Psalms 78–72
Psalm 78:1-72
Psa.78.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- משכיל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- לאסף: VERB,qal,inf
- האזינה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- תורתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- הטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- אזנכם: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- לאמרי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
Parallels
- Deut. 32:1 (verbal): Both use the formulaic address asking creation/people to give ear and contain the phrase 'the words of my mouth'—a close verbal and thematic echo.
- Ps. 81:8 (verbal): Same imperative 'Hear, my people' and call to instruction; similar speakerly address urging the people to listen.
- Ps. 50:7 (verbal): Begins 'Hear, O my people, and I will speak'—the same opening invocation and promise of spoken instruction as in Ps 78:1.
- Deut. 6:4 (allusion): The Shema ('Hear, O Israel') supplies the foundational summons to listen to divine teaching that Psalm 78 invokes—an overarching thematic parallel.
Alternative generated candidates
- A Maskil of Asaph. Hear, my people, my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
- A Maskil of Asaph. Hear, my people, my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
Psa.78.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אפתחה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- במשל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- אביעה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- חידות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Matthew 13:35 (quotation): Direct NT citation of Ps 78:2: “I will open my mouth in parables…” — Matthew treats Jesus’ use of parables as fulfillment of this verse.
- Luke 8:10 (thematic): Jesus contrasts revelation to disciples and parabolic speaking to others: links the idea of revealing 'secrets' while speaking in parables, echoing Ps 78:2’s 'dark sayings'.
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (thematic): Prophetic explanation for speaking so as to obscure or harden hearing; New Testament authors (and Gospel narratives) connect this dynamic with the function of parables (cf. Matthew/Mark).
- Psalm 78:4 (structural): Immediate context within the same psalm: verse 4 explains the purpose of the parables/'dark sayings' — to teach succeeding generations what was heard from the fathers.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter riddles from of old,
- I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
Psa.78.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שמענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- ונדעם: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- ואבותינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- ספרו: VERB,qal,impv,2,_,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 44:1 (verbal): Shares the same wording and idea—'we have heard with our ears... our fathers have told us'—a near verbal echo about received testimony from ancestors.
- Exodus 10:2 (verbal): God's command that the acts in Egypt be told 'in the ears of your son, and of your son's son,' closely parallels the motif and phrasing of transmitting events to descendants.
- Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (thematic): Instructions for parents to explain God's deeds and commandments to their children when asked—the social and theological practice of passing faith to the next generation.
- Psalm 145:4 (thematic): Declares that 'one generation shall praise your works to another,' expressing the same structural theme of intergenerational transmission of knowledge about God's acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- what we have heard and known, and what our fathers have told us.
- which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
Psa.78.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- נכחד: VERB,niph,perf,3,m,sg
- מבניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m,pl
- לדור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מספרים: VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,pl
- תהלות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועזוזו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- ונפלאותיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:9 (structural): An explicit instruction to guard and teach God's works to the next generation—similar admonition to not hide the acts of God but to pass them on.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (verbal): Commands parents to teach God's words to their children repeatedly, echoing Psalm 78:4's emphasis on telling the next generation.
- Psalm 145:4 (verbal): 'One generation shall commend your works to another' closely mirrors the language and purpose of recounting God's deeds to succeeding generations.
- Psalm 71:18 (thematic): A personal vow to declare God's power to a future generation—shares the same goal of transmitting praise and God's mighty acts across generations.
- Psalm 22:30-31 (thematic): Speaks of posterity and a people yet unborn declaring the Lord's righteousness and works, reflecting Psalm 78:4's focus on telling coming generations about God's wonders.
Alternative generated candidates
- We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the praises of the LORD, his strength and the wondrous works that he has done.
- We will not hide them from their children; we will declare to the coming generation the praises of the LORD, his might, and the wondrous works that he has done.
Psa.78.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ביעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותורה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבותינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cp
- להודיעם: VERB,hiph,infc,3,m,pl
- לבניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:9-10 (verbal): Commands Israel to take care to teach the things God has shown and to tell them to their children—closely parallels Psalm 78:5's emphasis on informing the next generation.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (thematic): Directs parents to keep God's words in their heart and to teach them diligently to their children—same instructional/educational purpose as Ps 78:5.
- Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (verbal): Speaks of laying up God's words and teaching them to children so that future generations learn and fear the LORD—parallels the charge given to the fathers in Ps 78:5.
- Psalm 147:19-20 (verbal): Affirms that God declares his statutes to Jacob and his laws to Israel, echoing the language of establishing testimony and law in Ps 78:5.
- Exodus 13:8 (thematic): Instructs parents to tell their children the meaning of the Passover as a memorial of God's acts—an early example of the obligation to inform children about God's deeds and commands reflected in Ps 78:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- He established a decree in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach their children,
- He established a statute in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach their children;
Psa.78.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- למען: PREP
- ידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יולדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יקמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויספרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לבניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 6:7 (thematic): Commands parents to teach God's words to their children — the same duty of transmitting divine deeds and instruction to the next generation as in Ps 78:6.
- Deuteronomy 4:9-10 (thematic): Warns Israel to remember and tell their children about the day they stood before the LORD — parallel concern to preserve and recount God's acts for those yet to be born.
- Psalm 145:4 (verbal): ‘One generation shall praise your works to another’ — a close verbal and thematic echo emphasizing intergenerational praise and testimony.
- Psalm 22:30-31 (thematic): Speaks of future generations declaring the LORD’s righteousness and of a people to be born who will be told — resonates with Ps 78:6’s motif of passing testimony to coming children.
Alternative generated candidates
- that the next generation might know them, the children yet to be born, and arise and tell them to their children,
- that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children,
Psa.78.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כסלם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ישכחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מעללי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אל: NEG
- ומצותיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,sg
- ינצרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:1 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: 'My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments' echoes Psalms' injunction not to forget God's works and to keep his commandments.
- Deuteronomy 6:12 (thematic): Warning against forgetting the LORD who delivered Israel; thematically parallels the call to set hope on God and not forget his deeds.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 (structural): A charge to take care, remember what one has seen, and teach the next generation—parallels Psalm 78's emphasis on remembering God's acts and passing them on.
- Psalm 106:13 (verbal): Explicitly states 'they soon forgot his works,' offering a stark contrast and close verbal echo to Psalm 78:7's admonition not to forget God's works.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
- that they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
Psa.78.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כאבותם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3mp
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סורר: ADJ,m,sg
- ומרה: CONJ+ADJ,f,sg,abs
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- הכין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- נאמנה: ADJ,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אל: NEG
- רוחו: NOUN,f,sg,prsuf3ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:5 (verbal): Describes a ‘perverse’ generation and children ‘in whom is no faith,’ echoing Ps 78:8’s charge of a rebellious generation lacking faithfulness.
- Exodus 32:8 (thematic): Moses calls Israel ‘a stiff‑necked people’ who quickly turned aside—paralleling Ps 78:8’s portrait of a stubborn, rebellious generation.
- Isaiah 63:10 (verbal): Speaks of the people who ‘rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit,’ closely paralleling Ps 78:8’s clause about a generation not faithful to God’s Spirit.
- Psalm 95:10 (verbal): Speaks of the generation that ‘erred in their heart’ and provoked God for forty years—language very similar to Ps 78:8’s failure to prepare the heart and be faithful.
- Hebrews 3:8–10 (allusion): The NT warns against hardening the heart ‘as in the rebellion,’ citing the wilderness generation’s unfaithfulness—an explicit application of the same theme behind Ps 78:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
- and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Psa.78.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נושקי: VERB,qal,ptcp,-,m,pl
- רומי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הפכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- ביום: PREP
- קרב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:23-24 (verbal): Jacob's blessing describes archers attacking Joseph (ancestor of Ephraim) and the resilience of his 'bow'—verbal imagery of archers and bow linked to Ephraim/Joseph.
- Judges 8:1-3 (thematic): After the campaign against Midian, the men of Ephraim confront Gideon about not being called—shows Ephraim's disputed role and troubled conduct in the aftermath of battle, echoing Ps 78:9's portrait of Ephraim in wartime.
- Judges 12:4-6 (thematic): Conflict between Gilead and Ephraim where many Ephraimites are routed and slain at the fords of Jordan—an episode of Ephraim's military failure/defeat that parallels 'turning back in the day of battle.'
- Hosea 7:11 (thematic): Ephraim is likened to a foolish dove that flees to Egypt and Assyria in crisis—a prophetic indictment of Ephraim's tendency to turn away or flee in times of danger, resonant with Ps 78:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Ephraim, trained archers, turned back on the day of battle.
- The sons of Ephraim, archers skilled with the bow, turned back on the day of battle.
Psa.78.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובתורתו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מאנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Exodus 32:8 (thematic): Describes Israel’s rapid turning away and breach of God’s commands (golden calf episode), thematically matching Ps 78:10’s charge that they did not keep God’s covenant.
- Hosea 6:7 (verbal): States explicitly that Israel ‘transgressed the covenant,’ using covenantal language that closely parallels Ps 78:10’s accusation of not keeping God’s covenant.
- Psalm 106:7–8 (structural): Within the Psalter another communal confession recounts the fathers’ failure to obey God and to keep his covenant, repeating the same tradition and moral judgment found in Ps 78:10.
- Ezekiel 20:13 (verbal): God condemns the people for not walking in his statutes and profaning his Sabbaths—language very similar to Ps 78:10’s refusal to walk in God’s law.
