Psalms 78:7
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
Original Language Analysis
וְיָשִׂ֥ימוּ
That they might set
H7760
וְיָשִׂ֥ימוּ
That they might set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 9
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
בֵֽאלֹהִ֗ים
in God
H430
בֵֽאלֹהִ֗ים
in God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּ֫סְלָ֥ם
their hope
H3689
כִּ֫סְלָ֥ם
their hope
Strong's:
H3689
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֭שְׁכְּחוּ
and not forget
H7911
יִ֭שְׁכְּחוּ
and not forget
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
5 of 9
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
אֵ֑ל
of God
H410
אֵ֑ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
7 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!Revelation 14:12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.1 John 5:3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;Psalms 91:14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.Psalms 40:4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.Psalms 103:2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:Deuteronomy 8:11Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
Historical Context
Israel's tragic pattern was forgetting (Judges 8:34, Psalm 106:13). Remembering God's works anchors faith when testing comes. The repeated command "remember" appears throughout Deuteronomy (8:2, 8:18, 9:7). New covenant believers similarly remember Christ's work (1 Corinthians 11:24-25, "do this in remembrance of me"). Gospel remembrance produces gospel living.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's past works specifically strengthen present hope and obedience?
- What practices help you consistently "not forget" God's faithfulness amid daily pressures?
- How does regular participation in communion function as divinely-appointed "remembrance" of Christ's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The purpose of transmission: "That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments" (Hebrew v-yasimu vElohim kishlam v-lo yish-k-chu ma-ale El u-mitzvotav yintzoru). Three results: "set their hope in God" (trust orientation), "not forget" (memory retention), "keep his commandments" (obedient practice). This verse reveals catechesis aims not merely at knowledge transfer but heart transformation—faith, remembrance, obedience. Knowing God's past works produces confidence for future trials.