“The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.”
The narrative proper begins: "The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, turned back on the day of battle." The specific mention of Ephraim (representing the northern tribes) and their retreat in battle establishes the theme that will dominate the psalm: human failure and unfaithfulness. The citation of military failure as the first exemplum of Israel's faithlessness suggests that security and victory depend on covenant faithfulness rather than military prowess.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:9
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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