Psalms 78:3-7
v. 3: The psalmist reminds us that these stories are old and true: “Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us”. We should respect what our parents and ancestors have taught us, especially if it is about God’s works and promises. v. 4: He promises, “We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he has done”. It is our duty to pass on what we know about God—not just to our own children, but to all who come after us. The most important things to teach are God’s power and the great things he has done. v. 5: The psalmist explains, “He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children”. God gave his people laws and promises and told them to teach these things to every generation (see Deuteronomy 6:7, 20 a). The church should always continue, with each new generation teaching the next about God. v. 6: This is so, “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children”. Faith and knowledge of God should be passed down, so that God’s people will never disappear from the earth. v. 7: The goal is, “That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments”. When people remember what God has done, they will trust him and obey his laws. Remembering God’s works gives us hope and helps us stay faithful.
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