TRV
Translation
King James Version
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
Complete Jewish Bible
so that the next generation would know it, the children not yet born, who would themselves arise and tell their own children,
Berean Standard Bible
that the coming generation would know them— even children yet to be born— to arise and tell their own children
American Standard Version
That the generation to come might knowthem, even the children that should be born; Who should arise and tellthemto their children,
World English Bible Messianic
that the generation to come might know, even the children who should be born; who should arise and tell their children,
Geneva Bible (1599)
That the posteritie might knowe it, and the children, which should be borne, should stand vp, and declare it to their children:
Young's Literal Translation
So that a later generation doth know, Sons who are born, do rise and recount to their sons,
In the KJVVerse 15,120 of 31,102
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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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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
Psalm 78:6 articulates a profound divine imperative for intergenerational spiritual instruction, establishing a perpetual covenantal chain. It underscores the sacred responsibility of one generation to faithfully transmit the knowledge of God's character, His mighty deeds, and His unchanging covenant faithfulness to the next. This verse envisions a dynamic spiritual heritage where the truths received are not merely retained but actively embraced and declared, ensuring that future generations, even those yet unborn, will come to intimately know God and, in turn, become faithful stewards who pass on the legacy of His redemptive work.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 78 is a lengthy historical maskil, an instructional poem attributed to Asaph, designed to teach profound spiritual lessons through the recounting of Israel's history. It meticulously traces God's consistent faithfulness and wondrous acts from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest, and into the Davidic era, juxtaposing His steadfastness with Israel's recurrent rebellion, forgetfulness, and idolatry. Verse 6 serves as the climactic statement of purpose for the intergenerational instruction mandated in the preceding verses. Specifically, it builds directly upon Psalm 78:4, which commands the elders not to conceal God's praise and wonderful works from their children, and Psalm 78:5, which explicitly states that God established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, commanding fathers to make them known to their children. Thus, Psalm 78:6 articulates the vital outcome and perpetual nature of this mandated transmission, ensuring a continuous flow of divine knowledge across all future generations.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally structured around familial and communal units, with a paramount emphasis on oral tradition and the diligent transmission of heritage. Education was primarily home-based and deeply integrated with religious instruction. The Mosaic Law, particularly foundational passages like Deuteronomy 6:6-7, explicitly commanded parents to diligently teach their children God's statutes, commands, and redemptive acts. This was far more than mere academic learning; it was the essential inculcation of a national and spiritual identity, rooted in God's unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. The recounting of pivotal historical events—such as the Exodus, the giving of the Law, and the wilderness journey—served as the foundational narrative for understanding God's character, His faithfulness, and Israel's identity as His covenant people. The psalmist, writing perhaps centuries after these events, aims to re-instill this foundational knowledge in a generation prone to spiritual amnesia and idolatry, thereby highlighting the enduring relevance of God's past actions for their present obedience and future hope.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the Generational Transmission of Faith, emphasizing the divine mandate for parents, elders, and the community to diligently pass on spiritual truths and the comprehensive story of God's redemptive acts to their descendants. This is not merely historical recitation but an invitation to an intimate, experiential "knowing" of God, as seen in the command to remember God's "wonderful works" (Psalm 78:4). Closely related is the theme of Remembering God's Works and Law, where the pronoun "them" refers to the "testimonies" and "law" God established (Psalm 78:5) and His mighty deeds throughout Israel's history. This remembrance is crucial for maintaining covenant faithfulness. Finally, the verse highlights Future Responsibility and Continuity, envisioning a perpetual cycle where "children which should be born" will not only learn but will "arise and declare them to their children," thereby ensuring the enduring legacy of God's truth and preventing spiritual decline across all subsequent generations.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 78:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is Intergenerational Continuity, which is not merely a theme but a structural and conceptual device embedded in the verse's progression from "the generation to come" to "children which should be born" who will then "declare them to their children," establishing a perpetual cycle. This creates a powerful sense of Anticipation and Foreshadowing, as the psalmist projects the impact of present instruction far into the distant future, underscoring the long-term significance of their actions. The phrase "who should arise and declare them" utilizes Personification by attributing active agency and responsibility ("arise and declare") to future generations, emphasizing their future role as active participants and stewards in the transmission of faith, rather than passive recipients. The entire verse functions as a powerful Didactic Statement, directly instructing and impressing upon the audience the vital importance of their role in preserving and propagating divine truth, making it a foundational principle for the covenant community.