat from Kadesh; then contrasts their sins with their reasons for confidence, shown by a detail of God's dealings in Egypt, and presents a summary of the subsequent history to David's time.
Zoan—for Egypt, as its ancient capital (Nu 13:22; Isa 19:11).
Verses 13-15
15, 16. There were two similar miracles (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11).
great depths—and—rivers—denote abundance.
Verses 16-17
17-20. yet more—literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
Verses 18
18. in their heart—(Mt 15:19).
for their lust—literally, "soul," or, "desire."
provoking—and—tempted—illustrated by their absurd doubts,
Verses 19
19, 20. in the face of His admitted power.
Verses 20-21
21. fire—the effect of the "anger" (Nu 11:1).
Verses 22
22. (Compare Heb 8:8, 9).
Verses 23
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Verses 24-25
25. angels' food—literally, "bread of the mighty" (compare Ps 105:40); so called, as it came from heaven.
meat—literally, "victuals," as for a journey.
Verses 26-29
29. their … desire—what they longed for.
Verses 30
30, 31. not estranged … lust—or, "desire"—that is, were indulging it.
Verses 31
31. slew … fattest—or, "among the fattest"; some of them—
chosen—the young and strong (Isa 40:31), and so none could resist.
Verses 32-33
33-39. Though there were partial reformations after chastisement, and God, in pity, withdrew His hand for a time, yet their general conduct was rebellious, and He was thus provoked to waste and destroy them, by long and fruitless wandering in the desert.
Verses 34-36
36. lied … tongues—a feigned obedience (Ps 18:44).
Verses 37
37. heart … not right—or, "firm" (compare Ps 78:8; Ps 51:10).
Verses 38-39
39. a wind … again—literally, "a breath," thin air (compare Ps 103:16; Jas 4:14).
Verses 40
40, 41. There were ten temptations (Nu 14:22).
Verses 41
41. limited—as in Ps 78:19, 20. Though some prefer "grieved" or "provoked." The retreat from Kadesh (De 1:19-23) is meant, whether—
turned—be for turning back, or to denote repetition of offense.
Verses 42-43
43. wrought—set or held forth.
Verses 44-45
45. The dog-fly or the mosquito.
Verses 46
46. caterpillar—the Hebrew name, from its voracity, and that of—
locust—from its multitude.
Verses 47
47, 48. The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare Ex 9:23-34) are consistent with Moses' account.
Verses 48
48. gave … cattle—literally, "shut up" (compare Ps 31:8).
Verses 49
49. evil angels—or, "angels of evil"—many were perhaps employed, and other evils inflicted.
Verses 50
50, 51. made a way—removed obstacles, gave it full scope.
Verses 51
51. chief of their strength—literally, "first-fruits," or, "first-born" (Ge 49:3; De 21:17).
Ham—one of whose sons gave name (Mizraim, Hebrew) to Egypt.
Verses 52
52-54. made his … forth—or, brought them by periodical journeys (compare Ex 15:1).
Verses 53-54
54. border of his sanctuary—or, "holy border"—i. e., region of which—
this mountain—(Zion) was, as the seat of civil and religious government, the representative, used for the whole land, as afterwards for the Church (Isa 25:6, 7).
purchased—or, "procured by His right hand" or power (Ps 60:5).
Verses 55
55. by line—or, the portion thus measured.
divided them—that is, the heathen, put for their possessions, so tents—that is, of the heathen (compare De 6:11).
Verses 56
56, 57. a deceitful bow—which turns back, and so fails to project the arrow (2Sa 1:22; Ho 7:16). They relapsed.
Verses 57-58
58. Idolatry resulted from sparing the heathen (compare Ps 78:9-11).
Verses 59
59, 60. heard—perceived (Ge 11:7).
abhorred—but not utterly.
Verses 60
60. tent … placed—literally, "caused to dwell," set up (Jos 18:1).
Verses 61
61. his strength—the ark, as symbolical of it (Ps 96:6).
Verses 62
62. gave—or, "shut up."
his people—(Ps 78:48; 1Sa 4:10-17).
Verses 63
63. fire—either figure of the slaughter (1Sa 4:10), or a literal burning by the heathen.
given to marriage—literally, "praised"—that is, as brides.
Verses 64
64. (Compare 1Sa 4:17); and there were, doubtless, others.
made no lamentation—either because stupefied by grief, or hindered by the enemy.
Verses 65
65. (Compare Ps 22:16; Isa 42:13).
Verses 66
66. And he smote … part—or, "struck His enemies' back." The Philistines never regained their position after their defeats by David.
Verses 67
67, 68. tabernacle of Joseph—or, "home," or, "tribe," to which—
tribe of Ephraim—is parallel (compare Re 7:8). Its pre-eminence was, like Saul's, only permitted. Judah had been the choice (Ge 49:10).
Verses 68-69
69. Exalted as—
high palaces—or, "mountains," and abiding as—the earth.
Verses 70
70-72. God's sovereignty was illustrated in this choice. The contrast is striking—humility and exaltation—and the correspondence is beautiful.
Verses 71
71. following … ewes, &c.—literally, "ewes giving suck" (compare Isa 40:11). On the pastoral terms, compare Ps 79:13.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.