“I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:”
The psalmist announces the hermeneutical strategy: "I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old." The term "parable" (mashal) refers to a teaching that employs figurative or hidden language, while "dark sayings" (chidot) suggests proverbial wisdom that conceals truth beneath a surface layer. This verse indicates that the historical narrative that follows will operate on multiple levels: it both recounts what happened and interprets its significance for faith. The Matthean gospel explicitly cites this verse to describe Jesus's parables, suggesting a hermeneutical continuity between the Psalter's method and New Testament teaching.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:2
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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