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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 78:5 For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/78-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/19_Psa_078_005.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 78:5 - I Will Open My Mouth in Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/78-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/78-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/78.htm">Chapter 78</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/78-4.htm" title="Psalm 78:4">◄</a> Psalm 78:5 <a href="/psalms/78-6.htm" title="Psalm 78:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/78.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/78.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/78.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/78.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/78.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/78.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they were to teach them to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should teach them to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/78.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob And set a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/78.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For He established a testimony (a specific precept) in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach to their children [the great facts of God’s transactions with Israel],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/78.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/78.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/78.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For he established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which he commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/78.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God gave his Law to Jacob's descendants, the people of Israel. And he told our ancestors to teach their children, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/78.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/78.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He established written instructions for Jacob's people. He gave his teachings to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make them known to their children<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/78.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He gave laws to the people of Israel and commandments to the descendants of Jacob. He instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/78.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He established a decree in Jacob, and established the Law in Israel, that he commanded our ancestors to reveal to their children<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/78.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/78.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He established a rule in Jacob; he set up a law in Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make his deeds known to their descendants, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/78.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a teaching in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/78.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/78.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For he established a covenant in Jacob, and appointed a teaching in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/78.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He raises up a testimony in Jacob, "" And has placed a law in Israel, "" That He commanded our fathers, "" To make them known to their sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/78.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And He raiseth up a testimony in Jacob, And a law hath placed in Israel, That He commanded our fathers, To make them known to their sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/78.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For he raised up a testimony in Jacob and set a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to make them known to their sons:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/78.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he set up a testimony in Jacob: and made a law in Israel. How great things he commanded our fathers, that they should make the same known to their children: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/78.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 77:5>And he has received testimony with Jacob, and he has set a law within Israel. Such great things, he has commanded our fathers, so as to make these things known to their sons,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/78.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God made a decree in Jacob, established a law in Israel: Which he commanded our ancestors, they were to teach their children; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/78.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/78.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For he established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers that they should make known to their children,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/78.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He established his testimony in Jacob and he set his law in Israel, as he commanded our fathers to make known to their children<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/78.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/78.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he raised up a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, to make it known to their children:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/78-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=9498" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">I Will Open My Mouth in Parables</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qem (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">For He established</a> <a href="/hebrew/5715.htm" title="5715: ‘ê·ḏūṯ (N-fs) -- Testimony. Feminine of ed; testimony.">a testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: bə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">in Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śām (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and appointed</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: wə·ṯō·w·rāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">a law</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: bə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">in Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">which</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">He commanded</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">our fathers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lə·hō·w·ḏî·‘ām (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to teach</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to their children,</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9-10</a></span><br />Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/13-8.htm">Exodus 13:8-9</a></span><br />And on that day you are to explain to your son, ‘This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ / It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-18.htm">Deuteronomy 11:18-21</a></span><br />Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. / Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-12.htm">Deuteronomy 31:12-13</a></span><br />Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/4-6.htm">Joshua 4:6-7</a></span><br />to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ / you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-26.htm">Exodus 12:26-27</a></span><br />When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Deuteronomy 32:7</a></span><br />Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></span><br />For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-19.htm">Isaiah 38:19</a></span><br />The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/1-3.htm">Joel 1:3</a></span><br />Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a></span><br />Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:</p><p class="hdg">for he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/81-5.htm">Psalm 81:5</a></b></br> This he ordained in Joseph <i>for</i> a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: <i>where</i> I heard a language <i>that</i> I understood not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-152.htm">Psalm 119:152</a></b></br> Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/147-19.htm">Psalm 147:19</a></b></br> He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.</p><p class="hdg">testimony.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/25-16.htm">Exodus 25:16,21</a></b></br> And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/40-3.htm">Exodus 40:3,20</a></b></br> And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail… </p><p class="hdg">that they</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-3.htm">Psalm 78:3,4</a></b></br> Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></b></br> For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-19.htm">Isaiah 38:19</a></b></br> The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I <i>do</i> this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/75-2.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/68-28.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/job/38-10.htm">Decreed</a> <a href="/psalms/76-2.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/78-3.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-18.htm">Forefathers</a> <a href="/psalms/76-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/77-15.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Law</a> <a href="/psalms/73-28.