The Message of the Psalms

PSALM 78: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM HISTORY?

The history of Israel as it is recorded in Scripture is
illustrative of the life of the Christian in the New Testament
Church (I Corinthians 10:11). Two words that Asaph uses in
this “Psalm of instruction” (Cf. Maschil of Asaph) indicate
how we are to understand Old Testament History. The first
word is “parables” (Vs. 1 or “proverbs” [Proverbs 1:1];
lessons from the realm of earth to illumine and illustrate
the spiritual realm). The second word is “dark sayings” (one
word in the original meaning hard questions, or
conundrum). It is by searching this history that we are
instructed in righteousness (II Timothy 3:16-17). Whether
we are looking at national history or individual history, this
psalm presents us with three clear lessons:

1. The Focus of History is God’s Sovereignty.

The Psalm divides into two main parts after the introduction
(Vs. 1-8) and contrary to human methods does not follow a
chronological pattern but a logical one; the continued grace
in the sovereignty of God as sin is intensified. Part one
deals with the providence of God in the wilderness (9-39)
and part two with the power of God in delivering them from
Egypt (Vs. 40-53) and in giving them the land (54-64).
Notice as the psalm progresses the psalmist sharpens the
focus on the sovereignty of God until it reaches its acme in
the heart of God manifested in his work (Vs. 72 cf. Vs. 61).

2. The Shame of History is the Sinfulness of

God’s People
Asaph gives an honest representation of the story of his
people and in doing so we may take it as a confession of sin
(cf. Neh. 1:6; Dan. 9:5-6). The two greatest works of God on
our behalf are regarded with ingratitude (redemption from
Egypt V’s. 40-53; preservation in our inheritance V’s. 54-
64).

3. The Crux of History is the Grace of God.

Old Testament history points to the grace brought in by
Jesus Christ and the New Testament church looks back to
that same manifestation of grace in Christ (John 1:17 cf.
Philippians 1:2, 4:23) as the crux of history. This psalm

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church

 The Message of the Psalms

finishes by looking to the grace of God in the darkest

moment of Israel’s history (Vs. 61 cf. 65ff). Despite what
might seem wisest in the eyes of man, God’s choices are
designed to manifest His grace in Christ (Vs. 67, 68, 70).

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church