TRV
Translation
King James Version
And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
KJV (with Strong's)
And might not be as their fathers H1, a stubborn H5637 H8802 and rebellious H4784 H8802 generation H1755; a generation H1755 that set H3559 not their heart H3820 aright H3559 H8689, and whose spirit H7307 was not stedfast H539 H8738 with God H410.
Complete Jewish Bible
Then they would not be like their ancestors, a stubborn, rebellious generation, a generation with unprepared hearts, with spirits unfaithful to God.
Berean Standard Bible
Then they will not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose heart was not loyal, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
American Standard Version
And might not be as their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that set not their heart aright, And whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
World English Bible Messianic
and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that didn’t make their hearts loyal, whose spirit was not steadfast with God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And not to bee as their fathers, a disobedient and rebellious generation: a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirite was not faithfull vnto God.
Young's Literal Translation
And they are not like their fathers, A generation apostate and rebellious, A generation! it hath not prepared its heart, Nor stedfast with God is its spirit.
See also
In the KJVVerse 15,122 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 78 verses 1–8
1 ¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
These verses, which contain the preface to this history, show that the psalm answers the title; it is indeed Maschil - a psalm to give instruction; if we receive not the instruction it gives, it is our own fault. Here,
I. The psalmist demands attention to what he wrote (Psa 78:1): Give ear, O my people! to my law. Some make these the psalmist's words. David, as a king, or Asaph, in his name, as his secretary of state, or scribe to the sweet singer of Israel, here calls upon the people, as his people committed to his charge, to give ear to his law. He calls his instructions his law or edict; such was their commanding force in themselves. Every good truth, received in the light and love of it, will have the power of a law upon the conscience; yet that was not all: David was a king, and he would interpose his royal power for the edification of his people. If God, by his grace, make great men good men, they will be capable of doing more good than others, because their word will be a law to all about them, who must therefore give ear and hearken; for to what purpose is divine revelation brought our ears if we will not incline our ears to it, both humble ourselves and engage ourselves to hear it and heed it? Or the psalmist, being a prophet, speaks as God's mouth, and so calls them his people, and demands subjection to what was said as to a law. Let him that has an ear thus hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, Rev 2:7.
II. Several reasons are given why we should diligently attend to that which is here related. 1. The things here discoursed of are weighty, and deserve consideration, strange, and need it (Psa 78:2): I will open my mouth in a parable, in that which is sublime and uncommon, but very excellent and well worthy your attention; I will utter dark sayings, which challenge your most serious regards as much as the enigmas with which the eastern princes and learned men used to try one another. These are called dark sayings, not because they are hard to be understood, but because they are greatly to be admired and carefully to be looked into. This is said to be fulfilled in the parables which our Saviour put forth (Mat 13:35), which were (as this) representations of the state of the kingdom of God among men. 2. They are the monuments of antiquity - dark sayings of old which our fathers have told us, Psa 78:3. They are things of undoubted certainty; we have heard them and known them, and there is no room left to question the truth of them. The gospel of Luke is called a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us (Luk 1:1), so were the things here related. The honour we owe to our parents and ancestors obliges us to attend to that which our fathers have told us, and, as far as it appears to be true and good, to receive it with so much the more reverence and regard. 3. They are to be transmitted to posterity, and it lies as a charge upon us carefully to hand them down (Psa 78:4); because our fathers told them to us we will not hide them from their children. Our children are called theirs, for they were in care for their seed's seed, and looked upon them as theirs; and, in teaching our children the knowledge of God, we repay to our parents some of that debt we owe to them for teaching us. Nay, if we have no children of our own, we must declare the things of God to their children, the children of others. Our care must be for posterity in general, and not only for our own posterity; and for the generation to come hereafter, the children that shall be born, as well as for the generation that is next rising up and the children that are born. That which we are to transmit to our children is not only the knowledge of languages, arts and sciences, liberty and property, but especially the praises of the Lord, and his strength appearing in the wonderful works he has done. Our great care must be to lodge our religion, that great deposit, pure and entire in the hands of those that succeed us. There are two things the full and clear knowledge of which we must preserve the entail of to our heirs: - (1.) The law of God; for this was given with a particular charge to teach it diligently to their children (Psa 78:5): He established a testimony or covenant, and enacted a law, in Jacob and Israel, gave them precepts and promises, which he commanded them to make known to their children, Deu 6:7, Deu 6:20. The church of God, as the historian says of the Roman commonwealth, was not to be res unius aetatis - a thing of one age but was to be kept up from one generation to another; and therefore, as God provided for a succession of ministers in the tribe of Levi and the house of Aaron, so he appointed that parents should train up their children in the knowledge of his law: and, when they had grown up, they must arise and declare them to their children (Psa 78:6), that, as one generation of God's servants and worshippers passes away, another generation may come, and the church, as the earth, may abide for ever; and thus God's name among men may be as the days of heaven. (2.) The providences of God concerning them, both in mercy and in judgment. The former seem to be mentioned for the sake of this; since God gave order that his laws should be made known to posterity, it is requisite that with them his works also should be made known, the