- Deuteronomy 9:12 (allusion): Moses recounts Israel’s corruption and rapid turning aside from the way commanded by God, an event/background alluded to by Ps 78:10’s claim that they kept not the covenant and refused his law.
Alternative generated candidates
- They did not keep the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law;
- They did not keep the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law.
Psa.78.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכחו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- עלילותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ונפלאותיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הראם: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 2:10 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel: a later generation 'knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel,' echoing the theme of forgetting God's deeds.
- Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (thematic): Warning not to forget the LORD after enjoying his blessings; explains the moral and situational context for Israel's forgetting of God's works.
- Deuteronomy 32:18 (thematic): Uses the language of forgetting God ('You forgot the Rock that begot you')—a related motif of ingratitude and failure to remember the divine source and acts.
- Nehemiah 9:17 (verbal): Confessional recounting that the people 'were not mindful of thy wondrous works'; closely echoes Psalm 78:11's language and theme of forgetting God's miracles.
- Psalm 106:7 (thematic): Laments the fathers' failure to 'remember his wonders' (in Egypt and thereafter); Psalm 106 shares Psalm 78's retrospective indictment of Israel's forgetfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- they forgot his doings and the wonders that he had shown them.
- They forgot his works and his wonders that he had shown them.
Psa.78.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- נגד: PREP
- אבותם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פלא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 7:3 (verbal): God says he will 'multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt'—a near verbal antecedent to the Psalm's report of wonders done in Egypt.
- Psalm 105:27 (verbal): Psalm 105 retells the Exodus traditions and speaks of God's wondrous acts in the land of Egypt (including the phrase 'in the field of Zoan'), closely paralleling Psalm 78's wording and theme.
- Psalm 106:22 (verbal): This psalm likewise speaks of God performing 'signs in Egypt' and 'wonders in the field of Zoan,' echoing the same tradition of miraculous acts in Egypt.
- Psalm 78:43 (structural): Later in the same psalm the account is repeated (or summarized) with the same reference to God's signs in Egypt and wonders in the field of Zoan, showing internal repetition/structure.
Alternative generated candidates
- He wrought marvels in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
- In the sight of their fathers he wrought marvels in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
Psa.78.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בקע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ויעבירם: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- ויצב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כמו: PREP
- נד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 14:21–22 (quotation): Narrative account of the parting of the sea—Moses stretches out his hand, the sea is divided, and the people pass on dry ground, closely paralleling the psalm’s description.
- Exodus 15:8 (verbal): In the Song of the Sea the waters are described as heaped up/standing firm at God’s command—poetic language that echoes the psalm’s 'waters like a heap.'
- Psalm 106:9 (thematic): Retells the same deliverance: God rebuked the Red Sea and led Israel through the depths, a thematic reprise of Ps 78:13 in the Psalter’s memory of Exodus.
- Nehemiah 9:11 (verbal): Part of the covenantal confession that repeats the Exodus wording—'You split the sea and made the waters stand like a heap'—closely echoing Ps 78:13.
- Isaiah 63:11–12 (allusion): The prophet’s remembrance of God’s leading of Moses and the people through the sea alludes to the same salvific act described in Ps 78:13, invoking the motif of divine deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- He split the sea and led them through; he made the waters stand like a heap.
- He divided the sea and made them pass through; he made the waters stand like a heap.
Psa.78.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וינחם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- בענן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יומם: ADV
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 13:21-22 (quotation): Direct narrative source: God led Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night—language and imagery echoed in Ps 78:14.
- Exodus 40:36-38 (verbal): Repeats the same motif of the cloud covering the tent by day and fire by night that guided Israel; closely parallels the wording and function in Ps 78:14.
- Numbers 9:15-23 (thematic): Describes the cloud and fire's role in directing Israel's encampments and journeys, reinforcing the theme of divine guidance reflected in Ps 78:14.
- Psalm 105:39-40 (verbal): Parallel psalmic retelling: God 'spread a cloud for a covering' and provided fire by night—uses similar imagery to celebrate the same saving acts mentioned in Ps 78:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- He guided them by day with a cloud, and all night with a light of fire.
- He led them with a cloud by day and all the night with a pillar of fire.
Psa.78.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יבקע: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- צרים: ADJ,m,pl
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כתהמות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:6 (verbal): God causes water to come from the rock for Israel (Moses strikes the rock at Horeb) — closely parallels the imagery of providing abundant water from the rock in the wilderness.
- Numbers 20:11 (verbal): Moses strikes the rock at Meribah and water gushes out — a parallel narrative used as the historical basis for Psalm 78’s depiction of God giving water in the desert.
- Psalm 105:41 (allusion): Retells the wilderness episode: God opened the rock and water gushed, running in the dry places — language and theme echo Psalm 78:15’s portrayal of abundant provision.
- Psalm 114:8 (thematic): Speaks of the rock turning into a pool and flint into a fountain — similar poetic imagery of rock → source of water in the Exodus tradition.
- Isaiah 48:21 (allusion): Refers to God making water flow from the rock so they did not thirst in the desert — a prophetic recall of the same divine act of providing water from the rock.
Alternative generated candidates
- He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
- He split open rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundant as the depths.
Psa.78.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נוזלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מסלע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויורד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כנהרות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:6 (allusion): Narrates the same wilderness miracle—God providing water from the rock for Israel; Psalm 78 recounts and echoes this Exodus episode.
- Numbers 20:11 (verbal): Moses strikes the rock and 'water came out' (וַיֵּצֵא מָיִם), closely matching the language and imagery of water flowing from the rock.
- Psalm 105:41 (quotation): Another psalmic retelling of the wilderness provision: it likewise describes God opening the rock and causing waters to flow for the people; language and theme closely parallel Ps 78:16.
- Deuteronomy 8:15 (thematic): Reflects the theme of God sustaining Israel in the desert—'the rock that poured out water'—used to remind Israel of divine provision during wilderness wanderings.
- Isaiah 43:20 (thematic): Uses similar imagery of God making 'rivers in the desert' and providing water for his people, echoing the motif of transforming barren places into sources of life.
Alternative generated candidates
- He made streams flow from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers.
- He brought streams out of the rock and made waters flow like rivers.
Psa.78.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוסיפו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- לחטא: VERB,qal,inf
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- למרות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בציה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 14:22 (thematic): Describes the Israelites' refusal to trust God and their rebellion in the wilderness, the historical incident underlying Psalm 78’s account of continued sin and rebellion against the Most High.
- Psalm 95:8-9 (allusion): Warns against hardening hearts 'as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah,' alluding to the same wilderness rebellion and testing of God that Psalm 78 recounts.
- Hebrews 3:8-9 (quotation): New Testament citation of Psalm 95’s warning about the wilderness rebellion; uses the same tradition to admonish against unbelief and rebellion toward God.
- Psalm 106:7-8 (thematic): Retells Israel’s faithlessness and provocations in the wilderness and God’s response, paralleling Psalm 78’s depiction of the people sinning and rebelling against the Most High.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet they continued to sin against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
- Yet they continued to sin against him, to provoke the Most High in the desert.
Psa.78.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- בלבבם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp-suf
- לשאל: VERB,qal,inf
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנפשם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff3mp
Parallels
- Exodus 17:7 (verbal): Uses the language of the people 'tempted the LORD' (testing God) in the context of Israel's complaints—closely parallels the phrase and idea of Ps 78:18.
- Numbers 11:4-6 (thematic): Narrative of the Israelites craving meat and complaining in the wilderness—provides the historical episode behind Ps 78:18's mention of asking for food to satisfy their lust.
- Deuteronomy 6:16 (quotation): The explicit command 'You shall not put the LORD your God to the test' — a legal/ethical norm that Ps 78 depicts the people violating by tempting God.
- Psalm 106:14 (verbal): A parallel retelling in the Psalter: 'they lusted in the wilderness and tempted God'—the same tradition and wording echoed from Ps 78.
- Matthew 4:7 (quotation): Jesus cites Deut 6:16 ('You shall not test the Lord your God') when resisting temptation, showing New Testament application of the prohibition against tempting God that Ps 78 records Israel as breaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- They put God to the test in their heart by asking food for their craving.
- They tested God in their heart and asked food for their craving.
Psa.78.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- היוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- לערך: PREP+INF,qal
- שלחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ps.106:14-15 (quotation): Almost verbatim repetition of the complaint: the people ask whether God can provide a table in the wilderness.
- Numbers 11:4-6 (thematic): The congregation grumbles about food in the wilderness—remembering Egyptian provisions and craving variety—parallel to the challenge to God's ability to provide.
- Exod.16:3-4 (verbal): Israel's complaint about lack of food (“Who will give us meat?”) and God's response to provide bread from heaven sets the immediate historical context for the question in Ps.78:19.
- John 6:31 (allusion): Jesus cites the manna story (“Our fathers ate manna in the desert… He gave them bread from heaven”), alluding to God's provision in the wilderness that answers the doubt expressed in Ps.78:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- They spoke against God: “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
- They spoke against God, saying, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?
Psa.78.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- הן: PART
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויזובו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ונחלים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישטפו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הגם: CONJ
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- תת: VERB,qal,inf
- אם: CONJ
- יכין: PNOUN,m,sg
- שאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 17:6 (allusion): Recounts Moses striking the rock at Rephidim so that water comes forth — the historical episode behind Ps 78:20's image of rock struck and water gushing.
- Numbers 20:11 (allusion): Parallel account of Moses striking the rock at Meribah and water issuing forth; later tradition of the same wilderness miracle echoed in Psalm 78.
