LEARNING FROM THE FATHERS Psalms 78:1 This psalm is said to have arisen, from a strong controversy between Judah and Ephraim as to the location of God's sanctuary, and its final transfer within the limits of the tribe of Judah. The psalmist enumerates the moral and spiritual considerations that led... [ Continue Reading ]
“A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS” Psalms 78:13 Throughout this wonderful recital there is a perpetual contrast between God's unswerving goodness and the incessant backsliding of His people; and as we read it, we learn that sin is not simply the violation of the divine law, but a source of pain and troub... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED YET UNGRATEFUL Psalms 78:25 God our Father is prepared to do “exceeding abundantly” for His children; but too often we become so engrossed with His gifts as to forget and neglect the Giver. We allow ourselves enjoyment to point of satiety; and then, by an inevitable revulsion, we begin to... [ Continue Reading ]
“SIGNS IN EGYPT” Psalms 78:38 God takes into account the frailty and infirmity of our natures. _The Spirit… helpeth our infirmities_, Romans 8:26. In the words of Hosea, God teaches us “to go;” that is, He puts His hands under our armpits, that we may learn how to walk. In the process there are ma... [ Continue Reading ]
SAFELY LED, YET BENT ON WANDERING Psalms 78:49 This section of the psalm deals largely with the books of Joshua and Judges. The failures that had characterized the Wilderness crossed the Jordan with the Chosen People, and were the reason of their sufferings and captivities in what might otherwise... [ Continue Reading ]
GOD RAISES UP HIS SHEPHERD DAVID Psalms 78:59 This paragraph continues the history of the Judges, and tells the story of what befell after the battle in which Eli's sons were slain. See 1 Samuel 4:1. It is difficult to estimate the despair which that disaster caused, because Israel seemed the ligh... [ Continue Reading ]