Psalms 78:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:2 mean?

Psalms 78:2 describes the speaker announcing that he will share a parable and reveal old, mysterious sayings. The verse signals that what follows will use stories and riddles from the past to teach or remind listeners of important truths.

The speaker is the psalmist Asaph, addressing the people of Israel. He prepares his audience to listen carefully, because he is about to recount lessons from their ancestors’ history using memorable stories and sayings that may not be immediately obvious in meaning. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which will reflect on Israel’s history to teach spiritual lessons.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:2

• פָּרָבָה (mashal, transliteration: mashal): This word is often translated as "parable" and refers to a story, proverb, or comparison used to teach a lesson. Here, it signals that the psalmist will use storytelling to communicate deeper truths.
• חִידָה (chidah, transliteration: chidah): Translated as "dark sayings," this word means riddles or enigmatic statements. It suggests that the teachings may require thought and reflection to fully understand.
• מִקֶּדֶם (miqqedem, transliteration: miqqedem): This word means "of old" or "from ancient times," emphasizing that the stories and lessons come from Israel’s distant past and carry long-standing significance.

Why Psalms 78:2 matters

• Psalms 78:2 clarifies that the psalm is not just a straightforward historical account, but uses stories and riddles to invite deeper reflection and understanding.
• The verse highlights the importance of remembering and learning from the past, especially lessons that may not be immediately clear without careful listening.
• By introducing the psalm this way, the writer connects the audience to their ancestors, encouraging them to see themselves as part of an ongoing story with lessons still relevant today.