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/psalms/50-7.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/79-11.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/psalms/78-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/psalms/78-23.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/psalms/122-4.htm">Decreed</a> <a href="/psalms/78-69.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/78-8.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/psalms/78-8.htm">Forefathers</a> <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/psalms/78-10.htm">Law</a> <a href="/psalms/78-60.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/psalms/107-25.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-56.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/psalms/86-11.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/psalms/94-10.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/psalms/81-5.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 78</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-67.htm">The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/78.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/78.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For He established a testimony in Jacob</b><br>This phrase highlights God's covenant relationship with Jacob, who was later named Israel. The "testimony" refers to the divine laws and decrees given to the patriarchs, beginning with Jacob, as a witness to God's faithfulness and expectations. This covenant is foundational, as seen in <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13-15</a>, where God promises Jacob land, descendants, and blessings. The testimony serves as a perpetual reminder of God's promises and the responsibilities of His people.<p><b>and appointed a law in Israel</b><br>The "law" refers to the Torah, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which includes the Ten Commandments and other statutes. This law was meant to set Israel apart as a holy nation (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). It provided guidelines for worship, social justice, and personal conduct, reflecting God's character and will. The law's appointment signifies its divine origin and authority, underscoring Israel's unique role as God's chosen people.<p><b>which He commanded our fathers</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the generational transmission of God's commandments. The "fathers" refers to the patriarchs and leaders of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, who were entrusted with God's revelations. <a href="/deuteronomy/6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:1-9</a> stresses the importance of teaching these laws diligently to one's children, ensuring that each generation remains faithful to the covenant.<p><b>to teach to their children</b><br>The responsibility to teach God's laws to children underscores the importance of family and community in faith formation. This practice ensures the continuity of faith and obedience across generations. <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a> and <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a> highlight the role of parents in spiritual education. This commandment also points to the broader biblical theme of discipleship and the transmission of faith, which is fulfilled in the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Represents the nation of Israel, as Jacob's name was changed to Israel. This signifies the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God to be His people, through whom He would reveal His laws and testimonies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fathers.htm">Fathers</a></b><br>Refers to the ancestors of the Israelites, who were given the responsibility to pass down God's laws and testimonies to future generations.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a></b><br>The next generation of Israelites, who were to be taught God's laws and testimonies to ensure the continuity of faith and obedience.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/testimony_and_law.htm">Testimony and Law</a></b><br>The divine instructions and covenantal promises given by God to Israel, which were to be upheld and taught.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_generational_teaching.htm">The Importance of Generational Teaching</a></b><br>God’s design for faith transmission is through family and community, emphasizing the role of parents and elders in teaching the next generation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_testimony_and_law.htm">The Role of Testimony and Law</a></b><br>The testimony and law serve as a foundation for moral and spiritual guidance, providing a framework for living in accordance with God’s will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenantal_responsibility.htm">Covenantal Responsibility</a></b><br>As part of God’s covenant people, there is a responsibility to uphold and pass on the teachings of God, ensuring that His truths are not forgotten.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_a_living_tradition.htm">Faith as a Living Tradition</a></b><br>Faith is not static but a living tradition that must be actively taught and lived out, ensuring its relevance and vitality in every generation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_obedience.htm">The Impact of Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God’s laws brings blessings and aligns individuals and communities with God’s purposes, impacting society positively.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_78.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 78</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_bible_prophecies_often_fail.htm">If the Bible is historically accurate, why do its prophecies often fail or require vague reinterpretation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_reveal_only_to_israelites,_not_all.htm">If God created all people, why did He only reveal Himself to the Israelites in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_god's_promises_in_the_bible.htm">What are God's promises in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_nature_of_god.htm">What is the nature of God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/78.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">For he . . .</span>--Better, taking the relative of time (comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/11-6.htm" title="And what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the middle of all Israel:">Deuteronomy 11:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/139-15.htm" title="My substance was not hid from you, when I was made in secret, and curiously worked in the lowest parts of the earth.">Psalm 139:15</a>), <span class= "ital">For he established </span>(<span class= "ital">it as</span>)<span class= "ital"> a testimony in Jacob and </span>(<span class= "ital">as</span>)<span class= "ital"> a law appointed </span>(<span class= "ital">it</span>)<span class= "ital"> in Israel when he commanded our forefathers to make them </span>(the <span class= "ital">"wonderful works" </span>of last verse) <span class= "ital">known to their children. </span>For the custom see reference in margin.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/78.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel.</span> The "testimony" and the "law" are the whole series of commands given by God to his people, beginning with the directions concerning circumcision in Genesis (<a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a>), and terminating with the last precept in Deuteronomy (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Deuteronomy 32:46</a>). They may include also the teachings of God through history. <span class="cmt_word">These he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children</span> (see <a href="/exodus/12-26.htm">Exodus 12:26, 27</a>; <a href="/exodus/13-8.htm">Exodus 13:8, 14, 15</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Deuteronomy 6:7</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/11-19.htm">Deuteronomy 11:19</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Deuteronomy 32:46</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/78-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For He established</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤קֶם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a testimony</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵד֨וּת ׀</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5715.htm">Strong's 5715: </a> </span><span class="str2">Testimony</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּֽיַעֲקֹ֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and appointed</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(śām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a law</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתוֹרָה֮</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיִשְׂרָ֫אֵ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He commanded</span><br /><span class="heb">צִ֭וָּה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiw·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our fathers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתֵ֑ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to teach</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝הוֹדִיעָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hō·w·ḏî·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to their children,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/78-5.htm">Psalm 78:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/78-5.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/78-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 78:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/78-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 78:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>