- Psalm 78:15-16 (structural): Earlier lines within the same psalm describe God splitting the rock and providing abundant water — an internal parallel/repetition of the rock-and-water motif.
- Psalm 105:41 (verbal): Similar language of God opening the rock and causing waters to gush in the wilderness; Psalm 105 retells the Exodus deliverance with imagery akin to Ps 78:20.
- 1 Corinthians 10:4 (thematic): New Testament theological appropriation of the rock/water motif (the rock as Christ) — a thematic reinterpretation of the Exodus/psalmic imagery of spiritual provision.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, he struck the rock so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed; can he also give bread? Will he provide meat for his people?”
- Behold, he struck the rock and waters gushed out; the streams overflowed—can he also give bread? Will he provide meat for his people?"
Psa.78.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לכן: ADV
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתעבר: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נשקה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- ביעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וגם: CONJ
- אף: ADV
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:22 (verbal): Uses nearly identical imagery—'For a fire is kindled in mine anger'—linking God's anger to a consuming fire against Israel's sin, paralleling Ps 78:21's 'a fire was kindled in Jacob.'
- Exodus 32:10 (thematic): God's wrath against Israel for covenant unfaithfulness and the threat of consuming judgment ('let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them') echoes the context and theme of Ps 78:21.
- Nahum 1:6 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD's indignation and fury as like fire ('his fury is poured out like fire'), echoing the fire‑imagery used in Ps 78:21 to describe divine wrath.
- Jeremiah 7:20 (thematic): Declares that God's anger and fury will be poured out on the place for Israel's sins—the same pattern of divine wrath against covenant unfaithfulness reflected in Ps 78:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore the LORD heard and was angry; a fire was kindled against Jacob, and wrath rose against Israel,
- Therefore the LORD heard and was angry; a fire was kindled against Jacob, and wrath also went up against Israel.
Psa.78.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- האמינו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- בטחו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- בישועתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 1:32 (verbal): Moses recounts the wilderness generation's failure to trust God—language and theme parallel 'they did not believe in God' in Psalm 78:22.
- Numbers 14:11,22 (thematic): God rebukes Israel for not believing him after the spies' report; their persistent unbelief and its consequences echo the charge in Psalm 78:22.
- Psalm 106:24 (verbal): In the retelling of Israel's rebellions this psalm says the people 'believed not his word,' using similar vocabulary and portraying the same lack of trust as Psalm 78:22.
- Psalm 95:10–11 (allusion): Psalm 95 recounts Israel's refusal to trust God and the resulting oath that they would not enter his rest—an adjacent account of the same unbelief motif found in Psalm 78:22.
- Hebrews 3:19 (quotation): The New Testament explicitly summarizes the wilderness generation's failure—'they could not enter in because of unbelief'—directly reflecting the accusation of Psalm 78:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- because they did not believe in God and did not put their trust in his salvation.
- For they did not believe in God and did not trust in his salvation.
Psa.78.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שחקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ממעל: ADV
- ודלתי: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 7:11 (verbal): The flood narrative uses the same image—'the windows of heaven were opened'—employing the motif of heaven's portals being opened to release water.
- Genesis 8:2 (verbal): Speaks of God 'closing the windows of heaven' after the flood, a direct counterpart to the image of opening the heavens and showing divine control over those openings.
- Exodus 16:4 (thematic): God promises to 'rain bread from heaven' for Israel; thematically parallels Psalm 78's depiction of God commanding the skies to provide sustenance.
- Deuteronomy 28:12 (verbal): Promises that the LORD will 'open to you his good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain,' echoing the language of heaven being opened to supply blessings/rain.
- Malachi 3:10 (verbal): God's promise 'I will open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing' echoes the same idiom of opened heavens as the source of divine provision.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven;
- Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven;
Psa.78.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וימטר: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- לאכל: INF,qal
- ודגן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.16:4 (quotation): God promises to rain bread from heaven and provides manna for the people — the immediate narrative source for Psalm 78’s statement about manna.
- Ps.105:40 (verbal): Parallel wording and tradition: 'He rained down manna upon them to eat' — a near-verbal reprise of the same event and theme of heavenly provision.
- John 6:31-33 (allusion): Jesus and his audience invoke the Exodus manna as 'bread from heaven'; Jesus contrasts that provision with himself as the true/heavenly bread that gives life.
- Deut.8:3 (thematic): Uses the manna episode to teach dependence on God ('man does not live by bread alone'), linking the miraculous provision of heavenly bread to spiritual instruction and sustenance.
Alternative generated candidates
- and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven.
- he rained down manna for them to eat and gave them the grain of heaven.
Psa.78.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבירים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צידה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לשבע: PREP+NUM,card,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 16:4 (allusion): God promises to 'rain bread from heaven' (manna) as direct provision for Israel—background for Psalm 78's 'bread... he sent them.'
- Exodus 16:15 (verbal): The people identify the substance as 'the bread the LORD has given you to eat,' echoing Psalm 78's language of divinely sent food (manna).
- Psalm 105:40 (thematic): Speaks of God giving 'bread from heaven' and providing quail—parallels Psalm 78's depiction of heavenly bread and abundant sustenance.
- John 6:31-35 (thematic): Jesus cites the manna tradition ('our fathers ate the manna') and contrasts it with himself as the true 'bread of life,' drawing on the same imagery of heavenly bread and divine provision used in Psalm 78.
Alternative generated candidates
- Man ate the bread of the mighty; he sent them food to the full.
- Man ate the bread of the mighty; he sent them food in abundance.
Psa.78.26 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יסע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קדים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וינהג: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- בעזו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- תימן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 10:13 (verbal): God (through Moses) causes an east wind to blow over the land of Egypt — direct verbal parallel to God sending the east wind.
- Exodus 14:21 (verbal): The LORD sends a strong east wind to part the sea; similar image of God controlling an east wind to accomplish his purposes.
- Jonah 4:8 (verbal): God appoints a scorching east wind that blows on Jonah's head — another picture of God directing an east wind to affect events.
- Psalm 104:3-4 (thematic): God is depicted as riding the winds and using winds as his messengers/servants — broader theological parallel about divine control of winds.
- Job 38:24 (allusion): God challenges Job about control of natural forces, including the scattering of the east wind — resonates with the theme of God governing winds.
Alternative generated candidates
- He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens and by his power he guided the south wind.
- He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens and by his power led forth the south wind.
Psa.78.27 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וימטר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- כעפר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכחול: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עוף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כנף: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 16:4 (verbal): God promises to 'rain bread from heaven' (manna) as divine provision—parallels the 'rained on them' imagery and provision of food.
- Exodus 16:13-15 (verbal): Narrative that quail came in the evening and manna in the morning—directly parallels the pairing of winged birds (quail) and heavenly food.
- Numbers 11:31-32 (thematic): The LORD causes a great wind and brings quail in vast numbers for the people to eat—themewise parallel to birds being provided en masse.
- Psalm 105:40 (verbal): Speaks of God raining down manna and giving food from heaven—closely echoes the language and theme of heavenly provision in Ps 78:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- He rained flesh upon them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas;
- He rained flesh on them like dust and winged birds like the sand of the sea;
Psa.78.28 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בקרב: PREP
- מחנהו: NOUN,m,sg,suf
- סביב: ADV
- למשכנתיו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,suf
Parallels
- Numbers 11:33 (thematic): After the people craved quail, God struck them with a severe plague while the meat was still between their teeth — a judgment that falls among the camp, similar to Psalm 78's image of death surrounding the tents.
- Numbers 16:46-50 (structural): In the Korah episode a plague breaks out in the camp and is halted only after Aaron's intervention; parallels Psalm 78's depiction of divine punishment striking the Israelite camp and the priestly/leadership role in responding.
- Exodus 32:35 (allusion): Following the golden calf episode the LORD 'sent a plague' on the people; Psalm 78 recalls the same pattern of Israel's sin in the camp and subsequent divine retribution.
- 2 Samuel 24:15-17 (thematic): After David's census a plague falls on Israel and many die—an instance of large-scale death sent by God on the people that echoes Psalm 78's report of victims falling 'round about their dwellings.'
Alternative generated candidates
- and he let them fall within their camp, all around their dwellings.
- they fell down within their camp, all around their tents.
Psa.78.29 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וישבעו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
- ותאותם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3mp
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 16:12-15 (thematic): God provides food from heaven for the hungry Israelite camp (manna/quail narrative), paralleling the Psalm’s report that they ate and were satisfied by what God gave them.
- Numbers 11:31-34 (thematic): The LORD brings quail in response to Israel’s craving, they eat their fill, but divine judgment follows — closely echoing Ps 78’s sequence of desire granted and subsequent punishment.
- Psalm 106:15 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language — “He gave them their request” — and likewise links God’s grant of Israel’s desire with ensuing disaster, making the same theological point as Ps 78:29.
- 1 Corinthians 10:6-10 (allusion): Paul cites Israel’s wilderness experiences (their eating, lusting, and punishment) as examples for Christians; he alludes to the pattern in Ps 78 where desire is granted but leads to judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
- And they ate and were filled exceedingly; he gave them what they craved.
Psa.78.30 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- זרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- מתאותם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- אכלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- בפיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 11:4-6 (verbal): Describes the people's strong craving for meat and loss of appetite for manna—language of appetite and craving closely parallels Psalm 78's depiction of their greedy demands for food.
- Exodus 16:3-5 (thematic): Israel's complaint about lack of food and God's provision of manna; the episode is the primary background for Psalm 78's account of their appetite and God's response.
