Psalms 78:2

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 78:2 serves as an introductory declaration by Asaph, the psalmist, setting the stage for a profound historical and didactic poem. This verse highlights the method and purpose of the lengthy psalm that follows.

Context of Psalms 78:2

Psalm 78 is a lengthy historical psalm, attributed to Asaph, one of David's chief musicians. It recounts the history of Israel from the Exodus through the time of David, focusing on God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's repeated rebellion and disobedience. The psalm's primary purpose is instructional: to teach the current generation about God's past actions and Israel's responses, so they might learn from history and not repeat the mistakes of their ancestors. This verse, "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old," signals the psalmist's intention to deliver weighty truths in an engaging and memorable way.

Key Themes

  • Didactic Purpose: The psalmist intends to teach and instruct, passing on vital spiritual lessons gleaned from Israel's past. The "parable" and "dark sayings" are not meant to obscure truth but to invite deeper reflection and understanding.
  • Wisdom and Revelation: The "dark sayings of old" refer to profound truths, often historical events or divine principles, that carry deep meaning and require contemplation. These are not trivial stories but significant revelations about God's character and His dealings with humanity.
  • Continuity of Faith: The act of recounting "sayings of old" emphasizes the importance of remembering and transmitting the spiritual heritage from one generation to the next, ensuring that God's works and His Law are not forgotten. This theme is further explored in Psalm 78:6, where it speaks of teaching their children.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "parable" is mashal (מָשָׁל). While it can mean a proverb or a similitude, in this context, it refers to a weighty, authoritative saying, often didactic in nature, that conveys profound truth through narrative or comparison. It implies a teaching that goes beyond surface meaning.
  • "Dark sayings" comes from the Hebrew word chidoth (Χ—Φ΄Χ™Χ“Χ•ΦΉΧͺ), which literally means "riddles" or "enigmas." These are not simply obscure statements but profound truths that might require contemplation or interpretation to fully grasp. They are designed to provoke thought and deeper engagement with the message, much like a riddle invites one to solve it.

Significance and Application

Psalms 78:2 is highly significant because it was directly quoted by Jesus in Matthew 13:35, when explaining why He taught the multitudes in parables. This indicates that Jesus saw His own method of teaching as a fulfillment of this prophetic statement in the Psalms. Just as Asaph intended to convey deep historical and spiritual truths through memorable narratives, so too did Jesus use parables to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to those who had ears to hear.

For believers today, this verse underscores the enduring value of biblical narratives and teachings. The "dark sayings of old" are not just ancient stories but profound truths about God's character, His justice, His mercy, and His covenant faithfulness. They teach us about human nature, the consequences of disobedience, and the blessings of trusting in God. We are called to delve into these "sayings," to seek their deeper meaning, and to apply their timeless wisdom to our lives, ensuring that we, like the psalmist, learn from history and pass on this vital spiritual heritage to future generations.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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