Psalms 78:2

KJV

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

KJV (with Strong's)

I will open {H6605}{H8799)} my mouth {H6310} in a parable {H4912}: I will utter {H5042}{H8686)} dark sayings {H2420} of old {H6924}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will speak to you in parables and explain mysteries from days of old.

Berean Standard Bible

I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,

American Standard Version

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:2 serves as a foundational declaration by Asaph, the psalmist, introducing a grand historical and didactic poem. This verse articulates the psalmist's chosen method and profound purpose: to convey deep, ancient truths about God's unwavering faithfulness and Israel's often-rebellious history through engaging, thought-provoking narratives and enigmatic sayings, thereby inviting the audience to a deeper contemplation of divine revelation and the enduring lessons of their past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, attributed to Asaph, one of David's chief musicians and a prominent worship leader, whose lineage is noted in [1 Chronicles 6:39](/1_chronicles/6-39 "1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph's Lineage"). It immediately follows Psalm 77, a psalm of lament and seeking God's past works, creating a natural transition into a lengthy recounting of Israel's history from the Exodus through the time of David. The psalm's opening verses, including verse 2, function as a formal prologue, a solemn call to attention, and a clear statement of the psalmist's intention to deliver weighty, divinely-inspired instruction. This sets the stage for the detailed historical narrative that follows, emphasizing its instructional rather than merely chronological purpose, framing the entire account as a profound lesson for future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm spans a vast period of Israelite history, from their miraculous deliverance from Egypt (as recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")) through their challenging wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. Culturally, the transmission of historical and religious traditions was absolutely vital in ancient Israel, often occurring through oral storytelling, poetic recitations, and didactic instruction within the family and community. Psalms like this served as a communal memory, a living testament to God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's repeated failures. The "sayings of old" refer to these foundational narratives and divine principles passed down through generations, crucial for maintaining national and religious identity and for learning from past mistakes and God's consistent dealings with His people, reinforcing the importance of remembering the mighty works of the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several major themes central to Psalm 78 and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **didactic purpose** of the psalm, signaling that its primary aim is to teach and instruct, not merely to recount history. The "parable" and "dark sayings" are not meant to obscure truth but to invite deeper reflection and understanding, prompting the audience to engage with the profound lessons embedded in Israel's past. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **wisdom and revelation**, portraying the historical accounts as profound truths ("dark sayings") that reveal God's character and His dealings with humanity, requiring contemplation to grasp fully. Finally, it emphasizes the **continuity of faith and tradition**, reinforcing the importance of remembering and transmitting spiritual heritage from one generation to the next, ensuring that God's works and His Law are not forgotten, a theme explicitly stated in [Psalm 78:6](/psalms/78-6 "Psalm 78:6 - Teaching Future Generations"). This transmission is vital for preventing future generations from repeating the errors of their ancestors, as warned in [Psalm 78:9-11](/psalms/78-9-11 "Psalm 78:9-11 - Ephraim's Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parable (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** Apparently from a root implying superiority in mental action, this term refers to a pithy maxim, often metaphorical. In this context, it denotes a weighty, authoritative saying or discourse that conveys profound truth, often through narrative, comparison, or allegory. It implies a teaching that goes beyond surface meaning, inviting deeper thought and application. Here, it signifies a didactic poem or a profound, illustrative discourse that uses historical events as a vehicle for spiritual instruction.
* **Utter (Hebrew, _nâbaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to gush forth" or "to pour out." Figuratively, it means to speak or declare, often abundantly or with a sense of overflowing. In this verse, it emphasizes the deliberate and forceful nature of the psalmist's declaration. It's not a casual whisper but a powerful outpouring of ancient truths, indicating the significance and divine inspiration of the message being conveyed.
* **Dark sayings (Hebrew, _chîydâh'_):** From a root meaning "to puzzle," this word refers to a riddle, conundrum, or sententious maxim. These are not statements intended to be obscure or unintelligible, but rather profound truths that might require contemplation, interpretation, or spiritual insight to fully grasp. They are designed to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and lead to a deeper engagement with the message, much like a riddle invites one to solve it, unlocking a deeper understanding of God's ways and Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will open my mouth in a parable":** This declares the psalmist's solemn intention to speak with authority and purpose, not casually or lightly. The phrase "open my mouth" (from H6605 _pâthach_ and H6310 _peh_) signifies a formal, deliberate act of speaking, often in a prophetic or instructional capacity. The "parable" (H4912 _mâshâl_) indicates that the ensuing historical narrative will not merely be a chronological recounting but a divinely inspired, didactic discourse designed to convey profound spiritual and moral lessons, often through illustrative or allegorical means. It signals that the history will be presented in a way that invites deep reflection and understanding, moving beyond surface-level facts.
* **"I will utter dark sayings of old":** This further specifies the nature and depth of the content. The psalmist intends to bring forth "enigmas" or "riddles" (H2420 _chîydâh_) – profound, ancient truths that require careful consideration to unlock their full meaning. The verb "utter" (H5042 _nâbaʻ_) emphasizes a pouring forth, a deliberate declaration of these truths. These "sayings of old" (from H6924 _qedem_) refer to the foundational historical events and divine principles from Israel's past, which, though seemingly straightforward, contain deep theological insights and moral implications that are not immediately obvious but reveal themselves through meditation and divine illumination. They are truths rooted in antiquity, carrying the weight of generations of divine interaction.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Didacticism**, as the entire psalm is explicitly framed as a teaching instrument. The psalmist explicitly states his intent to "open my mouth" and "utter," signaling a formal act of instruction. The use of "parable" (māšāl) functions as a form of **Extended Metaphor** or **Allegory**, where the historical narrative itself becomes a vehicle for conveying deeper spiritual truths. It's not a simple story but a profound illustration of God's character and human nature. Furthermore, "dark sayings" (ḥîdôṯ) introduces the device of **Enigma** or **Riddle**, implying that the truths presented are not superficial but require thoughtful engagement and interpretation to fully comprehend. This device serves to engage the audience more deeply, prompting them to seek the hidden wisdom within the historical accounts, thus fostering a more active and transformative learning experience. The deliberate choice of these terms also lends an air of **Authority** and **Solemnity** to the psalmist's declaration, elevating the historical account to the level of divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:2 establishes the profound theological principle that divine truth is often conveyed through narrative and requires active engagement for full comprehension. It highlights God's pedagogical approach, using the historical experience of His people as a living curriculum. The "dark sayings of old" are not obscure for the sake of obscurity, but are rich with meaning, inviting the listener to delve beneath the surface of events to grasp the underlying divine principles of faithfulness, judgment, and mercy. This verse underscores the enduring value of remembering and transmitting God's works, emphasizing that history is not merely a record of the past but a source of timeless wisdom for the present and future generations, revealing the consistent character of God and the cyclical nature of human response, particularly the tendency towards forgetfulness and rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 49:4](/psalms/49-4 "Psalm 49:4 - Inclining the Ear to a Parable")
* [Matthew 13:34-35](/matthew/13-34-35 "Matthew 13:34-35 - Jesus Teaches in Parables to Fulfill Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:2 calls us to approach the biblical narrative not as mere historical accounts, but as profound, divinely inspired "parables" and "dark sayings" that contain deep spiritual truths essential for life and godliness. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial reading of Scripture and to engage in thoughtful contemplation, seeking the wisdom and revelation embedded within its stories and teachings. Just as Asaph intended to instruct his generation through the recounting of Israel's past, so too does God's Word instruct us today, revealing His unchanging character, the devastating consequences of disobedience, and the abundant blessings of covenant faithfulness. This verse encourages us to be diligent students of God's grand story, allowing its ancient truths to shape our understanding of ourselves, our world, and our relationship with the living God, ensuring that we learn from history and faithfully pass on this vital spiritual heritage to those who come after us, fostering a legacy of faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "parable" and "dark sayings" nature of Scripture change the way you approach reading and studying the Bible?**
* **What specific "dark sayings" or profound truths from God's Word have you found challenging to understand, and what steps have you taken to seek deeper insight into them?**
* **In what practical ways are you actively engaged in remembering and transmitting the "sayings of old" (biblical truths, God's works, and your spiritual heritage) to the next generation within your family, church, or community?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist choose to use "parables" and "dark sayings" instead of simply stating the truths plainly?**

