Psalm 78 (77):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These statements seem to reflect two distinct groups, one from the Old Testament and one from the New. By expressing this, it is suggested that they were given the commandments to pass down to their descendants; however, they themselves were unaware of or did not follow them, receiving instead a legacy for the next generation to uncover truths that the previous generation overlooked. The descendants who come forth are those who have truly arisen; yet those who were born did not rise because their focus was earthly rather than heavenly. True resurrection is found in Christ, as stated, "If ye are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above" (Col. 3:1). They are encouraged to share these truths with their children, instilling in them a hope in God.

Let them not follow in the footsteps of their ancestors. The apostles, it is said, will proclaim the glory of God to those who have been taught by Him, so that they may pursue His commandments and steer clear of the foolishness of their forefathers. That generation lacked a true heart before God, and they could not be trusted with their spirits. They represent a generation that did not renew their hearts, having failed to establish a steadfast faith in God. Instead of walking in His righteous ways, they chose to defy His divine laws.

Do not let them complain as they did in the desert and face destruction (1 Cor. 10:10). Let them not grumble like the Israelites did and be lost in the wilderness. 'A wicked and cruel generation.' This is not my assertion but that of your prophet. 'A wicked and cruel generation.' 'An adulterous and sinful generation seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah' (Matthew 16:4). Why call it 'perverse?' Because it has become a flawed bow (Ps. 77:57). For a bow, when drawn, is aimed not at the archer, but at adversaries. This same generation, when created by God and wielded as a bow to launch arrows, has devolved into a corrupt bow, dishonoring its Creator. 'A generation that has not changed its heart.' Israel remains flawed to this day.

May they not mirror their ancestors, a hard-hearted and resentful lineage. When they recognize the ungratefulness of their forebears, understanding how often they stirred God's wrath through their disobedience to His commandments, they will be cautious not to follow in their footsteps. This generation has failed to transform their hearts and secure their spirits in God. They lack steadfast faith, showing reluctance to follow the path of righteousness, all while harboring a heart that resists the Lord's ordinances.

So that they do not resemble their forefathers, who were a rebellious and resentful generation. Hence, it is said that the later generation should not be stubborn like the previous one, lacking a steadfast and genuine faith in God’s promises, failing to trust in them during times of hardship, and harboring bitterness from their complaints against God when faced with challenges and temptations. This discontent stemmed from impatience and dissatisfaction with their liberation from Egypt, preferring the comforts of bondage over freedom, as illustrated throughout the book of Numbers. Athanasius notes that the Apostles will proclaim God’s righteousness to those willing to learn, guiding them to seek His commandments and avoid mimicking the disbelief shown by their ancestors.

The Gentiles rightfully claim lineage from the ancestors who emerged from Israel, as Christ was born from them. Among these ancestors, there were righteous individuals, including the prophets and genuine priests, as well as those who falsely bore these titles and were unrighteous. The prophet, addressing the unfaithful and lawless ancestors, explicitly stated that they were a “wicked and distressing generation,” lacking in the righteousness of their hearts and fidelity to God in their spirit. They professed faith solely with their lips, rather than with sincere hearts and a pure spirit; they were obstinate and rebellious, failing to genuinely seek after God, who values the intentions of the soul over mere words spoken from the mouth. To prevent us from following their example, the very law they scorned has been given to us as a means of reminder and correction.

The text explains why God established the aforementioned commandment for His people, instructing that parents teach it to their children and that children pass it on to their offspring. This commandment was intended to prevent the Israelites from placing their trust in foreign deities or bowing to pagan idols to which they were particularly susceptible. Instead, they were to honor the one true God, their Creator, placing their hope solely in Him. They were to remember the miraculous deeds of God, especially His deliverance from Pharaoh, and to earnestly seek to fulfill His will in their actions. This was to guard against following the pattern of ingratitude and disbelief exhibited by their forebears, who, despite receiving God’s abundant favor, remained ungrateful and unfaithful.

This Psalm attributed to David, rich with prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the lead singer, for the purpose of communicating God's countless blessings bestowed upon the ungrateful lineage of the Jews. It serves to admonish them for their lack of gratitude while also teaching others the importance of expressing appreciation for the profound and indescribable compassion of God, particularly as manifested through Christ our Lord, who believes in His name. In this psalm, the prophet David articulates a message that resonates with Christ's followers, urging them to pay attention to the message of the Gospel.