- Psalm 105:40 (allusion): Retells the same provision—God gave them quail and bread from heaven—serving as a parallel poetic recounting of Israel's craving and divine supply referenced in Psalm 78.
- Psalm 106:14-15 (verbal): Speaks of Israel 'lusting' in the wilderness and God giving them their request but sending consequences—echoes Psalm 78's theme of craving, testing God, and the mixed outcome of provision and judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet before they had ceased their craving, while their food was still in their mouths,
- Notwithstanding, their craving was not turned from them; while the food was yet in their mouths,
Psa.78.31 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואף: CONJ+ADV
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויהרג: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- במשמניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ובחורי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכריע: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 11:33 (verbal): God 'struck' the people with a great plague after they complained for meat—parallel language and motif of divine plague on Israel for disobedience.
- Exodus 32:35 (allusion): The LORD 'plagued the people' for making the golden calf—Psalm 78 recounts the same episodes of Israel’s sin and God’s lethal punishment.
- Numbers 25:9 (thematic): A plague sent on Israel at Baal‑peor that killed 24,000—another instance of God executing mass death as judgment for Israel's unfaithfulness.
- Exodus 12:29 (thematic): The LORD struck down the firstborn of Egypt—an instance of God smiting many as an act of divine judgment, paralleling the psalm’s emphasis on lethal divine retribution.
- 2 Samuel 24:15 (thematic): A plague sent on Israel in response to David’s sin that killed many (70,000)—another Old Testament example of widespread death as God's punitive action.
Alternative generated candidates
- the anger of God rose against them; he killed the strong and laid low the young men of Israel.
- the wrath of God rose against them and he slew the choicest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.
Psa.78.32 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- חטאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- ולא: CONJ
- האמינו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בנפלאותיו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,m
Parallels
- Numbers 14:11 (verbal): God reproves Israel for provoking Him and not believing despite His presence and works; language and theme of persistent unbelief parallels Ps 78:32.
- Deuteronomy 1:32 (verbal): Moses recounts that the people did not believe the LORD despite His acts on their behalf—near‑identical wording and the same recurrent theme of unbelief.
- John 12:37 (thematic): After Jesus’ many signs, many still would not believe in him; a New Testament instance of the same pattern—refusal to trust despite miraculous wonders.
- Hebrews 3:19 (allusion): The author explains that Israel’s failure to enter God’s rest was due to unbelief, echoing the wilderness tradition and Psalms’ portrayal of persistent unbelief (cf. Ps 78).
Alternative generated candidates
- In spite of all this they still sinned and did not believe in his wondrous works.
- In spite of all this they kept sinning still, and did not believe in his wondrous works.
Psa.78.33 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בהבל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימיהם: NOUN,m,pl,cons,3,m,pl
- ושנותם: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- בבהלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Job 7:6 (verbal): Job: “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope” — closely parallels the image of days being consumed/expended and life passing in futility/without hope.
- Psalm 39:5 (thematic): “Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths…” — reflects the brevity and emptiness of life (days ‘consumed’), echoing the Psalm 78 emphasis on lives wasted in vanity.
- Psalm 90:9-10 (thematic): “For we are consumed by your anger… The days of our years are threescore years and ten” — connects the idea of lives being consumed by divine wrath/trouble and the fleeting, measured nature of human years.
- Isaiah 38:12–13 (allusion): Hezekiah’s lament: “I have sinned; I have been like a moth… my days are past” and imagery of life cut off/removed — parallels the sense of years being taken away and life consumed, with an emphasis on fear/distress.
- Ecclesiastes 1:2 (thematic): “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity” — resonates with the charge that their days were ‘in vanity,’ highlighting the theme of futility and meaninglessness of life when God’s purpose is absent.
Alternative generated candidates
- So their days he consumed in futility and their years in terror.
- So their days were consumed in vanity, and their years in terror.
Psa.78.34 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- הרגם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ודרשוהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ושחרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:29 (verbal): Both verses promise that Israel will seek the LORD after calamity; Deut. 4:29 explicitly uses the language of seeking God and finding him when sought wholeheartedly, echoing Psalm 78:34's 'they sought him.'
- Hosea 6:1-3 (thematic): Hosea calls Israel to 'return to the LORD' and promises his restoration—the same pattern of crisis, seeking/returning, and hoped-for divine response found in Psalm 78:34.
- Joel 2:12-13 (thematic): Joel's summons to 'return to me with all your heart' after judgment parallels Psalm 78:34's motif of people seeking God in the wake of divine chastening.
- Jeremiah 29:13 (verbal): Jeremiah's assurance 'you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart' echoes the verbal motif of seeking God that Psalm 78:34 attributes to Israel after suffering.
- Psalm 106:45 (structural): Psalm 106 recounts the same recurrent pattern—Israel's sin, divine punishment, their cry/return, and God's mercy—mirroring the sequence summarized in Psalm 78:34 within the Psalter's communal-historical tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he slew them they sought him; they returned and sought God earnestly.
- When he slew them, they sought him; they returned and inquired early after God.
Psa.78.35 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזכרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- צורם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- גאלם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,3,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:18 (thematic): Contrasts with Ps 78:35: Deut 32:18 speaks of forgetting “the Rock who begot you,” highlighting the theme of remembering/forgetting God as rock and protector.
- Psalm 18:2 (verbal): Uses the same imagery: “The LORD is my rock… my deliverer,” combining the motifs of God as rock (צוּר) and as deliverer/redeemer (גֹאֵל).
- Exodus 6:6 (verbal): God’s self-declaration to Israel — “I will redeem you” — parallels the designation of God as Israel’s redeemer (גאל) in Ps 78:35.
- Job 19:25 (verbal): “For I know that my Redeemer lives” echoes the personal/communal trust in a living Redeemer; connects to the assertion that the Most High is their redeemer.
- Isaiah 44:6 (allusion): God is called both King and Redeemer (“the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer”), paralleling the dual titles in Ps 78:35 of God as rock/stronghold and as the Most High who redeems.
Alternative generated candidates
- They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.
- They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.
Psa.78.36 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפתוהו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- בפיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl+PRON,3,m,pl
- ובלשונם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:3,m,pl
- יכזבו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 5:9 (verbal): Uses near-identical language about the wicked flattering with their tongue and having no faithfulness in their mouth ('they flatter with their tongue'), echoing Ps 78:36's motif of deceitful speech.
- Psalm 12:2 (thematic): Speaks of 'flattering lips' and duplicitous speech ('with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak'), thematically parallel to Israel's verbal deception in Ps 78:36.
- Romans 3:13 (quotation): Paul quotes OT language about deceitful tongues ('Their throat is an open grave... with their tongues they have practiced deceit'), echoing the same condemnation of lying speech found in Ps 78:36.
- Isaiah 59:3 (thematic): Describes lips that 'have spoken lies' and a tongue that 'mutters perverseness,' paralleling Ps 78:36's charge that the people lied with their tongues and flattered with their mouths.
Alternative generated candidates
- But they flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues.
- But they flattered him with their mouth and lied to him with their tongue.
Psa.78.37 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ולבם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- נאמנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בבריתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Hosea 6:7 (verbal): Uses explicit language about transgressing the covenant—'they transgressed the covenant'—directly echoes Israel's unfaithfulness to God's covenant in Psalm 78:37.
- Deuteronomy 31:16 (thematic): God predicts the people will forsake him and 'break my covenant,' thematically parallel to hearts not being steadfast or faithful to the covenant.
- Psalm 95:10 (thematic): Speaks of a generation that 'erred in their heart' and did not know God's ways—echoes the idea of hearts not being right/steadfast with God.
- Hebrews 3:12 (allusion): New Testament warning about an 'evil, unbelieving heart' turning away from the living God echoes the OT motif of unsteady, unfaithful hearts and covenant infidelity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
- Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
Psa.78.38 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- רחום: ADJ,m,sg
- יכפר: VERB,pi'el,impf,3,m,sg
- עון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ישחית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והרבה: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg,pref_vav
- להשיב: VERB,qal,inf
- אפו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff3ms
- ולא: CONJ
- יעיר: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- חמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+pr,3,m
Parallels
- Exodus 34:6-7 (verbal): Directly echoes the covenantal description of God as 'merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth' who forgives iniquity—language that Psalm 78 recalls in speaking of God's mercy and restraint of anger.
- Numbers 14:18 (verbal): Uses similar wording about the LORD's patience and mercy—'The LORD is slow to anger, and of great kindness, forgiving iniquity'—paralleling Psalm 78's emphasis on repeated withholding of full wrath.
- Psalm 103:8-10 (thematic): Same theme of divine compassion and mercy: God 'is merciful and gracious... not always chiding, neither will he keep his anger for ever,' closely matching Psalm 78's statement that God often turns away his anger.
- Nehemiah 9:17 (allusion): Prayerful confession that God is 'merciful, and forgiveth iniquity, and transgression' and repeatedly refrains from destroying Israel—an explicit historical-theological echo of Psalm 78's claim.
- Psalm 86:15 (thematic): Affirms God's compassion and abundant mercy—'The Lord is full of compassion and mercy'—reinforcing the psalmic motif of divine reluctance to enact full punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.
- Yet he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.
Psa.78.39 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזכר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- ישוב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 103:14 (verbal): Both verses stress God's awareness of human frailty—'he remembers that we are dust'—echoing Psalm 78:39's note that humans are flesh and transient.
- Job 7:7 (verbal): Job uses the image 'my life is but a breath/wind,' directly paralleling the 'wind that passes and does not return' simile in Psalm 78:39.
