---
title: "Clarke"
description: "The title, Maschil of Asaph; or, according to the margin, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction; contains nothing particular. The Arabic has, \"A sermon fr"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/psalms/78"
---

The *title, Maschil of Asaph*; or, according to the *margin*, A Psalm *for Asaph to give instruction*; contains nothing particular. The *Arabic* has, "A sermon from Asaph to the people." The Psalm was probably not written by David, but *after* the separation of the *ten* tribes of Israel, and *after* the days of Rehoboam, and *before* the Babylonish captivity, for the *temple* was still standing, [Psalms 78:69](../../../kjv/psalms/78/69). Calmet supposes that it was written in the days of *Asa*, who had gained, by the aid of the Syrians, a great victory over the Israelites; and brought back to the pure worship of God many out of the tribes of *Ephraim, Manasseh*, and *Simeon*. See [2 Chronicles 15:16-14](../../../kjv/2-chronicles/15/16-14).
Verse [Psalms 78:1](../../../kjv/psalms/78/1). ***Give ear, O my people*** — This is the *exordium* of this very pathetic and instructive discourse.

Verse [Psalms 78:2](../../../kjv/psalms/78/2). ***In a parable*** — Or, I will give you *instruction* by numerous *examples*; see [Psalms 49:1-4](../../../kjv/psalms/49/1-4), which bears a great similarity to this; and see the notes there. The term *parable*, in its various acceptations, has already been sufficiently explained; but משל *mashal* may here mean *example*, as opposed to תורה *torah, law* or *precept*, [Psalms 78:1](../../../kjv/psalms/78/1).

Verse [Psalms 78:3](../../../kjv/psalms/78/3). ***Which we have heard and known*** — We have heard the *law*, and known the *facts*.

Verse [Psalms 78:4](../../../kjv/psalms/78/4). ***We will not hide*****them**] In those ancient times there was very *little reading*, because *books* were exceedingly scarce; *tradition* was therefore the only, or nearly the only, means of preserving the memory of past events. They were handed down from father to son by *parables* or *pithy sayings*, and by *chronological* *poems*. This very Psalm is of this kind, and must have been very useful to the Israelites, as giving instructions concerning their ancient history, and recounting the wonderful deeds of the Almighty in their behalf.

Verse [Psalms 78:5](../../../kjv/psalms/78/5). ***A testimony in Jacob*** — This may signify the various *ordinances, rites*, and *ceremonies* prescribed by the law; and the word *law* may mean the *moral* law, or system of religious *instruction*, teaching them their duty to God, to their neighbour, and to themselves. These were commanded to the *fathers*-the *patriarchs* and *primitive Hebrews*, that they should make them known to their children, who should make them known to the generation that was to come, whose children should also be instructed that they might declare them to their children; to the end that their hope might be in God, that they might not forget his works, and might keep his commandments: that they might not be as their fathers, but have their heart right and their spirit steadfast with God, [Psalms 78:6-8](../../../kjv/psalms/78/6-8). *Five* generations appear to be mentioned above:
1. Fathers;
2. Their children;
3. The generation to come;
4. And their children;
5. And their children.
They were never to lose sight of their history throughout all their generations. Some think the *testimony* here may mean the *tabernacle*.

Verse [Psalms 78:9](../../../kjv/psalms/78/9). ***The children of Ephraim - turned back*** — This refers to some defeat of the Ephraimites; and some think to that by the *men* *of Gath*, mentioned [1 Chronicles 7:21](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/7/21). R. D. *Kimchi* says this defeat of the Ephraimites was in the desert; and although the story be not mentioned in the law, yet it is written in the Books of the Chronicles, where we read, on the occasion of "Zabad the Ephraimite, and Shuthelah, c., whom the men of Gath, who were born in the land, slew and Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him," [1 Chronicles 7:20-22](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/7/20-22): but to what defeat of the Ephraimites this refers is not certainly known; probably the *Israelites* after the division of the two kingdoms are intended.

Verse [Psalms 78:10](../../../kjv/psalms/78/10). ***They kept not the covenant of God*** — They abandoned his worship, both *moral* and *ritual*. They acted like the Ephraimites in the above case, who threw down their bows and arrows, and ran away.

