Psalms 78:1

“Give ear, O my people, etc.] The Jews were Christ’s people, he descending from their fathers according to the flesh; they were his own, to whom he came, though rejected by them; they were his nation and people that delivered him up into the hands of the Romans; (see <450904>Romans 9:4,5 <430111> John 1:11 18:35) thus it is usual with persons to call those, who are of the same nation with them, their people, (<170703>Esther 7:3,4 <240901>Jeremiah 9:1,2) and especially for kings to call their subjects so; (see <132802>1 Chronicles 28:2 29:14), and such was Christ; he was King of the Jews, though they would not have him reign over them; and therefore he here speaks as one having royal…”

“This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (Jer 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief. (Psa 79:1-13) (Compare Psa 74:2-7).”

“Give ear, O my people - This is not an address of God, but an address of the king or ruler of the people, calling their attention to an important subject; to wit, his right to rule over them, or showing why the power had been vested in him. To my law - The word law here seems to mean what he would say, as if what he should choose to say would have the force and authority of law. What follows is not exactly law in the sense that it was a rule to be obeyed; but it is something that is authoritatively said, and should have the force of law. Incline your ears ... - Be attentive. What is to be said is worthy of your particular regard. Compare the notes at Psalms 5:1. return to 'Top of Page'”

“My law - The doctrine which I am about to deliver. Psalms 78:2”

“Ps 78 This wisdom psalm exhorts the people to learn wisdom and faithfully pass it on. 78:1-8 The prologue is an invitation to learn wisdom.”

“Psa 49:1-3, Psa 51:4; Jdg 5:3; Pro 8:4-6; Isa 51:4, Isa 55:3; Mat 13:9 Psalms 78:2”

“The poet begins very similarly to the poet of Ps 49. He comes forward among the people as a preacher, and demands for his tra a willing, attentive hearing. תּורה is the word for every human doctrine or instruction, especially for the prophetic discourse which sets forth and propagates the substance of the divine teaching. Asaph is a prophet, hence Psa 78:2 is quoted in Mat 13:34. as ῥηθὲν διὰ τοῦ προφήτου. (Note: The reading διὰ Ἠσαΐ́ου τοῦ προφήτου is, although erroneous, nevertheless ancient; since even the Clementine Homilies introduce this passage as the language of Isaiah.) He here recounts to the people their history מנּי־קדם, from that Egyptaeo-Sinaitic age of yore to which…”