- Isaiah 40:6-8 (thematic): Isaiah's 'All flesh is grass' motif likewise emphasizes human transience and the fleeting nature of life, thematically matching Psalm 78:39's imagery of passing breath/wind.
- Job 14:10-12 (thematic): Job's meditation on death—'man dies... where is he? he shall not return'—parallels Psalm 78:39's emphasis on mortality and the non‑returning departure of life.
- Ecclesiastes 12:7 (thematic): Ecclesiastes pairs body returning to dust and the spirit returning to God; it addresses the same body/spirit mortality theme in Psalm 78:39 and provides a related, sometimes contrasting, perspective on the spirit's destiny.
Alternative generated candidates
- He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breath that does not return.
- He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes and does not return.
Psa.78.40 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כמה: ADV
- ימרוהו: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,pl
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעציבוהו: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,pl
- בישימון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 14:22-23 (verbal): Speaks of Israel testing the LORD in the wilderness and the consequent judgment—language and theme closely parallel Psalm 78:40's charge that they 'provoked'/'grieved' God in the desert.
- Deuteronomy 9:7-8 (thematic): Moses recalls Israel's rebellion and provocation of the LORD at Horeb/in the wilderness, echoing the Psalm's remembrance of repeated provocations.
- Psalm 95:8-9 (thematic): Warns not to harden hearts 'in the day of trial' like the fathers who tested God in the wilderness—same wilderness-testing motif as Ps.78:40.
- Hebrews 3:8-11 (quotation): Quotes and applies the warning of Psalm 95 about the fathers who 'tempted' God in the desert, using the wilderness-testing tradition reflected in Ps.78:40 to admonish believers.
- 1 Corinthians 10:9-10 (allusion): Paul cites Israel's testing and murmuring in the wilderness as warnings for Christians, alluding to the same incidents of provoking God that Ps.78:40 laments.
Alternative generated candidates
- How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!
- How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!
Psa.78.41 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישובו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- וקדוש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התוו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 17:2-7 (verbal): Describes Israel's quarreling and 'testing' the LORD at Massah/Meribah—the same episode and verb ('tested/tempted God') that Psalm 78 recalls.
- Deuteronomy 6:16 (quotation): Command 'Do not test the LORD your God, as you tested him at Massah' directly echoes the rebuke in Psalm 78 against testing/tempting the Holy One of Israel.
- Numbers 14:22-23 (thematic): Speaks of the people's unbelief and repeated testing of God in the wilderness, paralleling Psalm 78's charge that they 'turned back and tempted' the Holy One.
- Psalm 95:8-9 (allusion): Warns 'Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness'—a parallel liturgical/pastoral warning about the same failure to trust God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:9 (thematic): Paul's warning 'we should not put Christ to the test, as some of them did' refers back to Israel's testing of God in the wilderness, using the same tradition critiqued in Psalm 78.
Alternative generated candidates
- Again and again they tempted God and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
- They turned back and put God to the test and limited the Holy One of Israel.
Psa.78.42 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- זכרו: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- א: PRT
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פדם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+3,pl(obj)
- מני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 106:21 (verbal): Explicitly states that the people "forgot God their Savior" who had done great things—direct verbal and thematic echo of failing to remember God's saving hand.
- Deuteronomy 8:14 (verbal): Warns that when you are satisfied you may "forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt," paralleling forgetting God's act of deliverance.
- Judges 2:10-12 (thematic): Describes a new generation that did not know the LORD and "forsook the LORD," illustrating the recurring theme of forgetting God's deeds after deliverance.
- Nehemiah 9:17 (thematic): In the confession of Israel's history the people are accused of refusing to obey and not remembering God's wondrous works—a communal admission that mirrors Psalm 78's charge.
Alternative generated candidates
- They did not remember his hand, the day when he redeemed them from the adversary,
- They did not remember his hand, the day when he redeemed them from the foe,
Psa.78.43 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שם: ADV
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אתותיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ומופתיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 105:27 (verbal): Uses almost identical wording about God performing 'signs' and 'wonders' in the land of Ham/Egypt, repeating the same tradition found in Ps 78:43.
- Exodus 7:3 (verbal): God declares he will 'multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt'—the Exodus source behind the psalm's claim.
- Acts 7:36 (quotation): Stephen summarizes Moses' role, saying he 'brought them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt,' directly echoing the psalmic tradition.
- Psalm 106:7 (thematic): Laments that the ancestors did not remember God's 'wonders in Egypt,' thematically linked to Ps 78's recounting of those mighty acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- when he wrought his signs in Egypt and his wonders in the field of Zoan.
- when he worked his signs in Egypt and his wonders in the field of Zoan.
Psa.78.44 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהפך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאריהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ונזליהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- בל: PART
- ישתיון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 7:20-21 (verbal): The narrative of the first plague—Moses turns the Nile and all the water of Egypt into blood—matches Psalm 78’s account that their rivers were turned to blood and they could not drink.
- Exodus 7:19 (verbal): God’s command to Aaron to stretch out his staff and turn the waters into blood is the originating event that Psalm 78 summarizes.
- Psalm 105:29 (thematic): Psalm 105 retells the Exodus plagues using language very similar to Psalm 78: ‘He turned their rivers into blood, so that they could not drink.’
- Revelation 16:4 (allusion): The third bowl plague—rivers and springs becoming blood—echoes the Exodus motif of waters turned to blood and shows later biblical use of the same imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- He turned their rivers into blood; they could not drink of their streams.
- He turned their rivers into blood so that they could not drink of their streams.
Psa.78.45 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ערב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאכלם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,pl(obj)
- וצפרדע: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותשחיתם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,pl(obj)
Parallels
- Exodus 8:2–6 (verbal): The plague of frogs — Exodus describes God sending frogs upon Egypt, the same plague named (צפרדע) that Psalm 78 recalls.
- Exodus 14:21 (verbal): God sends a strong east wind to accomplish his purpose — Psalm's reference to sending a wind (ערב/east wind) echoes the motif of wind as a divine agent (here used to part the Sea).
- Exodus 10:13 (thematic): God uses a powerful wind to affect Egypt (here to bring/take away the locusts); parallels the Psalm's portrayal of God sending winds and pestilential agents against the people.
- Deuteronomy 32:24 (thematic): Deuteronomy speaks of God sending wasting disease, hunger and destruction as divine judgment — thematically parallels Psalm 78's depiction of God sending destructive agents among the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them.
- He sent among them swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that destroyed them.
Psa.78.46 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחסיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבולם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויגיעם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לארבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 10:12-15 (allusion): The plague of locusts is described as devouring the produce of the land; Psalm 78 recounts the same judgment as part of Israel's remembrance of the Egyptian plagues and wilderness judgments.
- Exodus 9:3-6 (thematic): God sends a deadly disease on the livestock (murrain/pestilence) as a divine judgment; Psalm 78 similarly attributes devastation of flocks and herds to God’s punitive acts.
- Joel 1:4 (thematic): Joel speaks of locusts stripping the land and consuming all growth, using the locust motif as an image of divine judgment—paralleling Psalm 78’s report of locust devastation.
- 2 Chronicles 7:13 (thematic): God warns that if he withholds rain he will bring locusts and pestilence as discipline—echoing Psalm 78’s depiction of God sending plagues/locusts against the people.
- Deuteronomy 28:20-22 (thematic): The covenant curses include pestilence, consumption, and animal disease as consequences of disobedience, matching Psalm 78’s portrayal of such calamities as divine punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- He gave their crops to the caterpillar and the produce of their labor to the locust.
- He gave their crops to the caterpillar and their labor to the locust.
Psa.78.47 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יהרג: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בברד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גפנם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,pl
- ושקמותם: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,mp
- בחנמל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 9:25 (verbal): Describes the hail that 'smiteth every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field' — nearly identical language for vegetation destroyed by a divine storm.
- Psalm 105:32-33 (verbal): Retells the same episode of divine judgment with very similar wording: 'He smote their vines and their fig trees, and brake the trees of their coasts.'
- Joel 1:7 (thematic): Uses the imagery of ruined vines and stripped fig trees to portray agricultural devastation as divine judgment, echoing Psalm 78's theme.
- Deuteronomy 28:23-24 (thematic): Part of the covenant curse predicting blighted skies and ruined crops, providing the covenantal background for descriptions of crop destruction in Psalm 78.
- Isaiah 5:6 (thematic): God's judgment on the vineyard results in it becoming desolate and unproductive, employing vineyard imagery to signal divine punishment similar to Ps 78:47.
Alternative generated candidates
- He struck their vines and their fig trees and shattered the trees of their borders.
- He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamores with frost.
Psa.78.48 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסגר: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לברד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעירם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ומקניהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- לרשפים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 9:23-25 (thematic): Describes the plague of hail in Egypt that struck both people and animals—paralleling Psalm 78:48’s depiction of cattle delivered to hail as divine judgement.
- Psalm 105:32 (verbal): Uses near-identical imagery—'He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land'—echoing Psalm 78’s account of hail and fire against livestock.
- Psalm 18:13-14 (verbal): Portrays God sending out lightnings/hail as weapons against enemies; parallels the verbal imagery of lightning/thunderbolts employed by God in Psalm 78:48.
- Job 38:22-23 (allusion): Speaks of the storehouses/treasures of hail under God’s control, echoing the motif that hail and lightning are instruments of God’s sovereign power and judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- He sent up a blight and mildew; their cattle were devoured.
- He gave up their cattle to the hail and their flocks to bolts of lightning.
