“They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;”
The reason for failure is theological: "They did not keep God's covenant, and refused to walk according to his law." The connection between covenant-breaking and military defeat establishes the causal relationship that structures the entire psalm: when Israel keeps the covenant, God grants victory; when Israel breaks the covenant, God withdraws protection. This verse introduces the psalm's interpretive key: all of Israel's historical experiences—both successes and failures—flow from the relationship with God.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:10
1. This Psalm does contain the things which are said to have been done among the old people: but the new and latter people is being admonished, to beware that it be not ungrateful regarding the blessings of God, and provoke His anger against it, whereas it ought to receive His grace....The Title thereof does first move and engage our attention. For it is not without reason inscribed, “Understanding of Asaph:” but it is perchance because these words require a reader who does…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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