fulfilling of the promises made to the obedient and the threatenings denounced against the disobedient. Let these be told to our children and our children's children, [1.] That they may take encouragement to conform to the will of God (Psa 78:7): that, not forgetting the works of God wrought in former days, they might set their hope in God and keep his commandments, might make his command their rule and his covenant their stay. Those only may with confidence hope for God's salvation that make conscience of doing his commandments. The works of God, duly considered, will very much strengthen our resolution both to set our hope in him and to keep his commandments, for he is able to bear us out in both. [2.] That they may take warning not to conform to the example of their fathers (Psa 78:8): That they might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation. See here, First, What was the character of their fathers. Though they were the seed of Abraham, taken into covenant with God, and, for aught we know, the only professing people he had then in the world, yet they were stubborn and rebellious, and walked contrary to God, in direct opposition to his will. They did indeed profess relation to him, but they did not set their hearts aright; they were not cordial in their engagements to God, nor inward with him in their worship of him, and therefore their spirit was not stedfast with him, but upon every occasion they flew off from him. Note, Hypocrisy is the high road to apostasy. Those that do not set their hearts aright will not be stedfast with God, but play fat and loose. Secondly, What was a charge to the children: That they be not as their fathers. Note, Those that have descended from wicked and ungodly ancestors, if they will but consider the word and works of God, will see reason enough not to tread in their steps. It will be no excuse for a vain conversation that it was received by tradition from our fathers (Pe1 1:18); for what we know of them that was evil must be an admonition to us, that we dread that which was so pernicious to them as we would shun those courses which they took that were ruinous to their health or estates.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Instructor Book 1
His righteousness cried, "If ye come straight to me, I also will come straight to you but if ye walk crooked, I also will walk crooked saith the Lord of hosts;" meaning by the crooked ways the chastisements of sinners. For the straight and natural way which is indicated by the iota of the name of Jesus is His goodness, which is firm and sure towards those who have believed at hearing: "When I called, ye obeyed not, saith the Lord; but set at nought my counsels, and heeded not my reproofs." Thus the Lord's reproof is most beneficial. David also says of them, "A perverse and provoking race; a race which set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful with God: they kept not the covenant of God, and would not walk in His law." Such are the causes of provocation for which the Judge comes to inflict punishment on those that would not choose a life of goodness. Wherefore also afterwards He assailed them more roughly; in order, if possible, to drag them back from their impetuous rush towards death. He therefore tells by David the most manifest cause of the threatening: "They believed not in His wonderful works. When He slew them, they sought after Him, and turned and inquired early after God; and remembered that God was their Helper, and God the Most High their Redeemer." Thus He knew that they turned for fear, while they despised His love: for, for the most part, that goodness which is always mild is despised; but He who admonishes by the loving fear of righteousness is reverenced.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 78
"How great things," he says, "He has commanded our fathers, to make the same known to their sons?" [Psalm 78:5]. "That another generation may know, sons who shall be born and shall rise up, and they may tell to their sons" [Psalm 78:6]. "That they may put their hope in God, and may not forget the works of God, and may seek out His commandments" [Psalm 78:7]. "That they may not become, like their fathers, a crooked and embittering generation: a generation that has not guided their heart, and the spirit thereof has not been trusted with God" [Psalm 78:8]. These words do point out two peoples as it were, the one belonging to the Old Testament, the other to the New: for in that he says, he has implied that they received the commandments, "to make them known to their sons," but that they did not know or do them: but they received them themselves, to the end "that another generation might know," what the former knew not. "Sons who shall be born and shall arise." For they that have been born have not arisen: because they had not their heart above, but rather on the earth. For the arising is with Christ: whence has been said, "If you have arisen with Christ, savour ye the things which are above." [Colossians 3:1] "And they may tell them," he says, "to their sons, in order that they may put their hope in God."..."And may not forget the works of God:" that is to say, in magnifying and vaunting their own works, as though they did them themselves; while "God it is that works," in them that work good things, "both to will and to work according to good will." [Philippians 2:13] "And may search out His commandments."...The commandments which He has commanded. How then should they still search out, whereas they have already learned them, save that by putting their hope in God, they do then search out His commandments, in order that by them, with His aid, they may be fulfilled? And he says why, by immediately subjoining, "and its spirit has not been trusted with God," that is, because it had no faith, which does obtain what the Law does enjoin. For when the spirit of man does work together with the Spirit of God working, then there is fulfilled that which God has commanded: and this does not come to pass, except by believing in Him that does justify an ungodly man. [Romans 4:5] Which faith the generation crooked and embittering had not: and therefore concerning the same has been said, "The spirit thereof has not been trusted with God." For this has been said much more exactly to point out the grace of God, which does work not only remission of sins, but also does make the spirit of man to work together therewith in the work of good deeds, as though he were saying, his spirit has not believed in God. For to have the spirit trusted with God, is, not to believe that his spirit is able to do righteousness without God, but with God. For this is to believe in God: which is surely more than to believe God. For ofttimes we must believe even a man, though in him we must not believe. To believe in God therefore is this, in believing to cleave unto God who works good works, in order to work with Him well....
