Psalms 78:2

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Verse

Psalms 78:1 Psalms 78:2 Psalms 78:3 Psalms 78:4 Psalms 78:5 Psalms 78:6 Psalms 78:7 Psalms 78:8 Psalms 78:9 Psalms 78:10 Psalms 78:11 Psalms 78:12 Psalms 78:13 Psalms 78:14 Psalms 78:15 Psalms 78:16 Psalms 78:17 Psalms 78:18 Psalms 78:19 Psalms 78:20 Psalms 78:21 Psalms 78:22 Psalms 78:23 Psalms 78:24 Psalms 78:25 Psalms 78:26 Psalms 78:27 Psalms 78:28 Psalms 78:29 Psalms 78:30 Psalms 78:31 Psalms 78:32 Psalms 78:33 Psalms 78:34 Psalms 78:35 Psalms 78:36 Psalms 78:37 Psalms 78:38 Psalms 78:39 Psalms 78:40 Psalms 78:41 Psalms 78:42 Psalms 78:43 Psalms 78:44 Psalms 78:45 Psalms 78:46 Psalms 78:47 Psalms 78:48 Psalms 78:49 Psalms 78:50 Psalms 78:51 Psalms 78:52 Psalms 78:53 Psalms 78:54 Psalms 78:55 Psalms 78:56 Psalms 78:57 Psalms 78:58 Psalms 78:59 Psalms 78:60 Psalms 78:61 Psalms 78:62 Psalms 78:63 Psalms 78:64 Psalms 78:65 Psalms 78:66 Psalms 78:67 Psalms 78:68 Psalms 78:69 Psalms 78:70 Psalms 78:71 Psalms 78:72

Psalms 78:2 KJV

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

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Psalms 78:2 Bible Commentary

Psalms 78:2 Commentary

Verse: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old."

Introduction

This verse serves as a preface to one of the most significant psalms penned by Asaph. It sets the tone for a profound meditation on the history of Israel, revealing both the works of God and the people's responses to Him. The phrase "dark sayings" indicates deeper meanings that require contemplation and discernment.

Interpretations of "Parable"

According to Matthew Henry, this notion of "parable" signifies that the truths communicated in this psalm are not merely straightforward teachings but rather layered illustrations requiring thoughtful reflection. Asaph’s purpose is to engage his audience, prompting them to delve deeper into spiritual truths.

Albert Barnes sheds light on the importance of this literary form in conveying divine truths. He comments that parables are effective in revealing secrets of the Kingdom of God and often invite listeners into a more profound understanding through analogy and metaphor. Thus, the psalmist's choice of words indicates a powerful intention to engage the heart and mind of his audience selectively.

Understanding "Dark Sayings"

The term "dark sayings" can evoke confusion, yet Adam Clarke elucidates this concept by framing it as truths that are veiled or complex in nature. These "sayings" represent ancient wisdom, rooted in historical experiences and covenant relationships with God, which require careful study and introspection to grasp fully.

In a similar vein, Matthew Henry suggests that these dark sayings may refer to "the deep things of God," which are not always readily accessible to all but require earnest seeking. The darkness implies a mystery that, when illuminated by the Holy Spirit, reveals the light of understanding.

The Historical Context

Asaph, as a Levite and chief musician, was deeply concerned with the spiritual decline of Israel. Albert Barnes emphasizes the significance of recounting Israel's history—not merely to highlight past failures but to instill hope and encourage future faithfulness. Asaph frames his teaching within the context of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

  • Recollection of History: The psalm begins a narrative that recounts how God dealt with His people from the past, specifically His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
  • Lessons in Obedience: The retelling of Israel’s history serves as a warning against repetition of past mistakes, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises.
  • Encouragement for Future Generations: By recounting the dark sayings, Asaph hopes to pass down wisdom to future generations, fostering a legacy of faith.

Theological Implications

  • Revelation through Parables: This verse touches upon the method of divine revelation through parables, illustrating that God often conceals deep truths that necessitate inquiry.
  • The Nature of Divine Truths: The "dark sayings" represent truths that confront human understanding and challenge the listener to seek deeper insights into God’s character and will.
  • Historical Covenant: The statement underscores the importance of God’s historical dealings with humanity, asserting that understanding God's word includes reckoning with His past actions.

Practical Applications for Believers

For pastors, theologians, and scholars, this psalm is not merely an ancient song but a profound invitation to engage in the ongoing conversation between God and His people. Matthew Henry encourages the reader to approach the text with humility and prayer, seeking the Spirit’s guidance in interpreting the "dark sayings."

Throughout history, believers have found wisdom in the retelling of their faith’s narrative. Albert Barnes posits that in teaching others, we not only solidify our understanding but also honor the ongoing nature of God’s covenant grace.

Conclusion

This verse in Psalms 78:2 lays the foundation for understanding a significant historical and theological narrative. The use of parables and dark sayings invites a deeper exploration of faith and reinforces the responsibility of each generation to learn from its past. The church today is called to heed this call, embracing the teachings of history while striving for a faithful response to God’s revelation.

Psalms 78 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 78:1 Psalms 78:2 Psalms 78:3 Psalms 78:4 Psalms 78:5 Psalms 78:6 Psalms 78:7 Psalms 78:8 Psalms 78:9 Psalms 78:10 Psalms 78:11 Psalms 78:12 Psalms 78:13 Psalms 78:14 Psalms 78:15 Psalms 78:16 Psalms 78:17 Psalms 78:18 Psalms 78:19 Psalms 78:20 Psalms 78:21 Psalms 78:22 Psalms 78:23 Psalms 78:24 Psalms 78:25 Psalms 78:26 Psalms 78:27 Psalms 78:28 Psalms 78:29 Psalms 78:30 Psalms 78:31 Psalms 78:32 Psalms 78:33 Psalms 78:34 Psalms 78:35 Psalms 78:36 Psalms 78:37 Psalms 78:38 Psalms 78:39 Psalms 78:40 Psalms 78:41 Psalms 78:42 Psalms 78:43 Psalms 78:44 Psalms 78:45 Psalms 78:46 Psalms 78:47 Psalms 78:48 Psalms 78:49 Psalms 78:50 Psalms 78:51 Psalms 78:52 Psalms 78:53 Psalms 78:54 Psalms 78:55 Psalms 78:56 Psalms 78:57 Psalms 78:58 Psalms 78:59 Psalms 78:60 Psalms 78:61 Psalms 78:62 Psalms 78:63 Psalms 78:64 Psalms 78:65 Psalms 78:66 Psalms 78:67 Psalms 78:68 Psalms 78:69 Psalms 78:70 Psalms 78:71 Psalms 78:72

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