Answer: The psalmist's choice of "parables" (māšāl) and "dark sayings" (ḥîdôṯ) is intentional and serves several crucial purposes, rather than merely obscuring truth. Firstly, it elevates the discourse, signaling that the content is weighty, authoritative, and divinely inspired, not just a casual recounting of history. These forms invite deeper engagement, prompting the listener or reader to actively contemplate and seek the profound meaning beneath the surface. Like a riddle, they stimulate thought and memory, making the truths more memorable and impactful once grasped. This method also aligns with ancient wisdom traditions, where profound truths were often conveyed through evocative narratives or enigmatic statements to challenge and instruct. Ultimately, it ensures that the audience doesn't merely hear the words but truly internalizes the lessons of God's faithfulness and Israel's history, leading to genuine spiritual transformation and a desire to obey God's commands, as highlighted in [Psalm 78:7-8](/psalms/78-7-8 "Psalm 78:7-8 - Purpose of the Teaching"). This approach ensures that the message is not just received intellectually but is absorbed spiritually, leading to a changed heart and life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:2 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Matthew's Gospel explicitly quotes this very verse in [Matthew 13:35](/matthew/13-35 "Matthew 13:35 - Jesus Fulfills Prophecy by Teaching in Parables"), stating that Jesus taught in parables "so that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled." Just as Asaph, the psalmist, intended to reveal profound truths about God's dealings with Israel through illustrative narratives and "dark sayings," so too did Jesus, the ultimate Teacher and embodiment of divine wisdom, use parables to unveil the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. His parables, like the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-3 "Parable of the Sower") or the [Parable of the Weeds](/matthew/13-24 "Parable of the Weeds"), were not merely simple stories but profound "dark sayings" that required spiritual discernment to comprehend, revealing truth to those with "ears to hear" while concealing it from those whose hearts were hardened (cf. [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "Mark 4:11-12 - The Purpose of Parables")). Jesus, as the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), is the ultimate revelation of God, embodying the "dark sayings of old" and making them plain through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the one who fully opens the mouth of God, uttering the deepest truths about salvation, grace, and the very nature of God, fulfilling the psalmist's prophetic declaration and inviting all to understand the profound mysteries of God's redemptive plan.

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

Matthew 13:34

All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Mark 4:34

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matthew 13:13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Psalms 49:4

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.