Verse [Psalms 78:12](../../../kjv/psalms/78/12). ***The field of Zoan.*** — "In campo Taneos," *Vulgate*. *Tanis* was the capital of Pharaoh, where Moses wrought so many miracles. It was situated in the *Delta*, on one of the most easterly branches of the *Nile*. It was afterwards called *Thanis*; and from it the district was called the *Thanitic Canton*. See *Calmet*. Dr. *Shaw* thinks *Zoan* was intended to signify *Egypt* in general.

Verse [Psalms 78:13](../../../kjv/psalms/78/13). ***He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through*** — The reader is requested to consult the notes on the parallel passages marked in the margin on this verse and [Psalms 78:14-17](../../../kjv/psalms/78/14-17), &c., where all these miracles are largely explained.

Verse [Psalms 78:18](../../../kjv/psalms/78/18). ***By asking meat for their lust.*** — לנפשם *lenaphsham*, "for their souls," i.e., *for their lives*; for they said in their hearts that the *light bread*, the *manna*, was not sufficient to sustain their natural force, and preserve their lives. It seems, however, from the expression, that they were wholly *carnal*; that they had no *spirituality* of mind; they were *earthly, animal*, and *devilish*.

Verse [Psalms 78:22](../../../kjv/psalms/78/22). ***They believed not in God*** — After all the miracles they had seen, they were not convinced that there was a Supreme Being! and, consequently, they did *not trust in his salvation*- did not expect the *glorious rest* which he had promised them. Their descendants in the present day are precisely in this state. Multitudes of them disbelieve the Divine origin of their *law*, and have given up all hopes of a *Messiah*.

Verse [Psalms 78:24](../../../kjv/psalms/78/24). ***The corn of heaven.*** — The *manna*. It fell about their camp in the form of seeds; and as it appeared to come down from the clouds, it was not improperly termed *heavenly corn*, or *heavenly grain*, דגן שמים degan shamayim. The word *shamayim* is frequently taken to express the *atmosphere*.

Verse [Psalms 78:25](../../../kjv/psalms/78/25). ***Man did eat angels' food*** — לחם אבירים אכל איש *lechem* *abbirim achal ish*, "Man did eat the bread of the mighty ones;" or, *each person ate*, c. They ate such bread as could only be expected at the tables of the *rich* and *great* the best, the most delicate food. How little did this gross people know of the sublime excellence of that which they called *light bread*, and which they said their *soul loathed*; [Numbers 21:5](../../../kjv/numbers/21/5)! It was a type of Jesus Christ, for so says St. Paul: "They all ate the same spiritual meat, and drank the same spiritual drink," c., [1 Corinthians 10:3-4](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/3-4). And our Lord calls himself "the bread that came down from heaven, that giveth life unto the world," [John 6:31-35](../../../kjv/john/6/31-35): but a Jew sees nothing but with the eyes of *flesh*. It is true their doctors or rabbins are full of allegories, mysteries, and conceits but they are, in general, such as would disgrace the *Cabinet des Fees*, and would not be tolerated in the *nursery*. O, how thick a veil hangs over their *gross* and *hardened hearts*.

Verse [Psalms 78:26](../../../kjv/psalms/78/26). ***He caused an east wind to blow*** — [Numbers 11:31](../../../kjv/numbers/11/31).

Verse [Psalms 78:32](../../../kjv/psalms/78/32). ***For all this they sinned still*** — How astonishing is this! They were neither *drawn* by *mercies*, nor *awed* by *judgments*! But we shall cease to wonder at this, if we have a thorough acquaintance with our own hearts.

Verse [Psalms 78:33](../../../kjv/psalms/78/33). ***Their days did he consume in vanity*** — By causing them to wander forty years in the wilderness, *vainly expecting* an end to their labour, and the enjoyment of the promised rest, which, by their rebellions, they had forfeited.

Verse [Psalms 78:34](../../../kjv/psalms/78/34). ***When he slew them*** — While his judgments were upon them, then they began to humble themselves, and deprecate his wrath. When they saw some fall, the rest began to tremble.