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 78:8 serves as a profound admonition within Asaph's historical psalm, cautioning the current and future generations against replicating the spiritual failures of their ancestors. It precisely diagnoses the core issues of Israel's wilderness generation: a deep-seated stubbornness and rebellion, an unwillingness to align their innermost being with God's will, and a fundamental lack of steadfastness in their commitment to Him. This verse underscores the critical importance of a rightly oriented heart and an unwavering spirit in maintaining a faithful relationship with the Divine, highlighting that true obedience flows from an internal disposition of trust and devotion.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 78 is an extended maskil (instructional psalm), attributed to Asaph, functioning as a historical recounting of God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel and their persistent unfaithfulness from the Exodus through the Davidic monarchy. The psalm begins with a solemn call to hear God's law and a commitment to pass on the "dark sayings of old" to future generations, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten, as detailed in Psalms 78:1-4. Verse 8 specifically looks back at the generation that experienced the Exodus and wandered in the wilderness, presenting them as a negative example to be avoided. It follows a declaration of God's covenant and law given to Israel, emphasizing the didactic purpose of this historical recital: "that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments" (Psalms 78:7). Thus, verse 8 stands as a direct and stark contrast to the desired outcome, highlighting the very pitfalls—stubbornness, rebellion, and spiritual instability—that the new generation must actively avoid to secure God's blessing and remain in covenant faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context: The psalm meticulously narrates the history of Israel from the time of Moses and the Exodus (Exodus 12) through the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14), the conquest of Canaan, and the period of the judges, culminating in the establishment of the Davidic monarchy (2 Samuel 5). The "fathers" referenced in verse 8 are primarily the wilderness generation, notorious for their murmuring, rebellion, and profound lack of trust in God despite witnessing His miraculous interventions, such as the provision of manna and quail (Exodus 16) and water from the rock (Exodus 17). Culturally, the concept of intergenerational instruction was paramount in ancient Israel, with parents and elders bearing the sacred responsibility of teaching their children God's statutes and the nation's redemptive history, ensuring the continuity of covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:7). This psalm embodies that pedagogical tradition, using the past as a profound moral and theological lesson for the present and future generations of Israel.