Psa.78.49 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- חרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff3ms
- עברה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- וזעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצרה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משלחת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלאכי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- רעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 24:15-16 (verbal): God sends a destroying angel/ pestilence against Israel (the angel 'smote the people'); like Ps 78:49 this links divine wrath and an angelic agent of destruction.
- 1 Chronicles 21:14-15 (quotation): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 24 where the angel of the LORD is poised to destroy Jerusalem until God relents—same motif of an angel executing God's wrath.
- Isaiah 37:36 (cf. 2 Kings 19:35) (verbal): The angel of the LORD goes out and strikes the Assyrian camp—an explicit instance of an angel as instrument of divine wrath, echoing Ps 78:49's 'messengers of evil'.
- Deuteronomy 32:22-25 (thematic): God's fierce anger is portrayed as a consuming fire and calamities sent upon the wicked (pestilence, arrows, terror), thematically matching the psalm's language of wrath and judgment.
- Revelation 16:1 (structural): The sending of angels to pour out God's bowls of wrath reflects the same structural idea—angelic agents dispatched to execute divine indignation as in Ps 78:49.
Alternative generated candidates
- He let loose the fury of his anger, the wrath, indignation, and distress, a host of destroying angels.
- He let loose on them the hot displeasure of his anger, indignation and distress—a company of destroying angels.
Psa.78.50 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יפלס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נתיב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאפו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- חשך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממות: PREP,NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפשם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- וחיתם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- לדבר: INF,qal
- הסגיר: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 12:29 (quotation): The direct narrative of the plague: God struck down all the firstborn in Egypt — the historical event Psalm 78 recounts.
- Exodus 11:4-5 (allusion): Moses' proclamation that God will slay every firstborn in the land of Egypt; Psalm 78 echoes this announced judgment.
- Psalm 105:36 (verbal): A closely parallel retelling elsewhere in the Psalter using nearly identical language about striking down the firstborn in the tents of Ham (Egypt).
- Psalm 135:8 (verbal): Another psalm that repeats the same motif and phrasing, emphasizing God's destruction of Egypt's firstborn as part of his redeeming acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- He prepared the path of his anger; he did not spare their soul from death but gave their life over to the pestilence;
- He made a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death, and gave their life over to the pestilence.
Psa.78.51 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- בכור: NOUN,m,sg,const
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ראשית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אונים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- באהלי: PREP+NOUN,pl,m,cons
- חם: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 12:29 (quotation): Narrates the same event: at midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt—direct narrative parallel to Psalm 78:51.
- Exodus 11:5 (quotation): Moses' warning that all the firstborn in Egypt would die, including the firstborn of Pharaoh—predictive form of the same judgment echoed in the psalm.
- Psalm 105:36-37 (thematic): Retells the Exodus plagues and explicitly states that God smote the firstborn in Egypt and brought Israel out, echoing Psalm 78's recounting of the event.
- Psalm 136:10 (verbal): Litanic thanksgiving line—'who struck Egypt in their firstborn'—uses very similar wording and theme of God's act against Egypt's firstborn.
Alternative generated candidates
- he struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.
- He struck down every firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of their vigor in the tents of Ham.
Psa.78.52 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כצאן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וינהגם: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- כעדר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ps.77:20 (verbal): Uses the same image and near-identical language — 'You led your people like a flock' — explicitly linking God's guidance of Israel in the wilderness.
- Exod.13:21-22 (structural): Narrative description of God's guidance of Israel through the wilderness (pillar of cloud by day and fire by night), the underlying historical event Psalm 78 recounts.
- Isa.63:11 (allusion): Speaks of 'the shepherd of his flock' who brought Israel up out of the sea, echoing the shepherd/flock motif applied to God's leading of Israel.
- Ezek.34:11-12 (thematic): Portrays God as a shepherd who seeks, gathers and leads his scattered sheep — a thematic parallel to God leading Israel 'like a flock' in the wilderness.
- John 10:3-4 (thematic): Jesus' shepherd imagery — the shepherd who calls and leads his sheep — resonates with the Psalm's metaphor of God leading Israel as a flock.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he led out his people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.
- But he led out his people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.
Psa.78.53 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וינחם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבטח: ADV
- ולא: CONJ
- פחדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- אויביהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- כסה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הים: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
Parallels
- Exodus 14:27-28 (quotation): Describes the waters returning and covering Pharaoh’s chariots and horsemen — a direct narrative parallel to Psalm 78’s claim that God 'covered their enemies with the sea.'
- Exodus 15:4-5 (verbal): The Song of Moses celebrates God casting the enemy into the sea ('Pharaoh’s chariots and his host'), language echoed in Psalm 78’s depiction of the sea covering Israel’s foes.
- Psalm 106:9-10 (thematic): Retells the Red Sea episode — God rebukes the sea and delivers Israel from its enemy — echoing the same deliverance motif found in Psalm 78:53.
- Isaiah 63:11-12 (allusion): Recollects the LORD’s saving acts 'by the right hand of Moses' and leading through the sea, echoing Psalm 78’s themes of divine rescue and the 'right hand' motif present in the surrounding context.
Alternative generated candidates
- He led them safely, so that they feared not; but the sea overwhelmed their foes.
- He led them safely, so that they feared not; the sea covered their enemies.
Psa.78.54 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויביאם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- קדשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- קנתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ימינו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3ms
Parallels
- Exodus 15:17 (verbal): Speaks of bringing the redeemed to God’s own mountain/holy habitation—closely parallels the language of bringing Israel to 'this mountain' as God’s sanctuary.
- Exodus 15:13 (verbal): God 'guided them by your strength to your holy habitation'—directly parallels the theme of God leading the redeemed into his holy boundary/place.
- Psalm 44:3 (verbal): Attributes Israel’s possession of the land to God's act—'not by their sword... but your right hand' echoes 'this mountain which his right hand had gotten'.
- Deuteronomy 32:9 (thematic): Portrays Israel as the LORD’s allotted possession/portion—parallels the idea of God bringing and assigning a holy territory to his people.
- Psalm 132:13-14 (thematic): Declares the LORD has chosen Zion as his dwelling/holy mountain—resonates with the image of God bringing people to and establishing them on his holy mountain.
Alternative generated candidates
- He brought them to his holy border, to this mountain which his right hand had taken.
- And he brought them to his holy border, to this mountain which his right hand had won.
Psa.78.55 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגרש: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
- מפניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויפילם: VERB,hiph,imperf,3,m,sg
- בחבל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישכן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- באהליהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:43 (verbal): Describes the LORD giving Israel all the land and their settling there—parallels the image of God driving out nations, allotting the land, and the tribes dwelling in their tents.
- Numbers 33:54 (verbal): Commands Israel to dispossess the inhabitants and divide the land by lot as an inheritance—language closely matching 'drove out the nations' and 'apportioned by lot' in Psalm 78:55.
- Psalm 105:44-45 (thematic): Retells the same salvation-history motif: God gave the lands of the nations to Israel so they might keep his statutes—echoes the giving of territory and Israel’s settlement.
- Psalm 135:10-12 (thematic): Speaks of God overthrowing kings and giving their land as an inheritance to Israel, paralleling the conquest and allotment language of Psalm 78:55.
Alternative generated candidates
- He drove out the nations before them and apportioned them an inheritance by measure, and made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tents.
- He drove out nations before them and apportioned them an inheritance by lot; he settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
Psa.78.56 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- וימרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עליון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ועדותיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 17:7 (verbal): The people 'tested the LORD' at Massah (Heb. asked, 'Is the LORD among us?'), using the same verb/theme of testing/tempting God as Ps 78:56 (וינסו/they tested).
- Numbers 14:22 (verbal): God charges Israel, 'they have tempted me now these ten times,' directly echoing the language of provoking/testing the LORD and refusing to trust/obey him found in Ps 78:56.
- Deuteronomy 9:7 (allusion): Moses recalls how Israel 'provoked the LORD' in the wilderness and turned away from his ways—an explicit retrospective allusion to the same rebellion and failure to keep God's testimonies described in Ps 78:56.
- Isaiah 63:10 (thematic): 'They rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit' (and he became their enemy) — a prophetic summary of Israel's rebellion and refusal to keep God's ways that parallels the theme of Ps 78:56.
- Hebrews 3:9 (quotation): The NT cites the wilderness 'provocation' (quoting Psalm 95) to warn against unbelief; this quotation parallels Ps 78:56's account of Israel testing God and not keeping his testimonies.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet they tested and rebelled against God the Most High and did not keep his testimonies.
- Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God and did not keep his testimonies.
Psa.78.57 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסגו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויבגדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כאבותם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,3,m,pl
- נהפכו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- כקשת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רמיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 14:22 (verbal): Speaks of the same wilderness rebellion: the people 'tempted' the LORD repeatedly—language and event closely parallel Psalm 78's charge that they 'turned back' and tested God like their fathers.
- Psalm 106:7-8 (thematic): Retells Israel's faithlessness in the exodus/wilderness tradition—the motif 'our fathers sinned' and their unfaithful, unsteady hearts echoes Psalm 78's indictment 'like their fathers.'
- Hebrews 3:9 (quotation): New Testament citation of the wilderness testing: 'When your fathers tempted me,' explicitly alludes to the same episodes of provocation that Psalm 78 summarizes.
- 1 Corinthians 10:9 (allusion): Paul warns Christians not to 'tempt Christ' as some Israelites did—this draws on the same tradition of testing God described in Psalm 78 and the wilderness narratives.
- Psalm 95:8-11 (structural): A warning against hardening the heart 'as in the provocation' of the wilderness; parallels Psalm 78's function as a liturgical/history warning about repeating the fathers' unfaithfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- They turned back and dealt treacherously like their fathers; they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.
