Day 110 - Psalm 78

"And may not be like their fathers..." Psalm 78:8a

NEGATIVE EXAMPLES

The psalmist Asaph was candid enough to mention the negative examples of Israel's forefathers. There were some who stood out magnificently- Moses and Joshua were two clear examples. Sadly, there were many who were negative examples.

"And may not be like their fathers,
A stubborn and rebellious generation,
A generation that did not set its heart aright,
And whose spirit was not faithful to God."
Psalm 78:8

1. "And may not be like their fathers"

a) Teaching truth was foremost in mind.

b) Politeness was placed at a lower level.

c) It was important that the future generations do not emulate negative examples.

2. A candid description:-

a) A stubborn generation.

b) A rebellious generation.

c) A generation that did not set its heart aright.

d) A generation whose spirit was not faithful to God.

3. This is not a subjective and caustic assessment.

4. This assessment was based on what God Himself said concerning Israel in the days of Moses.

a) A stiff-necked generation (Exodus 32:9; 33:3, 5)

b) Provoked the Lord (Deuteronomy 9:7)

c) Acted corruptly (Deuteronomy 9:12)

5. Moses agreed that Israel had sinned against God terribly.

a) Stubbornness of the people (Deuteronomy 9:27a)

b) Wickedness of their sin (Deuteronomy 9:27b)