Psalm 78 (77):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Where can it be found that God displayed wondrous acts before their ancestors? Might it be that they were present in spirit? This reflects what the Lord refers to in the Gospel, for all are alive through Him (Lk 20:38). Alternatively, could it be more accurately considered in reference to the forefathers of Moses and Aaron and the other leaders, of whom Scripture asserts that they too were endowed with the Spirit, which Moses received, to aid him in guiding and supporting the same people (Num 11:17)? Why, then, are they not referred to as fathers? This term does not equate to God being the one Father, who brings forth to life through His Spirit those who He makes heirs of eternal life, but rather it is used here in recognition of age and conscientious nurturing.

In the presence of their ancestors, I have performed marvels. Similarly, it is noted that they have neglected the blessings and miracles of Christ just as their forebears overlooked the wonders God worked in Egypt during their deliverance. The phrase "before their fathers" appears to imply this connection. The Psalmist clearly conveys that through their wicked enthusiasm, they have mirrored their ancestors; just as they forgot God, so too have they forsaken His deeds.

Reflect on the meaning of Scripture. Just as the psalmist recalls the history of the sons of Ephraim, stating, “I will open my mouth in a parable, I will expound the reasoning from the beginning,” this indicates use of allegorical language. “The wonders which before their fathers He did in the land of Egypt, in the field of Tanaos: He divided the sea, and led them through, and set the waters as in a furze; and brought them out in a cloud by day” (Psalms 77:12-14). Some may argue that this interpretation imposes a forced meaning on Scripture, as it simply recounts the experiences of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. It is noted that the ten tribes abandoned God and turned to idolatry by worshipping golden calves.

In the presence of their ancestors, who performed wonders, he specifies the time and location. In the region of Egypt, specifically in the land of Taneos, all the marvelous acts of God that were carried out in Egypt, witnessed by their forefathers, have been forgotten by them.

Before their ancestors, who performed wonders. He indicates that He performed miracles in the presence of the forefathers of the later Israelites. This also refers to the location where God accomplished these acts—in the land of Egypt, specifically in the region of Tanis. Tanis was an Egyptian city that served as the capital of Pharaoh's realm, as noted by Theodoret, and about which Isaiah mentions, ‘The princes of Taneos were made poor’ (Isaiah 19:13). Moses does not cite the name Tanis in the book of Exodus; however, David, as a prophet, was likely aware of it from the book of Numbers, which states, "And Hebron was built seven years, before Tanis of Egypt" (Num. 13:23). He may have also had knowledge of it through other apocryphal texts or Egyptian histories.

In summary, the prophet reminded them of all the wonders accomplished in Egypt, for which he chastises them due to their forgetfulness. Had they not succumbed to immense ingratitude, they would not have abandoned their Benefactor. They had overlooked the blessings and miraculous events their ancestors witnessed firsthand, particularly the signs he mentions that occurred in the region of Taneos. This area was certainly one of Pharaoh's oldest and greatest dominions. The Scriptures attest to the ancient nature of Taneos compared to the others, as seen in Numbers 13:23, referring to Pharaoh's realm.

In light of the assertion that the descendants of Ephraim have strayed into wickedness for having overlooked the miraculous deeds of God, the discourse continues in reference to them. Additionally, there is a pertinent mention of their forefathers—the early ancestors of the Israelite people—sharing in the same moral failing, illustrating that from the outset, they were all disobedient and corrupt. Initially, he recalls the signs and wonders performed in the depths of Egypt prior to the people's liberation. He specifically names Taneos, the principal city, to provide clearer insight into the miracles. Next, he recounts the miraculous crossing of the sea, describing how the natural order was altered as the waters ceased their flow, rising up like towering mountains.

This Psalm, attributed to David and rich in prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the lead singer, so that he could convey its meaning to all, reflecting on the countless blessings bestowed by God Almighty upon the ungrateful lineage of the Jews. It serves to admonish them for their thanklessness and to instruct others to express gratitude for the extraordinary compassion of God, particularly as exemplified by Christ the Lord for those who believe in His name. In this psalm, David speaks as though representing Christ, encouraging Christian believers to pay attention to the teachings of the Gospel (Chrysostom, Theodoret, Athanasius).