Main thought: This psalm recounts a large portion of Israel’s history. In this final section the faithlessness of the Israelites in the Promised Land is contrasted with God’s faithfulness in finally providing King David and the temple. Both of these are bust shadows of the Good Shepherd who lays down His life to forgive His sheep.
Psalm 78:62–72
He gave his people over to the sword
and vented his wrath on his heritage.
Fire devoured their young men,
and their young women had no marriage song.
Their priests fell by the sword,
and their widows made no lamentation.
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.
And he put his adversaries to rout;
he put them to everlasting shame.
He rejected the tent of Joseph;
he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,
but he chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion, which he loves.
He built his sanctuary like the high heavens,
like the earth, which he has founded forever.
He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand.
Prayer
Mighty Lord, we surely deserve nothing but punishment for our wickedness and wandering. Yet You sent Your Son to gather the lambs of your flock and give them abundant life. We pray that You would feed us with Your Word and lead us into Your dwelling place forever. Amen.
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