- They turned back and acted treacherously like their fathers; they were as deceitful as a bent bow.
Psa.78.58 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכעיסוהו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
- בבמותם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- ובפסיליהם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- יקניאוהו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deut.32.21 (verbal): Uses the same language of provoking God to jealousy with what is not God—close verbal/thematic echo of 'moved him to jealousy.'
- Judg.2.11-12 (thematic): Israel 'served Baalim' and forsook the LORD, provoking his anger; parallels Psalm 78's charge that high places and idols enraged God.
- 2 Kgs.17.11-12 (thematic): Describes Israel's high-place worship and idolatry that provoked the LORD, leading to judgment—directly parallels Psalm 78’s complaint about high places and images.
- Ps.106.28-29 (thematic): Recounting Israel's yokefellowship with Baal‑Peor and consequent provocation of God; a liturgical retelling of the same sin charged in Ps.78:58.
Alternative generated candidates
- They angered him with their high places and provoked him to jealousy with their idols.
- They provoked him with their high places and aroused his jealousy with their carved images.
Psa.78.59 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויתעבר: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- וימאס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 106:40 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language and theme — 'the LORD was stirred up against his people' and 'he abhorred his inheritance,' directly paralleling God's anger and repudiation of Israel.
- Deuteronomy 32:19-20 (thematic): Describes God provoked to jealousy by Israel's idolatry and responding by hiding his face/turning away — a covenantal explanation for divine anger and rejection.
- Exodus 32:10 (thematic): God declares his wrath against the people after their sin (wishing to consume them), echoing the motif of God hearing Israel's sin and becoming furious.
- Psalm 78:21-22 (verbal): Within the same psalm the narrator already reports 'Therefore the LORD heard, and was wroth' — a direct recapitulation of the same response to Israel's rebellion.
- Isaiah 5:25 (thematic): Speaks of God's anger kindled against his people and his hand being stretched out against them — another prophetic statement of divine wrath and judgment on Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- When God heard, he was full of anger and utterly rejected Israel.
- When God heard, he was full of wrath and utterly rejected Israel.
Psa.78.60 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויטש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- שכן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- באדם: PREP
Parallels
- Jeremiah 7:12 (allusion): Explicitly recalls Shiloh as the place where God first caused his name to dwell and declares what was done to it because of Israel’s wickedness—directly echoes the abandonment of the dwelling in Ps 78:60.
- 1 Samuel 3:21 (verbal): States that the LORD revealed himself at Shiloh in earlier times, providing a verbal/historical contrast to Psalm 78’s claim that God abandoned his tent at Shiloh.
- 1 Samuel 4:11 (thematic): Reports the capture of the ark and the death of Eli’s sons—an historical event tied to the loss of God’s presence at Shiloh, thematically linked to the Psalm’s note of God abandoning his dwelling.
- Psalm 74:7 (thematic): Describes enemies breaking down God’s sanctuary and profaning the place where his name was honored; parallels the theme of God’s dwelling-place being laid low and his presence removed.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he forsook the tabernacle at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among men,
- He forsook the tabernacle at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among men.
Psa.78.61 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לשבי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ותפארתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 2:14 (thematic): Both describe the LORD's anger resulting in Israel being delivered into the hands of plunderers/enemies—God handing over the people's power to hostile forces.
- Psalm 106:40–41 (verbal): The psalm recounts God giving Israel into the hands of the nations that hated them; language and theme closely parallel Ps 78:61's 'gave ... into the hand of the enemy.'
- 2 Chronicles 36:17 (verbal): Describes God delivering Judah into the hand of the Chaldeans/Nebuchadnezzar as judgment—an explicit instance of God handing over people and their glory to enemies, echoing Ps 78:61.
- Deuteronomy 28:25 (thematic): Part of the covenant curses promising that disobedience will result in defeat and being delivered into the hand of enemies, providing a legal-theological backdrop for Ps 78:61.
Alternative generated candidates
- and gave his power into captivity, his glory into the hand of the foe.
- He gave his power into captivity and his glory into the hand of the foe.
Psa.78.62 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסגר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ובנחלתו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- התעבר: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 63:10-11 (verbal): Speaks of Israel rebelling and God 'turning to be their enemy,' closely mirroring the language of God giving his people over to the sword and being angry with his inheritance.
- Numbers 14:11-12 (thematic): God expresses wrath at Israel's refusal to enter the land and threatens to destroy and disinherit them—parallel theme of divine anger and handing over the people to judgment.
- Deuteronomy 9:14-15 (thematic): God tells Moses he will destroy the people for provoking him, reflecting the motif of divine anger toward his own inheritance and intent to punish them.
- 2 Chronicles 36:15-17 (thematic): Describes how God gave Judah into the hand of Babylon as punishment, a later historical fulfillment of the pattern expressed in Psalm 78 of God delivering his people to the sword/enemies.
- Psalm 78:59-61 (structural): Immediate context within the same psalm recounting how God's wrath removed his protection, struck their strongholds, and delivered them to the sword—directly parallel and supportive of v.62.
Alternative generated candidates
- He gave his people over to the sword and was furious with his inheritance.
- He gave his people over to the sword and was furious with his inheritance.
Psa.78.63 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בחוריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובתולתיו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- הוללו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 78:62 (structural): Immediate context in the same psalm: vv.62–64 describe God’s wrath on Jacob/Israel and the destruction that leads directly to the fate of the young in v.63.
- Isaiah 13:16 (verbal): Part of a prophetic oracle of judgment that depicts children killed and women violated—parallel imagery of communal devastation leaving young men dead and maidens dishonored or bereft of marriage.
- Joel 1:8–9 (thematic): Laments for maidens and the disruption of normal marriage/bridal life in the wake of divine or military disaster; thematically echoes 'maidens not given in marriage.'
- Ezekiel 7:15–16 (thematic): Announces an imminent doom in which strength and young warriors fall by the sword and the land is exposed to terror—parallels the motif of young men being consumed in judgment.
- Isaiah 3:25–26 (thematic): Describes the aftermath of judgment—men falling by the sword and public mourning—closely parallels the social and demographic disruption expressed in Ps 78:63.
Alternative generated candidates
- Fire consumed their young men, and their young women had no wedding songs.
- Fire consumed their young men; their young women had no marriage songs.
Psa.78.64 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כהניו: NOUN,m,pl,pronominal3ms
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואלמנתיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,pronominal3ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- תבכינה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 4:10-11 (thematic): Narrative account of Israel's defeat in which the ark is captured and Eli’s sons (the priests) are killed—parallels Psalm 78’s image of the sanctuary humiliated and priests falling by the sword.
- Lamentations 2:20 (verbal): Direct lament that priest and prophet are slain in the sanctuary; closely echoes the language and theme of priests killed and the collapse of cultic life in Ps 78:64.
- Psalm 79:2-3 (thematic): Commune lament describing nations profaning the temple and giving the bodies of God’s servants to beasts—parallels the desecration of the sanctuary and death of God’s ministers in Ps 78:64.
- Psalm 74:7-9 (thematic): Complaint about enemies setting God’s sanctuary on fire and the resulting desolation and loss of leadership (no prophet/guide)—resonates with Ps 78:64’s theme of cultic collapse and communal bereavement.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows could not weep.
- Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows could not make lamentation.
Psa.78.65 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כישן: PREP
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- כגבור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתרונן: VERB,hitp,ptc,3,m,sg
- מיין: NOUN,m,pl,construct
Parallels
- Isaiah 42:13 (verbal): God goes forth 'as a mighty man' who cries/shouts in action—language closely mirrors Psalm 78:65's image of the LORD rousing like a warrior who shouts.
- Isaiah 51:9-10 (allusion): The summons 'Awake, awake' and the depiction of God's arm rising in strength echo the motif of God awakening from sleep to act judgment, similar to Ps 78:65.
- Psalm 7:6 (thematic): Prayer for the LORD to 'arise... in wrath' parallels the idea of God rousing himself in anger/efficacy as in Ps 78:65.
- Habakkuk 3:2,6,13 (thematic): The divine theophany in Habakkuk—God reviving his work, marching forth in wrath like a warrior and striking the nations—resonates with the image of the LORD awakening as a mighty man to act.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD awoke as one out of sleep, as a giant fuming at wine.
- Then the LORD awoke as one out of sleep, as a mighty man refreshed by wine.
Psa.78.66 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- צריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,sg
- אחור: ADV
- חרפת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 14:27-28 (thematic): God causes the enemy host to be routed and destroyed (Pharaoh’s chariots overwhelmed), echoing Psalm 78’s theme of God striking Israel’s foes and bringing them to shame.
- Psalm 68:1-2 (verbal): Calls for God to arise so his enemies are scattered and put to flight—paralleling the image of God smiting enemies backward and humiliating them.
- Psalm 18:39-41 (18:40-42 MT) (verbal): Describes Yahweh arming the psalmist for battle and making his enemies turn their backs and fall—closely matching the motif of God smiting and routing foes.
- Judges 7:21-22 (thematic): Describe the miraculous rout of the Midianite army when pursuers turned and fled; parallels the depiction of divine intervention that puts enemies to lasting shame.
- Deuteronomy 28:37 (thematic): Warns that disobedience will make Israel ‘a byword and a proverb’ among the nations—a comparable idea to being set under perpetual reproach in Psalm 78:66.
Alternative generated candidates
- He struck down his adversaries backward; he put them to everlasting reproach.