Verse [Psalms 78:35](../../../kjv/psalms/78/35). ***That God*****was*****their rock*** — They recollected in their affliction that Jehovah was their *Creator*, and their *Father*; the *Rock*, the *Source*, not only of their *being*, but of all their *blessings*; or, that he was their sole *Protector*.
***And the high God their Redeemer.*** — ואל עליון גאלם *veel elyon* *goalam*, "And the strong God the Most High, their kinsman." That one who possessed the *right of redemption*; the *nearest akin* to him who had *forfeited* his *inheritance*; so the word originally means, and hence it is often used for a *redeemer*. The Hebrew word גאל *goel* answers to the Greek σωτηρ, a *saviour*; and is given to the *Lord Jesus Christ*, the *strong God*, the *Most High*, the *Redeemer* *of a lost world*. After this verse there is the following Masoretic note: חצי הספר *chatsi hassepher*, "The middle of the book." And thus the reader has arrived at the *middle of the Psalter*, a book for excellence unparalleled.

Verse [Psalms 78:36](../../../kjv/psalms/78/36). ***Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth*** — What idea could such people have of God, whom they supposed they could thus deceive? They promised well, they called him their God, and their fathers' God; and told him how good, and kind, and merciful he had been to them. Thus, *their mouth flattered him*. And they said that, whatever the Lord their God commanded them to *do*, they would perform.
***And they lied unto him.*** — I think the *Vulgate* gives the true sense of the Hebrew: Dilexerunt eum in ore suo; et lingua sua mentiti sunt ei, - "They loved him with their mouth; and they lied unto him with their tongue." "That is," says the old *Psalter*, "thai sayde thai lufed God, bot thai lighed, als thair dedes schewes; for thai do noght als thai hight; for when God ceses to make men rad; than cese thai to do wele."

Verse [Psalms 78:37](../../../kjv/psalms/78/37). ***Their heart was not right*** — When the *heart* is *wrong*, the *life* is *wrong*; and because their heart was not right with God, therefore they were not faithful in his covenant.

Verse [Psalms 78:38](../../../kjv/psalms/78/38). ***But he*****, being*****full of compassion*** — Feeling for them as a *father* for his children.
***Forgave*****their*****iniquity*** — יחפר *yechapper*, made an *atonement* for their iniquity.
***And did not stir up all his wrath.*** — Though they often grieved his Spirit, and rebelled against him, yet he seldom punished them; and when he did chastise them, it was as a tender and merciful Father. *He did not stir up all his wrath*- the punishment was much less than the iniquity deserved.

Verse [Psalms 78:39](../../../kjv/psalms/78/39). ***He remembered that they*****were but*****flesh*** — Weak mortals. He took their feeble perishing state always into *consideration*, and knew how much they needed the whole of their state of *probation*; and therefore he bore with them to the uttermost. How merciful is God!
***A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.*** — I believe this to be a bad translation, and may be productive of error; as if when a man dies his being were ended, and death were an eternal sleep. The original is, רוח הולך ולא ישוב *ruach holech velo* *yashub*: and the translation *should* be, "The spirit goeth away, and it doth not return." The present life is the state of probation; when therefore the *flesh*-the *body*, fails, the *spirit* goeth away into the eternal world, and returneth not hither again. Now God, being full of compassion, spared them, that their salvation might be accomplished before they went into that state where there is no *change*; where the pure are pure still, and the defiled are defiled still. All the *Versions* are right; but the polyglot translator of the *Syriac*, [Syriac] *rocho*, has falsely put *ventus*, wind, instead of *spiritus*, soul or spirit. The *Arabic* takes away all ambiguity: [---Arabic---] "He remembered that they were flesh; and a spirit which, when it departs, does not again return." The human being is composed of flesh and spirit, or body and soul; these are easily separated, and, when separated, the body turns to dust, and the spirit returns no more to animate it in a state of probation. *Homer* has a saying very like that of the psalmist: -
*Pope* has scarcely given the passage its genuine meaning: -
Several similar sayings may be found among the Greek poets; but they all suppose the *materiality* of the soul.

