Psalm 78 part 1

Dear Jennie:

Long chapter so I'll split this one up. From our western world mindset of all love and grace and mercy this is a rough one...

- vs. 1-4: I wonder when in history Asaph is instructing the people to tell their children about the Lord? It's interesting that he mentions "dark sayings of old" but then also the praises of the Lord, his strength and his wondrous works.

- vs. 5-7: Even to those not yet born and to their children: warnings to not be like their fathers who were unfaithful to God (I assume given the context of the next verses he's talking about the people who complained in the wilderness and worship idols after God had delivered them from Egypt).

- vs. 12-16: What amazing displays of God's power and presence!

- vs. 17-29: God provides food for his people via these miracles. I guess I didn't remember the people complained about not having food - I'm sure I would too.

- vs. 30-33: Verses like these are why the old testament is a challenge for me. It makes God seem like he somehow can't control his anger and he just lashes out and kills people some times.

- vs. 34-35: I guess this sort of punishment is just what the people needed though to turn back to God.

- vs. 36-37: The people again are unfaithful.

- vs. 38: I guess this sort of answers my issues with vs. 30-33; He often restrained his anger and didn't arouse his wrath but had compassion and forgave them. And didn't destroy his people though he could have (maybe even should have if I'm thinking correctly about the kinds of things they did)

- vs. 39: Describes us all!

to be continued...   :)