- He struck his enemies backward; he put them to perpetual reproach.
Psa.78.67 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וימאס: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובשבט: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- בחר: VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
Parallels
- Psalm 78:68 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same narrative: after refusing the tent of Joseph/Ephraim the verse goes on to state that God chose the tribe of Judah and Mount Zion (direct parallel within the same Psalm).
- Genesis 49:8-10 (allusion): Jacob's blessing of Judah (the scepter and leadership) provides the background for why God 'did not choose' Joseph/Ephraim for ultimate leadership — Judah is set aside for kingship and rule.
- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (thematic): The pattern of God rejecting the expected or established candidate (Saul) and choosing another from an unexpected house (David of Judah) parallels the theme of divine choice here — God passes over Joseph/Ephraim and assigns leadership elsewhere.
- Hosea 4:17 (allusion): Ephraim is portrayed as guilty and abandoned ('Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone'), echoing the motif of God turning away from the house/tribe of Joseph/Ephraim and withholding his favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- He refused the tent of Joseph and chose not the tribe of Ephraim;
- He abandoned the tent of Joseph and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim.
Psa.78.68 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- את: PRT,acc
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ציון: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:10 (thematic): Judah is presented as the leading tribe (ruler/scepter motif), paralleling Psalm 78’s emphasis on God’s choice of the tribe of Judah.
- 2 Samuel 5:7 (structural): David’s capture of Zion (the city of David) links Mount Zion with Judah’s kingship, reflecting Psalm 78’s selection of Judah and Mount Zion.
- Psalm 132:13-14 (verbal): Explicitly states that the LORD has chosen Zion and desired it for his dwelling—language very close to Psalm 78’s ‘chose… Mount Zion which he loved.’
- Psalm 87:2 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD’s love for the gates/dwellings of Zion, echoing the motif of God’s special love for Zion in Psalm 78:68.
- Hebrews 12:22 (allusion): New Testament reference to coming to Mount Zion as God’s chosen/spiritual assembly, echoing the biblical tradition of Zion as God’s chosen place (allusive use of the motif).
Alternative generated candidates
- but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved.
- But he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which he loved.
Psa.78.69 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כמו: PREP
- רמים: ADJ,m,pl
- מקדשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יסדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,3,f,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 93:1 (verbal): Uses the same language of God’s eternal rule and the world being firmly established — 'the world is established, it shall not be moved,' echoing 'He founded it forever.'
- Psalm 104:5 (thematic): Speaks of God laying the foundations of the earth and establishing its order — parallels the motif of God founding the earth 'for ever' and his sovereign ordering of creation.
- 1 Kings 8:27 (structural): Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple reflects on building a house for God on earth and the paradox of God's dwelling — connects to the imagery of God’s 'sanctuary' being built among the heights/earth.
- 2 Samuel 7:13 (allusion): God’s promise that David’s offspring 'shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever' ties the themes of temple-building and eternal establishment found in Ps 78:69.
Alternative generated candidates
- He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which he established forever.
- He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which he established forever.
Psa.78.70 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בדוד: PREP
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויקחהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ממכלאת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (verbal): Samuel anoints David after being sent to Jesse’s sons; David is identified as the one keeping the sheep—narrative source for ‘took him from the sheepfolds.’
- 2 Samuel 7:8 (verbal): God’s promise to David: ‘I took you from the sheepcote… and made you prince over my people’—close verbal echo of being taken from the sheepfold to be chosen.
- 1 Chronicles 17:7 (verbal): Parallel retelling of 2 Samuel 7:8 with the same language about taking David from the sheepcote and establishing him, echoing the Psalm’s line.
- Psalm 89:20 (thematic): ’I have found David my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him’—echoes the theme of God’s selection and anointing of David from humble origins.
- Acts 13:22 (allusion): NT summary of God’s choice: ‘I have found David… a man after my heart,’ alluding to and interpreting the OT motif of God’s choosing David from the sheepfolds.
Alternative generated candidates
- He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
- He chose David also his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
Psa.78.71 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- מאחר: PREP
- עלות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הביאו: VERB,hiphil,imperat,2,m,pl
- לרעות: VERB,qal,inf
- ביעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ובישראל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,suff:3,m
Parallels
- 1 Sam.16:11-13 (verbal): Samuel anoints David after bringing him from the sheepfolds — the narrative source for the language of taking David from the sheep to lead Israel.
- 2 Sam.7:8 (verbal): God's promise: 'I took you from the sheepcote... that you should be prince over my people Israel' — nearly identical imagery and phrasing.
- 1 Chron.17:7-8 (verbal): Parallel retelling of the royal promise echoing the same 'from the sheepfolds' language and the call to shepherd Israel.
- Acts 13:22 (quotation): Paul cites God's choice of David ('a man after my heart'), recalling the divine election that removed him from the sheep to rule Israel (thematic allusion to the Psalm and Samuel/Chronicles accounts).
Alternative generated candidates
- from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance.
- from following the ewes great with young he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
Psa.78.72 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירעם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כתם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- ובתבונות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כפיו: NOUN,f,pl,poss,3,m
- ינחם: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (structural): Narrative antecedent: Samuel brings David from the sheepfold and anoints him as God’s chosen, linking the Psalm’s claim that God chose David and set him over Israel as shepherd-leader.
- 2 Samuel 5:2 (verbal): The leaders say to David, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel,' echoing the Psalm’s language of David as shepherd who leads the people.
- Ezekiel 34:23-24 (allusion): Prophetic promise that God will set up 'one shepherd, my servant David'—an eschatological echo of David’s role as Israel’s righteous shepherd in the Psalm.
- 1 Samuel 17:34-37 (thematic): David’s account of protecting his sheep from lion and bear emphasizes his practical skill and courage as a shepherd, paralleling the Psalm’s note that he shepherded with an upright heart and skillful hands.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.
- With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
To the choirmaster. A Maskil of Asaph. Hear, my people, my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter riddles from of old,
what we have heard and known, and what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children; to the generation to come we will recount the praises of the LORD, his strength and his wondrous deeds.
He established a statute in Jacob and set a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children;
that the generation to come might know them— the children yet unborn— who would rise up and tell them to their children,
that they might put their confidence in God and not forget the deeds of God, but keep his commandments;
and not be like their fathers, a stubborn, rebellious generation— a generation that did not set its heart aright and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
The sons of Ephraim, men skilled with the bow, turned back on the day of battle.
They did not keep the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law.
They forgot his works and the wonders he had shown them.
He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
He divided the sea and led them through; he made the waters stand up like a heap.
He led them by a cloud in daytime and all the night by a pillar of fire.
He cleft rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink like abundant springs.
Streams came forth from the rock, and water flowed down like rivers.
Yet they continued to sin against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
They tempted God in their hearts by asking food for their craving.
They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
Behold, he struck the rock and waters gushed out; streams overflowed. Can he also give bread, or provide flesh for his people?”
Therefore the LORD heard and was angry; a fire was kindled against Jacob, and wrath also went up against Israel.
For they did not believe in God and did not trust in his salvation.
He commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven;
and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the bread of heaven.
Man ate the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens and by his power brought on the south wind.
He rained down flesh upon them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the sea;
they fell in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings.
They ate and were abundantly satisfied; for he gave them what they craved.
Yet their craving was not turned away; while the food was still in their mouths,
God’s anger rose against them— he struck down the stoutest among them and humbled the youth of Israel.
In spite of all this they continued to sin and did not believe in his wondrous acts.
They consumed their days in futility and their years in terror.
When he slew them they sought him; they repented and inquired early after God.
They remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their redeemer.
They flattered him with their mouth and lied to him with their tongue;
their heart was not steadfast with him, nor were they faithful to his covenant.
Yet he, being merciful, forgave their transgression and did not destroy them; often he turned back his anger and did not arouse all his wrath.
For he remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breath that does not return.
How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and provoked him in the desert!
They turned back and tempted God, and put a limit upon the Holy One of Israel.
They forgot his hand, the day when he delivered them from the hand of the foe;
when he worked his signs in Egypt and his wonders in the fields of Zoan.
He turned their rivers to blood, so that they could not drink of their streams.
He sent among them swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that destroyed them.
He gave their produce to the caterpillar and the fruit of their toil to the locust.
He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore trees with frost.
He smote their dwellings with hail and their cattle with hot bolts of lightning.
He let loose on them the burning of his anger— fury, indignation, and distress— a band of destroying angels.
He made a path for his wrath; he did not spare their life from death, but gave their soul over to the plague.
He struck down every firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of strength in the dwellings of Ham.
He led out his people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness.
He brought them to safety so they were not afraid, and he overwhelmed their enemies at the sea.
He brought them to his holy border, to the mountain his right hand had won.
He drove nations out before them and apportioned their lands as an inheritance; he made the tribes of Israel dwell in their tents.
Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High and did not keep his testimonies.
They turned back and were faithless like their fathers; they became twisted, like a deceitful bow.
They angered him by their high places and provoked him with their carved images.
God heard and was angry; he utterly rejected Israel.
He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he had dwelt among men.
He gave his strength and splendor into captivity, and his beauty into the hands of the foe.
He delivered his people to the sword and was provoked against his heritage.
His young men were struck down; his virgins were not given in marriage.
His priests fell by the sword, and his widows made no lamentation.
Then the LORD awoke as one out of sleep, like a mighty man roused from wine.
He struck his enemies back; he put everlasting shame upon them.
He rejected the tent of Joseph and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,
but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which he loved.
He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which he established forever.
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance.
He shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.