Verse [Psalms 78:41](../../../kjv/psalms/78/41). ***Limited the Holy One of Israel.*** — The *Chaldee* translates, "And the Holy One of Israel they signed with a sign." The Hebrew word התוו *hithvu* is supposed to come from the root תוה *tavah*, which signifies to *mark*; and hence the letter ת *tau*, which in the ancient Hebrew character had the form of a cross X, had its name probably because it was used as a *mark*. Mr. *Bate* observes that in *hithpael* it signifies to *challenge* or *accuse*; as one who gives his *mark* or *pledge* upon a trial, and causes his adversary to do the same. Here it most obviously means an insult offered to God.

Verse [Psalms 78:44](../../../kjv/psalms/78/44). ***Turned their rivers into blood*** — See on [Exodus 7:20](../../../kjv/exodus/7/20).

Verse [Psalms 78:45](../../../kjv/psalms/78/45). ***He sent - flies - and frogs*** — See on [Exodus 8:6](../../../kjv/exodus/8/6); [Exodus 8:24](../../../kjv/exodus/8/24).

Verse [Psalms 78:46](../../../kjv/psalms/78/46). ***The caterpillar and - the locust.*** — See on [Exodus 10:13](../../../kjv/exodus/10/13).

Verse [Psalms 78:47](../../../kjv/psalms/78/47). ***He destroyed their vines with hail*** — Though the *vine* was never plentiful in Egypt, yet they have some; and the wine made in that country is among the most delicious. The *leaf* of the vine is often used by the Egyptians of the present day for wrapping up their mince-meat, which they lay leaf upon leaf, season it after their fashion, and so cook it, making it a most exquisite sort of food, according to Mr. *Maillet*.
***And their sycamore-trees*** — This tree was very useful to the ancient Egyptians, as all their *coffins* are made of this wood; and to the modern, as their barques are made of it. Besides, it produces a kind of *fig*, on which the common people in general live; and Mr. *Norden* observes that "they think themselves well regaled when they have a piece of bread, a couple of sycamore figs, and a pitcher of water from the Nile." The loss therefore of their *vines* and *sycamore-trees* must have been very distressing to the Egyptians.

Verse [Psalms 78:48](../../../kjv/psalms/78/48). ***He gave up their cattle*** — See on [Exodus 9:23](../../../kjv/exodus/9/23).

Verse [Psalms 78:49](../../../kjv/psalms/78/49). ***By sending evil angels*** — This is the first mention we have of *evil angels*. There is no mention of them in the account we have of the plagues of Egypt in the Book of Exodus, and what they were we cannot tell: but by what the psalmist says here of their operations, they were the sorest plague that God had sent; they were marks of the *fierceness of his anger, wrath, indignation, and* *trouble*. Some think the *destroying angel* that slew all the first-born is what is here intended; but this is distinctly mentioned in [Psalms 78:51](../../../kjv/psalms/78/51). An *angel* or *messenger* may be either *animate* or *inanimate*; a *disembodied spirit* or *human being*; any *thing* or *being* that is an instrument *sent of God* for the punishment or support of mankind.

Verse [Psalms 78:54](../../../kjv/psalms/78/54). ***The border of his sanctuary*** — קדשו *kodsho*, "of his holy place," that is, the *land of Canaan*, called afterwards *the* *mountain* which *his right hand had purchased*; because it was a *mountainous country*, widely differing from Egypt, which was a long, continued, and almost perfect *level*.

