Psalm 78 (77):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The text appears to refer to two distinct groups, one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament. The implication is that the former received the commandments to pass them down to their descendants, but they neither understood nor followed them. Instead, they received those commandments so that a new generation could comprehend what previous generations failed to grasp. Those who are born anew and rise in Christ are emphasized, for the ones who were merely born did not rise due to their hearts being focused on earthly matters rather than heavenly. True rising is associated with Christ, as expressed in the scripture: "If ye are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above" (Col. 3:1).

The offspring that are brought forth. This indicates the sacred followers of the Savior, who, through the wonders accomplished by Christ, would guide others to faith, referring to those who have come to believe through their influence.

"‘Instead of your fathers, sons have been born to you’ (Psalm 44:17). We are their offspring. They have conveyed this to us, and we share it with our own children. We belong to their lineage."

In the same way, the offspring, having received this wisdom from their ancestors, passed it on to their own children, and the remembrance of these teachings remained indelibly etched in their hearts.

In this passage, the author explains why parents share the wonders of God with their children: so that future generations may come to understand these truths, including those who will be born later. It emphasizes the importance of passing down these accounts from one generation to the next, ensuring that their memory endures through time. Athanasius notes that this reflects the holy disciples of the Savior, who shared the miraculous works of Christ with those who believed through their witness. Isychius highlights that this message pertains to the Gentiles, who had yet to embrace holiness but would come to life through baptism, aptly termed as those who are born anew. True knowledge of God involves sharing wisdom with others and fostering faith through teaching the commandments. This was exemplified by believers in Christ, who shared the knowledge of God freely, in contrast to those before them who sought to exclude others. They were instead called to place their faith in God.

What type of sons are referred to? ‘The sons that are destined to be born.’ Notice what the prophet declares concerning the Gentiles. At that time, they had not yet been brought into the true worship of the Lord, but rather were reborn through baptism; thus, it is fitting to describe them as the sons that come into being. Having fallen into idolatry, the prophet accurately predicts their resurrection through faith in Christ: ‘And they shall rise, and shall tell their sons of these things, that they may put their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, and seek His commandments.’

The term "law" here does not refer to the moral law outlined in the previous verse but to a specific statute established for the purpose of ensuring that the Israelites, in remembering their liberation from Egypt, would maintain their obedience to God eternally. The Prophet conveys in the initial verse that God not only redeemed the Israelites with great power but also solidified this grace through a law so that it would be permanently etched in their hearts. In the subsequent verse, He affirms His statement regarding the transmission of doctrine through successive generations, highlighting that this law was intended not just for one generation but was to be passed down from parents to their offspring, akin to a cherished inheritance.

This Psalm of David, rich in prophetic insight, was delivered to Asaph, the principal musician, so that he could proclaim it for everyone's understanding. It reflects on the countless blessings bestowed by God Almighty upon the ungrateful lineage of the Jews, admonishing them for their lack of gratitude while encouraging others to express thanks for the profound and ineffable humanity of God, especially as manifested through Jesus Christ, who believes in His name. In this psalm, the prophet David expresses sentiments as if he speaks on behalf of Christ, urging Christian believers to be attentive to the teachings of the Gospel.