And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
This psalm shows God's twofold work: He adopted Israel from Abraham's line, delivered them from Egypt with tender grace, and crowned them with blessings beyond number. Yet they repaid Him with treachery and stiff-necked rebellion, forcing Him to strive against their perfidy by the unbroken course of His goodness. The renewal came when He chose David to rule, making plain His gracious design from first to last.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 78:1-72
And he led them on safely, so that they feared not. After the first little alarm, natural enough when they found themselves pursued by their old taskmasters, they plucked up courage and ventured forth boldly into the sea, and afterwards into the desert where no man dwelt. But the sea overwhelmed their enemies. They were gone, gone for ever, never to disturb the fugitives again.
They provoked Him not once or twice but many times in the wilderness, and God kept account of every provocation. They grieved Him as undutiful children grieve a tender father, for they limited the Holy One of Israel, prescribing to Him what proofs He should give of His power and what methods He should take in leading them.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 78:40-72