Psalms 78:1

KJV

¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Maschil {H4905}{H8688)} of Asaph {H623}. Give ear {H238}{H8685)}, O my people {H5971}, to my law {H8451}: incline {H5186}{H8685)} your ears {H241} to the words {H561} of my mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A maskil of Asaf: Listen, my people, to my teaching; turn your ears to the words from my mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth.

American Standard Version

Give ear, O my people, to my law: Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:1 serves as a solemn and urgent summons, initiating one of the Bible's longest and most significant historical psalms. Authored by Asaph, this verse immediately calls God's people to profound attention and receptivity to divine instruction. It functions as a formal preamble, setting the stage for the extensive historical recounting of God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated failures, all intended to impart timeless wisdom and understanding to future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is designated a "Maschil," a Hebrew term indicating an instructional or didactic psalm designed to impart wisdom and understanding. This psalm is a comprehensive historical narrative, meticulously recounting God's dealings with Israel from the Exodus through their wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, the tumultuous period of the Judges, and up to the reign of King David. The overarching purpose is to teach the next generation the lessons of their ancestors' covenant unfaithfulness and God's enduring patience and grace, as explicitly stated in [Psalm 78:2-8](/psalms/78-2 "Psalm 78:2-8 - Parable and Dark Sayings for Future Generations"). This opening verse acts as a formal, authoritative summons, demanding a posture of deep listening before the weighty lessons drawn from their national history are unfolded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levitical choirmaster and prophet during the reigns of David and Solomon, Psalm 78 reflects a period when the nation of Israel had achieved a degree of stability under the monarchy but continually struggled with spiritual faithfulness. In ancient Israel, oral tradition and public recitation of historical narratives were crucial for transmitting cultural and religious identity. The "law" (Torah) was not merely a legal code but the comprehensive divine instruction that shaped every aspect of Israelite life, defining their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The call to "give ear" and "incline your ears" was a common rhetorical device in prophetic and wisdom literature, emphasizing the critical importance of heeding divine revelation in a communal setting, often during worship or national assemblies.
* **Key Themes:** The opening verse of Psalm 78 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire psalm and broader Scripture. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Instruction and Authority**, emphasizing that the message originates from God Himself, delivered through the psalmist Asaph; it is not mere human wisdom but divine revelation, carrying inherent authority. Secondly, the parallel phrases "Give ear" and "incline your ears" highlight the **Imperative of Attentive Listening**, calling for a posture of active, intentional receptivity and obedience to God's voice, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 4:20](/proverbs/4-20 "Proverbs 4:20 - Attend to My Words")). Lastly, addressing Israel as "O my people" highlights the unique **Covenant Relationship** between God and His chosen nation, implying mutual obligations where God's instruction is central to their well-being and continued blessing, as established in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maschil (Hebrew, _maskil'_):** This term in the psalm's superscription literally means "one who causes to understand" or "instructive." It indicates that the psalm's primary purpose is didactic – to impart spiritual wisdom, insight, and understanding, often through reflection on historical events. It implies a call to intellectual and spiritual engagement with the content.
* **Torah (Hebrew, _torah'_):** Translated as "law" in the KJV, _Torah_ encompasses far more than just legal statutes. It broadly refers to God's comprehensive divine teaching, instruction, guidance, and revelation. It is the entire body of God's truth and will for His people, designed to lead them to life, wisdom, and blessing, as opposed to a mere set of rules.
* **Give ear / Incline your ears (Hebrew, _ha'azinu / hatu ozneikem'_):** These two parallel imperatives intensify the call for profound attention. "Give ear" (ha'azinu) is a strong command to listen attentively, while "incline your ears" (hatu ozneikem) suggests a physical and spiritual posture of leaning in, demonstrating eagerness and receptivity to hear and understand. It moves beyond passive hearing to active, intentional listening that implies a readiness to obey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Maschil of Asaph.":** This is the superscription, identifying the psalm as a "Maschil" (an instructional psalm) and attributing its authorship or compilation to Asaph, a prominent Levitical musician and prophet from the time of David. This designation immediately signals the psalm's didactic nature and the authority behind its message.
* **"Give ear, O my people, [to] my law:":** This clause presents an urgent, direct command from God, delivered through the psalmist. "Give ear" (ha'azinu) is an imperative calling for immediate and profound attention. The address "O my people" signifies the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing their identity and responsibility. "My law" (Torah) refers to God's divine instruction, which is the substance of the message to be imparted.
* **"incline your ears to the words of my mouth.":** This phrase serves as a synonymous parallelism to the preceding clause, reinforcing and intensifying the call for attentiveness. "Incline your ears" demands a posture of deep receptivity, both physically and spiritually. "The words of my mouth" emphasizes the divine origin and personal nature of the instruction, underscoring that this is a direct revelation from God Himself, not merely human wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:1 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The **Superscription** ("Maschil of Asaph") immediately sets the tone and identifies the author, signaling the psalm's instructional purpose and divine authority. The verse then utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism** in the phrases "Give ear, O my people, [to] my law" and "incline your ears to the words of my mouth." This repetition with slight variation intensifies the command, emphasizing the critical need for deep and active listening. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Give ear," "incline") underscores the non-negotiable nature and urgency of the divine summons. Furthermore, the **Direct Address** "O my people" personalizes the command, appealing directly to the covenant community and highlighting their unique relationship with God. Finally, "the words of my mouth" is a mild **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (a mouth that speaks) to God, thereby making His communication more relatable and emphasizing its direct, personal, and authoritative nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The opening command of Psalm 78 to "give ear" to God's law is a foundational theological principle woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. It posits that divine revelation is not merely information but a life-giving instruction that demands active reception and obedience. This call to listen is intrinsically linked to the covenant relationship, where Israel's well-being and identity were contingent upon heeding God's voice and remembering His mighty acts. The psalm's subsequent historical recounting serves as a powerful reminder that neglecting God's instruction leads to spiritual decline and judgment, while attentive listening fosters wisdom, faithfulness, and blessing. This theme resonates deeply with the prophetic tradition, where the call to "hear the word of the Lord" was a constant refrain against Israel's spiritual deafness and rebellion, urging them back to the path of covenant loyalty.