Verse [Psalms 78:57](../../../kjv/psalms/78/57). ***They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.*** — The eastern bow, which when at rest is in the form of a [curved figure 'C'], must be *recurved*, or *turned the contrary way*, in order to be what is called *bent* and *strung*. If a person who is unskilful or weak attempt to *recurve* and string one of these bows, if he take not great heed it will spring back and regain its quiescent position, and perhaps break his arm. And sometimes I have known it, when bent, to *start aside*, and regain its quiescent position, to no small danger, and in one or two cases to my injury. This image is frequently used in the sacred writings; but no person has understood it, not being acquainted with the eastern *bow* [curved figure 'C'], which must be *recurved*, or bent the contrary way, [figure ''] in order to be proper for use. If not well made, they will fly back in discharging the arrow. It is said of the *bow* of Jonathan, *it turned not back*, [2 Samuel 1:22](../../../kjv/2-samuel/1/22), לא נשוג אחור lo nasog achor, "did not twist itself backward." It was a good bow, one on which he could depend. Hosea, [Hosea 7:16](../../../kjv/hosea/7/16), compares the unfaithful Israelites to a *deceitful bow*; one that, when bent, would suddenly start aside and recover its former position. We may find the same passage in [Jeremiah 9:3](../../../kjv/jeremiah/9/3). And this is precisely the kind of bow mentioned by *Homer*, Odyss. xxi., which none of Penelope's suitors could bend, called καμπυλα τοξα and αγκυλα τοξα, the *crooked bow* in the state of rest; but τοξον παλιντονον, the *recurred bow* when prepared for use. And of this trial of *strength* and *skill* in the bending of the bow of Ulysses, none of the critics and commentators have been able to make any thing, because they knew not the instrument in question. On the τοξου θησις of *Homer*, I have written a dissertation elsewhere. The image is very correct; these Israelites, when brought out of their natural bent, soon recoiled, and relapsed into their former state.

Verse [Psalms 78:60](../../../kjv/psalms/78/60). ***He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh*** — The Lord, offended with the people, and principally with the *priests*, who had profaned his holy worship, gave up his ark into the hands of the Philistines. And so true it is that he *forsook the tabernacle* *of Shiloh*, that he never returned to it again. See [1 Samuel 6:1](../../../kjv/1-samuel/6/1); [2 Samuel 6:2-17](../../../kjv/2-samuel/6/2-17); [1 Kings 8:1](../../../kjv/1-kings/8/1); where the several removals of the ark are spoken of, and which explain the remaining part of this Psalm. Because God suffered the Philistines to take the ark, it is said, [Psalms 78:61](../../../kjv/psalms/78/61): "He delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand;" and [Psalms 78:67](../../../kjv/psalms/78/67), that "he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim;" for *Shiloh* was in the tribe of *Ephraim* the son of Joseph; and God did not suffer his ark to return thither, but to go to *Kirjath-jearim*, which was in the tribe of *Benjamin*; from thence to the house of *Obed-edom*: and so to *Zion* in the tribe of *Judah*, as it follows, [Psalms 78:68](../../../kjv/psalms/78/68).
The *tabernacle* which Moses had constructed in the wilderness remained at Shiloh even after the *ark* was taken by the Philistines and afterwards sent to Kirjath-jearim. From Shiloh it was transported to *Nob*; afterwards to Gibeon, apparently under the reign of Saul; and it was there at the commencement of Solomon's reign, for this prince went thither to offer sacrifices, [1 Kings 3:4](../../../kjv/1-kings/3/4). From the time in which the temple was built, we know not what became of the tabernacle of Moses: it was probably laid up in some of the chambers of the temple. See *Calmet*.

Verse [Psalms 78:63](../../../kjv/psalms/78/63). ***Their maidens were not given to marriage.*** — הוללו *hullalu*, were not celebrated with marriage songs. It is considered a calamity in the east if a maiden arrives at the age of *twelve years* without being *sought* or *given in marriage*.

Verse [Psalms 78:64](../../../kjv/psalms/78/64). ***Their priests fell by the sword*** — Hophni and Phinehas, who were slain in that unfortunate battle against the Philistines in which the ark of the Lord was taken, [1 Samuel 4:11](../../../kjv/1-samuel/4/11).
A Chaldee *Targum* on this passage says, "In the time in which the ark of the Lord was taken by the Philistines, Hophni and Phinehas, the two priests, fell by the sword at Shiloh; and when the news was brought, their wives made no lamentation, for they both died the same day."

Verse [Psalms 78:65](../../../kjv/psalms/78/65). ***Then the Lord awaked*** — He seemed as if he had totally disregarded what was done to his people, and the reproach that seemed to fall on himself and his worship by the capture of the ark.
***Like a mighty man*** — כגבור *kegibbor, like a hero that shouteth by* *reason of wine*. One who, going forth to meet his enemy, having taken a sufficiency of wine to refresh himself, and become a proper stimulus to his animal spirits, *shouts*-gives the *war-signal* for the *onset*; impatient to meet the foe, and sure of victory. The idea is not taken from the case of a *drunken man*. A person in such a state would be very unfit to meet his enemy, and could have little prospect of conquest.

