“A generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God” (Ps 78:8).
We have laid out the general structure of Psalm 78. The Introduction (vv 1-11) declares how the Lord selected the family of Jacob, made a covenant with them, and revealed to them His words, works, and wonders. Their response? “They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot His works and His wonders” (vv 10-11). That pretty much covers it! We also noticed the three main divisions that follow: the Wandering in the Wilderness (vv 12-42), the Exodus out of Egypt (vv 43-53), and the Conquest through Canaan (vv 54-72). Let’s take a look. Verses 12-16 capture the high points of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. First, “Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan” (v 12). Zoan? That was the location in Egypt where “Pharaoh’s wise counselors give foolish counsel” (Isa 19:11). Next, “He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters stand up like a heap” (Ps 78:13). Then, “In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire” (v 14). In addition, twice “He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers” (vv 15-16). You would think any one of tho se miracles would seal the deal, so to speak. Victory over the strongest fighting force in the world. A dramatic exit from Egypt through the royal blue curtains of the sea pulled back for them. Climate control in the desert for millions of people. Rivers out of rock, enough for the people and livestock. But no, they still rebelled. Then again, we too have been found, forgiven, freed, and fed. Time for a loyalty check?