This verse calls God’s people to remember the LORD’s faithful deeds and pass them on, urging them not to repeat past mistakes.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old (v.2).
Psalm 78 was composed by Asaph, a Levite who served during the reign of King David (approximately 1010—970 BC), and is attributed to him or to his descendants known as the “sons of Asaph,” who carried on his musical tradition. Psalm 78:2 reads, I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old (v.2). This reveals Asaph’s intention to convey spiritual truths using sacred stories and illustrations (which he calls “dark sayings,” meaning mysterious or profound truths). By teaching in this poetic form, Asaph mirrors the method later used by Jesus, who frequently taught in parables to reveal the mysteries of God’s kingdom to those willing to hear (Matthew 13:34-35). Indeed, Matthew directly quotes Psalm 78:2 to show how Jesus fulfilled the words of Asaph by opening His mouth in parables to convey the deeper purposes of God (Matthew 13:35).In Psalm 78, Asaph aims to remind the people of Israel not to forget the mighty works and wonders of the LORD. He speaks of drawing out lessons from Israel’s past—lessons that their ancestors failed to heed because they did not keep God’s covenant nor remember His miracles.Psalm 78 highlights moments such as the Exodus from Egypt, instances of divine provision, and the repeated unfaithfulness of the people. By using a “parable,” Asaph calls his audience not only to rehearse these old stories but also to reflect on their meaning and follow the LORD wholeheartedly.
Jesus, as the Bible teaches, used parables to reveal secrets of the kingdom and to provoke spiritual reflection. Just as Asaph says, I will utter dark sayings of old, Christ often called the listener to search his or her heart and respond with faith. For instance, Matthew points out this specific verse (Psalm 78:2) when Jesus teaches the crowds using parables, showing how He fulfilled this ancient word.Even today, the invitation stands: by reading and reflecting on Psalm 78, we open ourselves to these “dark sayings” or spiritual truths that call God’s people to remember His faithfulness, obey His words, and trust in His provision.
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Psalms 78:2 meaning
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old (v.2).
Psalm 78 was composed by Asaph, a Levite who served during the reign of King David (approximately 1010—970 BC), and is attributed to him or to his descendants known as the “sons of Asaph,” who carried on his musical tradition. Psalm 78:2 reads, I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old (v.2). This reveals Asaph’s intention to convey spiritual truths using sacred stories and illustrations (which he calls “dark sayings,” meaning mysterious or profound truths). By teaching in this poetic form, Asaph mirrors the method later used by Jesus, who frequently taught in parables to reveal the mysteries of God’s kingdom to those willing to hear (Matthew 13:34-35). Indeed, Matthew directly quotes Psalm 78:2 to show how Jesus fulfilled the words of Asaph by opening His mouth in parables to convey the deeper purposes of God (Matthew 13:35).In Psalm 78, Asaph aims to remind the people of Israel not to forget the mighty works and wonders of the LORD. He speaks of drawing out lessons from Israel’s past—lessons that their ancestors failed to heed because they did not keep God’s covenant nor remember His miracles.Psalm 78 highlights moments such as the Exodus from Egypt, instances of divine provision, and the repeated unfaithfulness of the people. By using a “parable,” Asaph calls his audience not only to rehearse these old stories but also to reflect on their meaning and follow the LORD wholeheartedly.
Jesus, as the Bible teaches, used parables to reveal secrets of the kingdom and to provoke spiritual reflection. Just as Asaph says, I will utter dark sayings of old, Christ often called the listener to search his or her heart and respond with faith. For instance, Matthew points out this specific verse (Psalm 78:2) when Jesus teaches the crowds using parables, showing how He fulfilled this ancient word.Even today, the invitation stands: by reading and reflecting on Psalm 78, we open ourselves to these “dark sayings” or spiritual truths that call God’s people to remember His faithfulness, obey His words, and trust in His provision.