Verse [Psalms 78:66](../../../kjv/psalms/78/66). ***He smote his enemies in the hinder part*** — This refers to the *hemorrhoids* with which he afflicted the Philistines. See the note on [1 Samuel 5:6-10](../../../kjv/1-samuel/5/6-10).

Verse [Psalms 78:67](../../../kjv/psalms/78/67). ***He refused the tabernacle of Joseph*** — [Psalms 78:60](../../../kjv/psalms/78/60).

Verse [Psalms 78:69](../../../kjv/psalms/78/69). ***He built his sanctuary like high palaces*** — כמו רמים *kemo ramim*, which several of the *Versions* understand of the *monoceros* or *rhinoceros*. The temple of God at Jerusalem was the *only one* in the land, and stood as *prominent* on Mount Zion as the horn of the unicorn or rhinoceros does upon his snout. And there *he established* his ark, to go no more out as long as the temple should last. Before this time it was frequently in a migratory state, not only in the wilderness, but afterwards in the promised land. [Psalms 78:60](../../../kjv/psalms/78/60).

Verse [Psalms 78:70](../../../kjv/psalms/78/70). ***He chose David*** — *See the account, Clarke, "*[1 Samuel 16:11](../../../kjv/1-samuel/16/11)*"*, &c.

Verse [Psalms 78:71](../../../kjv/psalms/78/71). ***From following the ewes*** — Instances of this kind are not unfrequent in the ancient Greek and Roman history. *Croesus* said that *Gyges*, who was the first of his race, was a *slave*, and rose to *sovereignty*, succeeding his predecessor, *of whose sheep he* *had been the pastor*.

