Bible Commentaries
JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Psalms 78
Psalm 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.
my people … my law — the language of a religious teacher (Psalm 78:2; Lamentations 3:14; Romans 2:16, Romans 2:27; compare Psalm 49:4). The history which follows was a “dark saying,” or riddle, if left unexplained, and its right apprehension required wisdom and attention.
This history had been handed down (Exodus 12:14; Deuteronomy 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 (Psalm 78:7, Psalm 78:8) negative form.
stubborn and rebellious — (Deuteronomy 21:18).
set not their heart — on God‘s service (2 Chronicles 12:14).
The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1, 1 Chronicles 5:2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Genesis 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 (Numbers 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 Hosea 5:3-14; Hosea 11:3-12). Though a strong, well-armed tribe, and, from an early period, emulous and haughty (compare Joshua 17:14; Judges 8:1-3; 2 Samuel 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 (Exodus 23:24; Deuteronomy 31:16; 2 Kings 17:15).
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 (Numbers 13:22; Isaiah 19:11).
There were two similar miracles (Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11).
great depths — and - rivers — denote abundance.
in their heart — (Matthew 15:19).
for their lust — literally, “soul,” or, “desire.”
provoking — and - tempted — illustrated by their absurd doubts,
angels‘ food — literally, “bread of the mighty” (compare Psalm 105:40); so called, as it came from heaven.
meat — literally, “victuals,” as for a journey.
fattest — or, “among the fattest”; some of them -
chosen — the young and strong (Isaiah 40:31), and so none could resist.
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.
limited — as in Psalm 78:19, Psalm 78:20. Though some prefer “grieved” or “provoked.” The retreat from Kadesh (Deuteronomy 1:19-23) is meant, whether -
turned — be for turning back, or to denote repetition of offense.
caterpillar — the Hebrew name, from its voracity, and that of -
locust — from its multitude.
The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare Exodus 9:23-34) are consistent with Moses‘ account.
evil angels — or, “angels of evil” - many were perhaps employed, and other evils inflicted.
chief of their strength — literally, “first-fruits,” or, “first-born” (Genesis 49:3; Deuteronomy 21:17).
Ham — one of whose sons gave name ({Mizraim}, Hebrew) to Egypt.
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 (Isaiah 25:6, Isaiah 25:7).
purchased — or, “procured by His right hand” or power (Psalm 60:5).
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 Deuteronomy 6:11).
a deceitful bow — which turns back, and so fails to project the arrow (2 Samuel 1:22; Hosea 7:16). They relapsed.
fire — either figure of the slaughter (1 Samuel 4:10), or a literal burning by the heathen.
given to marriage — literally, “praised” - that is, as brides.
(Compare 1 Samuel 4:17); and there were, doubtless, others.
made no lamentation — either because stupefied by grief, or hindered by the enemy.
And he smote … part — or, “struck His enemies‘ back.” The Philistines never regained their position after their defeats by David.
tabernacle of Joseph — or, “home,” or, “tribe,” to which -
tribe of Ephraim — is parallel (compare Revelation 7:8). Its pre-eminence was, like Saul‘s, only permitted. Judah had been the choice (Genesis 49:10).
God‘s sovereignty was illustrated in this choice. The contrast is striking - humility and exaltation - and the correspondence is beautiful.
ewes, etc. — literally, “ewes giving suck” (compare Isaiah 40:11). On the pastoral terms, compare Psalm 79:13.
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