“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:”
The theological intention behind the transmission is revealed: "So that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." The goal of historical recitation is not nostalgic reminiscence but present spiritual formation: the coming generation should trust God and obey God's commandments based on the evidence of God's past faithfulness. The three elements—hope in God, memory of God's works, obedience to commandments—constitute the essential posture of covenant faithfulness.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:7
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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