King James Version
What Does Psalms 78:7 Mean?
“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:”
Psalms 78:7 · KJV
Context
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. that: Heb. that prepared not their heart
9
The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. carrying: Heb. throwing forth
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe purpose of transmission: "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments" (Hebrew v-yasimu vElohim kishlam v-lo yish-k-chu ma-ale El u-mitzvotav yintzoru). Three results: "set their hope in God" (trust orientation), "not forget" (memory retention), "keep his commandments" (obedient practice). This verse reveals catechesis aims not merely at knowledge transfer but heart transformation—faith, remembrance, obedience. Knowing God's past works produces confidence for future trials.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Israel's tragic pattern was forgetting (Judges 8:34, Psalm 106:13). Remembering God's works anchors faith when testing comes. The repeated command "remember" appears throughout Deuteronomy (8:2, 8:18, 9:7). New covenant believers similarly remember Christ's work (1 Corinthians 11:24-25, "do this in remembrance of me"). Gospel remembrance produces gospel living.
Reflection Questions
- How does remembering God's past works specifically strengthen present hope and obedience?
- What practices help you consistently "not forget" God's faithfulness amid daily pressures?
- How does regular participation in communion function as divinely-appointed "remembrance" of Christ's work?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְיָשִׂ֥ימוּ1 of 9
“That they might set”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
בֵֽאלֹהִ֗ים2 of 9
“in God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּ֫סְלָ֥ם3 of 9
“their hope”
H3689properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
וְלֹ֣א4 of 9
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֭שְׁכְּחוּ5 of 9
“and not forget”
H7911to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
אֵ֑ל7 of 9
“of God”
H410strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וּמִצְוֹתָ֥יו8 of 9
“his commandments”
H4687a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יִנְצֹֽרוּ׃9 of 9
“but keep”
H5341to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 78:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 78:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge