54 He brought them into his holy land, this mountain he claimed for his own. 55 He scattered everyone who got in their way; he staked out an inheritance for them - the tribes of Israel all had their own places. 56 But they kept on giving him a hard time, rebelled against God, the High God, refused to do anything he told them. 57 They were worse, if that's possible, than their parents: traitors - crooked as a corkscrew. 58 Their pagan orgies provoked God's anger, their obscene idolatries broke his heart. 59 When God heard their carryings-on, he was furious; he posted a huge No over Israel. 60 He walked off and left Shiloh empty, abandoned the shrine where he had met with Israel. 61 He let his pride and joy go to the dogs, turned his back on the pride of his life. 62 He turned them loose on fields of battle; angry, he let them fend for themselves. 63 Their young men went to war and never came back; their young women waited in vain. 64 Their priests were massacred, and their widows never shed a tear. 65 Suddenly the Lord was up on his feet like someone roused from deep sleep, shouting like a drunken warrior. 66 He hit his enemies hard, sent them running, yelping, not daring to look back. 67 He disqualified Joseph as leader, told Ephraim he didn't have what it takes, 68 And chose the Tribe of Judah instead, Mount Zion, which he loves so much. 69 He built his sanctuary there, resplendent, solid and lasting as the earth itself. 70 Then he chose David, his servant, handpicked him from his work in the sheep pens. 71 One day he was caring for the ewes and their lambs, the next day God had him shepherding Jacob, his people Israel, his prize possession. 72 His good heart made him a good shepherd; he guided the people wisely and well.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 78:54-72
Commentary on Psalm 78:40-55.
(Read Psalm 78:40-55.)
Let not those that receive mercy from God, be thereby made bold to sin, for the mercies they receive will hasten its punishment; yet let not those who are under Divine rebukes for sin, be discouraged from repentance. The Holy One of Israel will do what is most for his own glory, and what is most for their good. Their forgetting former favours, led them to limit God for the future. God made his own people to go forth like sheep; and guided them in the wilderness, as a shepherd his flock, with all care and tenderness. Thus the true Joshua, even Jesus, brings his church out of the wilderness; but no earthly Canaan, no worldly advantages, should make us forget that the church is in the wilderness while in this world, and that there remaineth a far more glorious rest for the people of God.
Commentary on Psalm 78:56-72
(Read Psalm 78:56-72)
After the Israelites were settled in Canaan, the children were like their fathers. God gave them his testimonies, but they turned back. Presumptuous sins render even Israelites hateful to God's holiness, and exposed to his justice. Those whom the Lord forsakes become an easy prey to the destroyer. And sooner or later, God will disgrace his enemies. He set a good government over his people; a monarch after his own heart. With good reason does the psalmist make this finishing, crowning instance of God's favour to Israel; for David was a type of Christ, the great and good Shepherd, who was humbled first, and then exalted; and of whom it was foretold, that he should be filled with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. On the uprightness of his heart, and the skilfulness of his hands, all his subjects may rely; and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. Every trial of human nature hitherto, confirms the testimony of Scripture, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, and nothing but being created anew by the Holy Ghost can cure the ungodliness of any.