Psalm 78: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 78 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls the people to listen and remember the teachings of Yahweh (vv. 1-4). He speaks of the testimony given to Jacob and the command to share it with future generations.

Key verse

“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a teaching in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children;”
Psalms 78:5 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 78:1–4 Call to Listen and Remember
Psalm 78:5–8 Establishing Testimonies
Psalm 78:9–16 Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness
Psalm 78:17–32 Continued Rebellion and God's Anger
Psalm 78:33–39 God's Merciful Response
Psalm 78:40–56 Historical Woes and Consequences
Psalm 78:57–72 Selection of David

Discussion questions

What do we learn about the 'generation to come' in v6?
In vv. 18-19, what did the people say about God while in the wilderness?
The phrase 'a stubborn and rebellious generation' in v8: how does it characterize the people of Israel?
In v38, why does the psalmist emphasize God's mercy despite Israel's repeated rebellion?
When have you struggled to remember God's past actions in your life as seen in v42?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 78: Deuteronomy 4, Matthew 13, Isaiah 44.

Before next time: read Psalm 79.