Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength… The first eight verses of this psalm have much to say upon this great question. Upon - I. ITS AUTHORITY. "He commanded our fathers" (ver. 5; cf. Deuteronomy 6.). That which reason, conscience, and experience would alike teach, the authority of God confirms by direct command. And it is at our peril that we neglect this. The sanctions that accompany the command have not to wait for the future life for their fulfilment; they are visible everywhere in the present, as they have been in all the past. II. ITS IMPORTANCE. This entire psalm is the sad record of the results of neglecting this command (see vers. 8, 40). III. ITS METHOD. 1. By entrusting this duty mainly to the parents (see ver. 5) - those who might naturally be expected to feel the chief interest in, and responsibility for, their children. 2. Adopting the most interesting mode of instruction - the parabolic (ver. 2); the historic (ver. 4). 3. Charging the children with the responsibility of transmission (vers. 5, 6). IV. ITS HIGH AND HOLY PURPOSE. (Vers. 7, 8.) - S.C. Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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