Verse [Psalms 78:72](../../../kjv/psalms/78/72). ***So he fed them*** — Here David is mentioned as *having* *terminated his reign*. He *had* fed the people, *according to the* *integrity of his heart*, for that was ever disposed to do the will of God in the administration of the kingdom: and his *hand* being *skilful* in war, he always led them out to victory against their enemies.
The psalmist, considering that it is God's command that his works be not forgotten, but that the father should deliver his former doings to posterity, that they might be to them both *comfort* and *instruction, deter them from sin, and persuade them* *to fear God*, gives in this Psalm a long catalogue of God's dealings with his people, even from their coming out of Egypt to the conclusion of the reign of David.
There are *three* principal parts in this Psalm: -
I. A *preface*, in which the psalmist exhorts men to learn and declare the way of God, [Psalms 78:1-9](../../../kjv/psalms/78/1-9).
II. A *continued narrative* of God's administration among the people, and their *stubbornness, disobedience*, and *contumacy*; together with the *punishments* which God inflicted upon them, [Psalms 78:9-67](../../../kjv/psalms/78/9-67).
III. His *mercy*, manifested in the midst of judgment; that he did not cut them off, but, after the rejection of Ephraim, (Israel,) made choice of Judah, Zion, and David.
I. In the PREFACE or *exordium* he labours to gain attention: "Give ear, O my people," [Psalms 78:1](../../../kjv/psalms/78/1).
1. Shows that he is about to deliver doctrines and precepts from heaven. It is God's law, and it should be heard: 1. For its excellence, [Psalms 78:2](../../../kjv/psalms/78/2). 2. For its certainty, [Psalms 78:3](../../../kjv/psalms/78/3).
2. He shows the *end*, which is another argument for attention. 1. It must not be hidden from their children, that God might be praised, [Psalms 78:4](../../../kjv/psalms/78/4). 2. And his power magnified; and 3. His people edified, [Psalms 78:5](../../../kjv/psalms/78/5).
Then follow the *duties* of their *children*, which are *three*: 1. That they might *know* God, his law, his works, [Psalms 78:6](../../../kjv/psalms/78/6). 2. That they might *trust* in him, [Psalms 78:7](../../../kjv/psalms/78/7). 3. That they might be *obedient*, [Psalms 78:8](../../../kjv/psalms/78/8).
II. The NARRATION. Their fathers were stubborn and rebellious, of which he gives several examples: -
1. In *Ephraim*: "They turned back in the day of battle," [Psalms 78:9](../../../kjv/psalms/78/9).
2. They kept not the *covenant* of God, [Psalms 78:10](../../../kjv/psalms/78/10).
3. They *forgat his works* in Egypt, [Psalms 78:11](../../../kjv/psalms/78/11).
The psalmist extends this narrative, and shows, 1. God's goodness; 2. Israel's obstinacy; 3. Their punishment.
I. His *goodness* in bringing them out of Egypt in such a marvellous way, [Psalms 78:12](../../../kjv/psalms/78/12). 1. He divided the Red Sea, [Psalms 78:13](../../../kjv/psalms/78/13). 2. He made the waters to stand on a heap, [Psalms 78:13](../../../kjv/psalms/78/13).
1. His *care* in guiding them: 1. In the daytime by a *cloud*, [Psalms 78:14](../../../kjv/psalms/78/14). 2. In the night by *fire*, [Psalms 78:14](../../../kjv/psalms/78/14).
2. His *love* in providing for them. 1. He clave the rock that they might have water, [Psalms 78:15](../../../kjv/psalms/78/15). 2. He caused these waters to follow them as rivers, [Psalms 78:16](../../../kjv/psalms/78/16). 3. And thus they had an abundant supply, [Psalms 78:16](../../../kjv/psalms/78/16).
II. *Israel's* obstinacy. 1. They sinned. 2. More and more. 3. Provoked the Holy One of Israel, [Psalms 78:17-18](../../../kjv/psalms/78/17-18).
They were *incredulous*.
1. They *tempted* God by desiring other *supplies* than his providence had designed. He gave them *manna*; they would have *flesh*.
2. They questioned his *power*, [Psalms 78:19](../../../kjv/psalms/78/19).
3. They were foolishly *impatient*, and must have immediately whatever they thought proper, else they murmured. They said, 1. He smote the rock, and the *water* gushed out. 2. But can he give *bread* also? [Psalms 78:20](../../../kjv/psalms/78/20).
III. Their *punishment*. 1. The Lord was wroth, [Psalms 78:21](../../../kjv/psalms/78/21). [Psalms 78:2](../../../kjv/psalms/78/2). A *fire was kindled*. 3. Because they *believed him not*, nor trusted in his salvation, [Psalms 78:22](../../../kjv/psalms/78/22).
He provided *manna* for them; an especial blessing, on various considerations.
1. It came from heaven, [Psalms 78:23](../../../kjv/psalms/78/23).
2. It came abundantly. He "rained it down," [Psalms 78:24](../../../kjv/psalms/78/24).
3. It was *most excellent*: "Man did eat angels' food," [Psalms 78:25](../../../kjv/psalms/78/25).
