New English Translation

Psalms 78:1-8

1 1 2Pay attention, my people, to my instruction! Listen to the words I speak!

2I will sing a song that imparts wisdom; I will make insightful observations about the past.

3What we have heard and learned – that which our ancestors have told us –

4we will not hide from their descendants. We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s praiseworthy acts, about his strength and the amazing things he has done.

5He established a rule in Jacob; he set up a law in Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make his deeds known to their descendants,

6so that the next generation, children yet to be born, might know about them. They will grow up and tell their descendants about them.

7Then they will place their confidence in God. They will not forget the works of God, and they will obey his commands.

8Then they will not be like their ancestors, who were a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that was not committed and faithful to God.

Read all of Psalms 78

Notes

1. Psalms 78:1 Psalm 78. The author of this lengthy didactic psalm rehearses Israel’s history. He praises God for his power, goodness and patience, but also reminds his audience that sin angers God and prompts his judgment. In the conclusion to the psalm the author elevates Jerusalem as God’s chosen city and David as his chosen king. ↩
2. Psalms 78:1 The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. See the note on the phrase “well-written song” in the superscription of Ps 74. ↩

Notes

Commentaries on Psalms 78