781 An Instruction of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law, Incline your ear to sayings of my mouth. 2 I open with a simile my mouth, I bring forth hidden things of old, 3 That we have heard and do know, And our fathers have recounted to us. 4 We do not hide from their sons, To a later generation recounting praises of Jehovah, And His strength, and His wonders that He hath done. 5 And He raiseth up a testimony in Jacob, And a law hath placed in Israel, That He commanded our fathers, To make them known to their sons. 6 So that a later generation doth know, Sons who are born, do rise and recount to their sons, 7 And place in God their confidence, And forget not the doings of God, But keep His commands. 8 And they are not like their fathers, A generation apostate and rebellious, A generation! it hath not prepared its heart, Nor stedfast with God 'is' its spirit.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 78:1-8
Commentary on Psalm 78:1-8
(Read Psalm 78:1-8)
These are called dark and deep sayings, because they are carefully to be looked into. The law of God was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their children, that the church may abide for ever. Also, that the providences of God, both in mercy and in judgment, might encourage them to conform to the will of God. The works of God much strengthen our resolution to keep his commandments. Hypocrisy is the high road to apostacy; those that do not set their hearts right, will not be stedfast with God. Many parents, by negligence and wickedness, become murderers of their children. But young persons, though they are bound to submit in all things lawful, must not obey sinful orders, or copy sinful examples.