What I Noticed Today (Psalms 78-80)
Psalm 78
Psalm 78 is considered an instructive psalm in that it relates not only the history of the Israelites relationship with God but a parable of how future generations should conduct themselves.
In verses 1-8, Asaph calls the people together to hear his teaching about the glorious deeds, power, and wonders of God so that the people would not forget the works of the Lord like their forefathers had done.
In verses 9-11, Asaph refers to a battle with the Ephraimites that the Israelites lost because they forgot about God.
In verses 12-72, Asaph describes God’s actions with Israel over their history.
In verses 12-39, the focus is on the Exodus, their time in the desert, and the people’s failure to obey God.
In verses 40-72, the focus is on everything God did from the time of the plagues to David’s installation as king, and the people’s obedience to God.
Psalm 79
In Psalm 79, Asaph describes the devastation of Jerusalem and begs God to deliver them from their enemies.
In verses 1-4, Asaph laments the division of the people, the defilement of the temple, and how the Israelites had been mocked by their enemies.
In verses 5-12, Asaph pleaded with God not to remember the sins of the people, and to not be angry with the Israelites, but to pour out His anger on their oppressors.
In verse 13, Asaph says that once the people were restored, they would praise God forever.
Psalm 80
Psalm 80 is a lament asking God to forgive His people, to no longer be angry with them, and to restore the people.
In verses 1-3, Asaph refers to the Lord as Israel’s shepherd asking that the Lord would restore His people.
In verses 4-7, Asaph’s lament continues asking how long God would continue to discipline His people while their enemies continued to mock them.
In verses 8-14, Asaph metaphorically describes Israel as a vine that God had planted but now was withering.
In verses 15-19, Asaph asked God to look at His vine, cut down and burned, and to restore His vine. Asaph closes with a promise that if God would restore them and bless them, the people would be faithful to Him.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
