I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. (Psalm 78:2-3) On the surface, a parable is a simple tale intended to explain spiritual concepts in human terms. However when it comes to...

A Contemplation of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. (Psalm 78:1) The Hebrew word translated as “contemplation” is משכיל maskil, derived from a root that means, “wisdom or enlightenment.” Jewish commentators say that...

Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77:19-20) In the last verse of this psalm, there is a very important concept acknowledged -- as the Great...

Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77:19-20) When Israel emerged from the sea, the waters that had been stacked up in heaps returned to...

Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Psalm 77:19-20) As the people of Israel began their journey across the desert toward the land of Promise, God...

The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook. (Psalm 77:18) When we see a flash of lightning, we witness an awesome display of God's might. In just an instant, the air temperature can be heated to as...

The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You, they were afraid. The depths also trembled. (Psalm 77:16) From the very beginning of Creation, water has been a constant. In fact, there is no record of when God spoke water into existence; that point is merely inferred...

You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people. (Psalm 77:14-15) Each year at Passover, the traditional meal eaten to remember Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage includes the...

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search. (Psalm 77:5-6) If you read the few verses that precede those above, you will see that the...

To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to God with my voice — to God with my voice and He gave ear to me. (Psalm 77:1) It is acknowledged in Jewish commentary that the psalmist Asaph possessed a unique gift -- the ability to find something...

Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. (Psalm 76:10) In the previous devotion we began with the question, ”How can man's wrath produce praise for God?” Today we will pose another question: with whose remaining...

Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. (Psalm 76:10) This verse, at first glance, is quite puzzling; how can man's wrath produce praise for God? Our Jewish friends offer some insight to this which, in my view,...