* [Deuteronomy 32:46-47](/deuteronomy/32-46 "Deuteronomy 32:46-47 - Lay to Heart God's Words for Life")
* [Isaiah 1:10](/isaiah/1-10 "Isaiah 1:10 - Hear the Word of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 4:20](/proverbs/4-20 "Proverbs 4:20 - Attend to My Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 78:1 serves as a timeless and urgent summons to cultivate a profound posture of attentiveness to God's Word. In an age saturated with distractions and competing voices, the imperative to "incline our ears" to divine instruction is more critical than ever. This is not a passive act of merely hearing sounds, but an active, intentional engagement of heart and mind, recognizing Scripture as the authoritative voice of God for our lives. Just as ancient Israel was called to learn from their history of both faithfulness and failure, we too are called to allow the historical and theological truths of the Bible to shape our understanding, inform our decisions, and transform our character. This requires humility, spiritual discipline, and a genuine desire to know and obey God's will, leading to a life of wisdom, discernment, and faithful discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How actively do I "incline my ears" to God's Word in my daily life, moving beyond casual reading to deep engagement?**
* **What specific distractions or internal attitudes prevent me from truly hearing, understanding, and applying God's "law" (instruction) to my circumstances?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more receptive and obedient posture towards biblical truth, allowing it to shape my thoughts and actions?**

### FAQ

**Why is Psalm 78 called a "Maschil"?**

Answer: A "Maschil" (Hebrew: *maskil*) is a designation for an instructional or didactic psalm. Its primary purpose is to impart wisdom, understanding, and spiritual insight, often through reflection on historical events or theological truths. In the context of Psalm 78, it serves as a comprehensive historical recounting of God's dealings with Israel, designed to teach future generations about God's faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience, thereby guiding them in wisdom and preventing them from repeating past mistakes, as indicated in [Psalm 78:2-8](/psalms/78-2 "Psalm 78:2-8 - Parable and Dark Sayings for Future Generations").

**What is the significance of the phrase "O my people"?**

Answer: The address "O my people" highlights the unique and intimate covenant relationship between God and Israel. It signifies divine ownership, deep affection, and a shared history. This phrase underscores that the instruction being given is not for a general audience but specifically for those who stand in a special, chosen relationship with God. It implies both immense privilege and solemn responsibility, evoking the promises and obligations of the covenant established at Sinai, as detailed in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession").

**How does "my law" in this verse relate to the Old Testament Law (Torah)?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "law" here is *Torah* (תּוֹרָה), which is far broader than just the legal statutes given at Mount Sinai. While it certainly includes the commandments, *Torah* fundamentally refers to God's entire body of teaching, instruction, guidance, and revelation for His people. It encompasses His will, His truth, and the way of life He prescribes for their flourishing. In Psalm 78:1, "my law" refers to the comprehensive divine instruction that the psalmist is about to impart through the historical narrative, designed to lead Israel to wisdom and obedience, echoing themes found in [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Obey the Statutes and Rules").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The urgent call to "give ear" to God's law and "incline your ears to the words of my mouth" in Psalm 78:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant pointed Israel to God's instruction through the written Torah and the prophets, Jesus Himself is the living Word, the perfect embodiment of God's complete revelation. He declared that He came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The "words of my mouth" in the Old Testament foreshadow the very words of Christ, which are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")), and to which His sheep are called to listen and follow ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from a written code to a personal relationship with the divine Son, who is the ultimate teacher and the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). Through Christ, God has spoken His final and most complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), making Him the supreme object of our attentive listening and obedience. Therefore, to "give ear" to God's law today is preeminently to listen to and obey Christ, through whom we receive grace and truth ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")), and whose life and teachings are the perfect fulfillment of all God's instruction.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

Isaiah 51:4

¶ Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

Psalms 49:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:

Psalms 49:3

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding.

2 Chronicles 15:1

¶ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:

2 Chronicles 15:16

And also [concerning] Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from [being] queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped [it], and burnt [it] at the brook Kidron.

Judges 5:3

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, [even] I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing [praise] to the LORD God of Israel.