Weary of this, they desired *flesh*. In this also God heard them. 1. He brought *quails*. 2, In abundance. 3. Brought them to and about the *camp*, so that they had no labour to find them, [Psalms 78:25-26](../../../kjv/psalms/78/25-26); [Psalms 78:28](../../../kjv/psalms/78/28). 4. They were all *gratified* with them, [Psalms 78:29](../../../kjv/psalms/78/29).
See God's *justice* in their punishment, and the cause of it. 1. They were "not estranged from their lust," [Psalms 78:30](../../../kjv/psalms/78/30). 2. His *wrath* came upon them. 3. It came *suddenly*. 4. It *slew* them. 5. Even the *chief* of them, [Psalms 78:31](../../../kjv/psalms/78/31).
See their *sin* notwithstanding. 1. For all this, they sinned yet more. 2. They were incredulous, [Psalms 78:32](../../../kjv/psalms/78/32). 3. He caused them to consume their days in vanity. 4. And their years (forty long years) in trouble, [Psalms 78:33](../../../kjv/psalms/78/33).
They began apparently to relent. 1. They sought him. 2. They returned. 3. They sought after God. 4. They remembered that he was their Rock. 5. And the Most High their Redeemer, [Psalms 78:34-35](../../../kjv/psalms/78/34-35).
But in this, their *apparent* amendment, they were guilty - 1. Of *hypocrisy*, [Psalms 78:36](../../../kjv/psalms/78/36). 2. Of *insincerity*, [Psalms 78:37](../../../kjv/psalms/78/37). 3. Of *instability*: "They were not steadfast in his covenant," [Psalms 78:37](../../../kjv/psalms/78/37).
On a review of this, the prophet extols the *goodness* of God that bore with such a people.
1. He opened to them the *fountain of mercy*: "He being full of compassion."
2. He displayed an *act* of this mercy: "He forgave their iniquity."
3. Though he punished *in a measure*, yet he restrained his vindictive justice, and destroyed them not, [Psalms 78:38](../../../kjv/psalms/78/38).
His motives for this tenderness: 1. He remembered that they were but *flesh*. 2. That, their *probation* once ended, their state was fixed for ever, [Psalms 78:39](../../../kjv/psalms/78/39). See the note. [Psalms 78:39](../../../kjv/psalms/78/39).
He proceeds with the story of their *rebellions*. 1. They provoked him often in the wilderness. 2. They grieved him in the desert, [Psalms 78:40](../../../kjv/psalms/78/40). 3. They *returned to sin*, tempted him. 4. Insulted him. 5. And forgat all his past mercies, [Psalms 78:41-43](../../../kjv/psalms/78/41-43). More particularly, 1. They remembered not his hand, [Psalms 78:42](../../../kjv/psalms/78/42). 2. Nor his signs in Egypt, [Psalms 78:44](../../../kjv/psalms/78/44).
The wonders which he wrought in Egypt. *Five* of the plagues mentioned: -
*First plague*. He turned their *rivers into blood*, [Psalms 78:44](../../../kjv/psalms/78/44).
*Fourth plague*. He sent *divers flies*, [Psalms 78:45](../../../kjv/psalms/78/45).
*Second plague*. The *frogs* destroyed them, [Psalms 78:45](../../../kjv/psalms/78/45).
*Eighth plague*. The *locusts*, [Psalms 78:46](../../../kjv/psalms/78/46).
*Seventh plague*. Their *vines*, c. were destroyed, [Psalms 78:47](../../../kjv/psalms/78/47).
1. He cast upon them the fierceness of his wrath. 2. Sent evil angels among them. 3. And made a *path for his anger*, [Psalms 78:49](../../../kjv/psalms/78/49).
The *first plague*. He gave their life to the pestilence, [Psalms 78:50](../../../kjv/psalms/78/50).
The *last* plague. He slew their first-born, [Psalms 78:51](../../../kjv/psalms/78/51).
He now gives a recital of God's mercy in the following particulars:
1. He brought his people through the Red Sea, [Psalms 78:52](../../../kjv/psalms/78/52).
2. He guided them as a flock.
3. He kept them in safety, [Psalms 78:53](../../../kjv/psalms/78/53).
4. He did not suffer them still to wander, but brought them, - 1. To the border of his sanctuary. 2. Even to Mount Zion. 3. Cast out the heathen before them. 4. And divided them an inheritance by lot, [Psalms 78:54](../../../kjv/psalms/78/54) [Psalms 78:55](../../../kjv/psalms/78/55).
Yet still, 1. "They tempted and provoked him." 2. "Kept not his testimonies." 3. "Turned aside" from his worship. 4. Were *unfaithful*. 5. And *idolatrous*, [Psalms 78:55-58](../../../kjv/psalms/78/55-58).
For this, - 1. God's wrath grows more hot against the people. 2. He greatly abhorred Israel. 3. Forsook the tabernacle. 4. Delivered up the ark. 5. Gave the people to the sword. 6. Gave up the priests to death. 7. And brought upon them general desolation, [Psalms 78:59-64](../../../kjv/psalms/78/59-64).
Once more, God - 1. Remembers them in mercy. 2. Fixes his *tabernacle* among them. 3. Chooses *David* to be their king. 4. During the whole of whose days they had prosperity in all things, [Psalms 78:65-72](../../../kjv/psalms/78/65-72).
Behold here the goodness and severity of God. Reader, learn wisdom by what those have suffered.

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