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core theological principle woven throughout the entire biblical narrative: the divine mandate for intergenerational discipleship and the preservation of covenant memory. God's redemptive acts and His revealed will are not meant to be confined to a single generation but are to be faithfully transmitted, ensuring that His people continually remember His character and commands. This continuity of faith is essential for the health and identity of God's covenant community, preventing spiritual decline and fostering a living relationship with the Creator. The "them" that is to be known and declared encompasses both God's mighty deeds (His heilsgeschichte or salvation history) and His moral law (His torah), demonstrating that both revelation and response are crucial components of this heritage. This emphasis on remembering and recounting serves as a bulwark against idolatry and apostasy, which often stem from forgetting God's past faithfulness and His covenant obligations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:6 serves as a profound and enduring challenge to every believer and every generation, calling us beyond mere personal piety to a communal and generational responsibility. Our faith is not a private possession but a sacred trust, a precious inheritance to be diligently stewarded and faithfully passed on. This means intentionally creating environments—within our homes, our churches, and our broader communities—where the transformative stories of God's faithfulness, the timeless truths of His Word, and the profound lessons of His redemptive history are not only taught but also lived out, celebrated, and deeply internalized. It compels us to be active, passionate narrators of God's unfolding story, ensuring that the next generation doesn't merely inherit a set of abstract beliefs but a vibrant, living, and personal relationship with the God who acts in history and in their lives. The verse powerfully reminds us that the spiritual health and vitality of future generations hinge significantly on our faithfulness today, urging us to consider the long-term impact of our discipleship efforts and to prayerfully invest in and equip those who will carry the torch of faith after us, extending the reach of God's truth to the ends of the earth and to the end of time.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the generation to come" specifically refer to in this verse?
Answer: "The generation to come" in Psalm 78:6 refers to future generations, specifically identified as "the children which should be born." This phrase emphasizes the long-term, perpetual nature of the divine command to transmit God's truth. It's not limited to the immediate next generation but is about establishing a continuous, unbroken chain of spiritual instruction that extends indefinitely into the future, ensuring that the intimate knowledge of God and His mighty works never fades from His people. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on covenant continuity, where God's promises and commands are for thousands of generations, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Why is it so important for children to "know" and "declare" these truths?
Answer: It is crucial for several profound reasons. First, "knowing" (Hebrew yadaʿ) implies an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding, not merely intellectual assent to facts. For children to truly know God, they must grasp His character, His redemptive acts, and His covenant faithfulness throughout history. This deep, personal knowledge forms the indispensable foundation of their faith, identity, and obedience. Second, "declaring" (Hebrew çâphar) signifies an active, intentional, and comprehensive recounting. This ensures that the divine narrative is not lost, diluted, or forgotten. By actively declaring these truths, future generations become not just recipients but active participants and stewards in the preservation and propagation of faith, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering ongoing covenant faithfulness. This echoes the solemn command in Deuteronomy 4:9, where Israel is warned not to forget God's deeds and to diligently teach them to their children and grandchildren.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 78:6 speaks of transmitting the knowledge of God's Old Testament acts and law, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest, most glorious meaning are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "them" that future generations are to know and declare culminates definitively in the revelation of God's character and His perfect redemptive plan through His Son. Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of God's "wonderful works," the very Word made flesh who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He is the living Word who perfectly reveals the Father, declaring, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). The "testimonies" and "law" of God find their ultimate purpose, their complete expression, and their saving fulfillment in Christ's atoning work on the cross and His establishment of the New Covenant, a covenant founded on better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Therefore, the "generation to come" is now supremely called to know and declare the gospel—the good news of salvation through Christ's sacrificial death, burial, and glorious resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The Great Commission, as given by the resurrected Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, is the New Testament's ultimate and expansive expression of this intergenerational mandate, calling believers to make disciples of all nations, teaching them "all that I have commanded you," thereby ensuring that the knowledge of Christ and His saving work is faithfully transmitted, proclaimed, and lived out until His triumphant return. This perpetual declaration of Christ's glory and His saving work is the highest and most complete form of fulfilling the psalmist's ancient call.