Verses 1–2
Psa 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.
1. my people ... my law--the language of a religious teacher (Psa 78:2; La 3:14; Ro 2:16, 27; compare Psa 49:4). The history which follows was a "dark saying," or riddle, if left unexplained, and its right apprehension required wisdom and attention.
Verses 3–8
3-8. This history had been handed down (Ex 12:14; De 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 (Psa 78:7, 8) negative form.
Verses 9–11
9-11. The privileges of the first-born which belonged to Joseph (1Ch 5:1, 2) were assigned to Ephraim by Jacob (Ge 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 (Nu 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 Ho 5:3-14; 11:3-12). Though a strong, well-armed tribe, and, from an early period, emulous and haughty (compare Jos 17:14; Jud 8:1-3; 2Sa 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 (Ex 23:24; De 31:16; 2Ki 17:15).
Verses 12–14
12-14. 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 (Nu 13:22; Is 19:11).
Verses 15–16
15-16. There were two similar miracles (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11).
great depths--and--rivers--denote abundance.
Verses 17–20
17-20. yet more--literally, "added to sin," instead of being led to repentance (Ro 2:4).
Verse 21
21. fire--the effect of the "anger" (Nu 11:1).
Verse 22
Verses 23–29
23-29. (Compare Ex 16:11-15; Nu 11:4-9).
Verses 30–32
30-31. not estranged ... lust--or, "desire"--that is, were indulging it.
Verses 33–39
33-39. 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.
Verses 40–42
40-41. There were ten temptations (Nu 14:22).
Verses 43–44
43. wrought--set or held forth.
Verse 45
45. The dog-fly or the mosquito.
Verse 46
46. caterpillar--the Hebrew name, from its voracity, and that of--
locust--from its multitude.
Verses 47–48
47-48. The additional effects of the storm here mentioned (compare Ex 9:23-34) are consistent with Moses' account.
Verse 49
49. evil angels--or, "angels of evil"--many were perhaps employed, and other evils inflicted.
Verses 50–51
50-51. made a way--removed obstacles, gave it full scope.
Verses 52–54
52-54. made his ... forth--or, brought them by periodical journeys (compare Ex 15:1).
Verse 55
55. 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 De 6:11).
Verses 56–57
56-57. a deceitful bow--which turns back, and so fails to project the arrow (2Sa 1:22; Ho 7:16). They relapsed.
Verse 58
58. Idolatry resulted from sparing the heathen (compare Psa 78:9-11).
Verses 59–60
59-60. heard--perceived (Ge 11:7).
abhorred--but not utterly.
Verse 61
61. his strength--the ark, as symbolical of it (Psa 96:6).
Verse 62
62. gave--or, "shut up."
his people--(Psa 78:48; 1Sa 4:10-17).
Verse 63
63. fire--either figure of the slaughter (1Sa 4:10), or a literal burning by the heathen.
given to marriage--literally, "praised"--that is, as brides.
Verse 64
64. (Compare 1Sa 4:17); and there were, doubtless, others.
made no lamentation--either because stupefied by grief, or hindered by the enemy.
Verse 65
65. (Compare Psa 22:16; Is 42:13).
Verse 66
66. And he smote ... part--or, "struck His enemies' back." The Philistines never regained their position after their defeats by David.
Verses 67–68
67-68. tabernacle of Joseph--or, "home," or, "tribe," to which--
tribe of Ephraim--is parallel (compare Re 7:8). Its pre-eminence was, like Saul's, only permitted. Judah had been the choice (Ge 49:10).
Verse 69
69. Exalted as--
high palaces--or, "mountains," and abiding as--the earth.
Verses 70–72
70-72. God's sovereignty was illustrated in this choice. The contrast is striking--humility and exaltation--and the correspondence is beautiful.