Key Themes: Psalm 78:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is God's Enduring Faithfulness vs. Human Unfaithfulness. Despite Israel's repeated rebellion and spiritual instability, God consistently demonstrates His patience, provision, and unwavering commitment to His covenant. Another crucial theme is the Importance of Remembering and Learning from History, particularly God's mighty acts and Israel's often-flawed responses. The psalm serves as a didactic tool, urging the audience to avoid the "stubborn and rebellious" path of their ancestors, emphasizing that historical memory is vital for spiritual health. The verse also highlights the Centrality of the Heart in one's relationship with God; true obedience and steadfastness stem from an inner disposition, not merely outward conformity. The "heart" (לֵבָב, levav) in Hebrew thought encompasses intellect, will, and emotion, making its proper alignment with God crucial for genuine steadfastness. Finally, the theme of Covenant Obligation and Consequences is evident, as the failures of the past generation led to severe consequences, serving as a solemn warning to those who would follow, underscoring that disobedience has spiritual repercussions.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 78:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. Parallelism is prominent, particularly synonymous parallelism, where the initial description of "a stubborn and rebellious generation" is echoed and profoundly deepened by the subsequent phrase, "a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God." This repetition with variation emphasizes the multifaceted nature of their unfaithfulness, moving from outward behavior to the underlying inward disposition. The deliberate repetition of the phrase "a generation" further underscores the collective and pervasive nature of the problem, highlighting that this was not an isolated issue but a characteristic of the entire group. The verse also functions as a powerful admonition or warning, directly addressing the audience and urging them to actively avoid the historical mistakes of their predecessors. This didactic purpose is central to the entire psalm, making the past a crucial teacher for the present. Finally, there is a strong element of historical allusion, as the verse succinctly summarizes the spiritual failures of the wilderness generation, drawing upon a well-known and tragic narrative for its cautionary power, implicitly reminding the audience of the severe consequences of such unfaithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that true faithfulness to God originates from an internal disposition, a heart and spirit that are firmly aligned with His will, rather than merely external conformity or fleeting obedience. The failure of the wilderness generation was not just in their actions, but in their very core being—their inability or unwillingness to "set their heart aright" and maintain a "stedfast spirit" with God. This highlights the biblical emphasis on the heart (לֵבָב, levav) as the wellspring of life and the seat of moral and spiritual decision-making. Their rebellion was a symptom of an inner spiritual instability and a lack of genuine trust in God's character and promises, despite His miraculous provision and covenant faithfulness. The verse implicitly contrasts God's unwavering steadfastness with humanity's fickle nature, underscoring the constant need for divine grace, a renewed heart, and human repentance for a consistent walk with God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:8 serves as a timeless mirror for every generation, including our own, calling us to profound introspection. It challenges us to look beyond outward religious observance and honestly examine the true condition of our hearts and spirits. Are we genuinely "stedfast with God," or do we harbor a hidden stubbornness and a propensity for rebellion when God's revealed will conflicts with our personal desires, comfort, or convenience? The call to "set our heart aright" is a call to intentionality and vigilance in our spiritual lives—to actively cultivate a deep-seated trust, unwavering obedience, and consistent devotion that is not easily swayed by circumstances, trials, or the allure of the world. This requires a daily surrender of our will to God, a commitment to His truth found in His Word, and a humble reliance on His Holy Spirit to transform and make our hearts firm and unwavering. We are admonished to learn from the historical failures of others, recognizing that spiritual instability and a divided heart inevitably lead to disobedience, spiritual barrenness, and distance from God. This verse compels us to pray earnestly for a steadfast heart and to actively pursue a consistent, faithful relationship with our Creator, remembering His faithfulness even when ours falters.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "set not their heart aright" truly mean in the context of this verse?
Answer: The phrase "set not their heart aright" (Hebrew: לֹא הֵכִינוּ לְבָבָם, lo hekhinu levavam, using H3559 kûwn and H3820 lêb) literally means "they did not prepare their heart" or "they did not establish their heart." It signifies a fundamental and pervasive failure of their inner being—their will, intentions, affections, and moral compass—to be properly directed, fixed, or aligned with God's will and purposes. It's not just about outward actions, but an internal disposition of instability and unwillingness to commit fully and consistently to God. Their heart was not firm, ready, or resolved to obey, trust, or follow Him, leading to their repeated rebellion and wavering faith, as seen in their persistent complaints, idolatry, and refusal to enter the Promised Land during the wilderness journey (Exodus 32, Numbers 11, Numbers 14).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:8, with its lament over Israel's stubborn and rebellious heart and their failure to be steadfast with God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel consistently failed to "set their heart aright" and maintain a "stedfast spirit with God," Jesus perfectly embodied unwavering obedience and steadfast faithfulness. He is the true Israel, the perfectly obedient Son whose heart was always aligned with the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, demonstrating a loyalty and devotion that humanity could not achieve (Philippians 2:8). Unlike the wilderness generation who grumbled, rebelled, and tested God, Jesus faced every temptation and suffering with complete trust, submission, and an unblemished spirit, proving Himself to be the faithful High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death, directly addresses the very problem highlighted in this psalm: God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit, writing His laws on their hearts so that they might truly follow Him and walk in His statutes (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26-27). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome the inherent stubbornness and rebellion of the old nature, enabling them to walk in steadfastness and obedience, a reality made possible only through union with the perfectly steadfast Son of God, who fulfills all righteousness on our behalf (Romans 8:4).