Psalms 78:11 – “They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 78:11 describes a major failing of the Israelites: they forgot God’s powerful works and the miracles He performed on their behalf. Forgetting here doesn’t mean they simply had a lapse in memory. Instead, it points to a failure to keep God’s works close to their hearts and minds, failing to let His past faithfulness guide their present choices. The Israelites had witnessed God’s wonders—He led them out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, and guided them with a pillar of fire and cloud. Yet, in moments of difficulty or temptation, they often acted as if those miracles never happened, losing trust and turning away from God. This verse highlights the importance of remembering God’s deeds as a foundation for a faithful life.
Historical Context
Psalm 78 was written by Asaph, a leader during the reign of King David. This psalm recounts Israel’s history, focusing on the repeated cycles of God’s faithfulness and the people’s disobedience. Asaph used these stories as a teaching tool, reminding Israel of their ancestors’ mistakes so they would not repeat them. At various points in Israel’s journey, they forgot God’s deliverance and turned to other gods or complained about their circumstances. This pattern of forgetting God’s works led to spiritual decline, and it grieved God’s heart, as He desired a faithful relationship with His people. Asaph emphasizes remembering as a way to keep the people anchored in faith and obedience.
Theological Implications
Psalm 78:11 reveals that remembering God’s works is foundational to a life of faith. When we forget what God has done, we risk falling into fear, doubt, and disobedience. This verse suggests that our spiritual memory plays a role in our relationship with God. Remembering His faithfulness in the past strengthens our trust and loyalty in the present. This is why Scripture so often calls on God’s people to “remember” His deeds and tell them to the next generation. Forgetting God’s works not only distances us from His blessings but leads us away from the values and principles He has called us to live by.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 78 is a teaching psalm, and verse 11 uses simple but powerful language to highlight Israel’s failure to remember. The phrase “they forgot what he had done” is direct, showing a deep disconnect between the people’s present choices and God’s past faithfulness. By using the word “wonders,” the psalmist emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God’s acts, contrasting them with the people’s lack of gratitude and memory. The verse serves as a pivot point, summarizing Israel’s core issue and setting up the narrative that follows, where their lack of remembrance leads them into disobedience and spiritual decline.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 6:12 – “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Moses warns the people to remember God’s acts of deliverance.
- Psalm 103:2 – “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” This verse calls us to remember and praise God for His goodness and provision.
- Judges 8:34 – “The Israelites did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.” This verse speaks to the consequences of Israel’s failure to remember God’s deliverance.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Psalm 78:11 encourages today’s Christians to actively remember and reflect on God’s work in their lives. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become distracted and forget the ways God has provided, protected, and guided us. When we make a habit of remembering His faithfulness, it strengthens our faith and helps us face challenges with trust instead of fear. This verse reminds us to look back on God’s goodness, not only for our benefit but as a testimony to others. Remembering His past works anchors us in a life of gratitude, praise, and confidence in His future provision.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 78:11 reflects God’s loving desire for His people to know and remember His care for them. God doesn’t perform miracles just to display His power; He does so to show His love, provision, and desire to be in relationship with His people. When Israel forgot God’s works, they missed out on experiencing His love fully, as their lack of memory led them to stray from Him. This verse shows that God’s love includes reminders of His faithfulness, calling His people to a relationship built on gratitude and trust. His love is seen in His continuous acts of kindness and care, which deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of remembering God’s works, and He instituted the practice of communion as a way for believers to remember His ultimate act of love. In Luke 22:19, during the Last Supper, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Through communion, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate act of God’s love and salvation. This act of remembering Jesus’ death and resurrection strengthens our faith and renews our commitment to Him. Just as Israel was called to remember God’s deeds, Christians are called to remember the life and sacrifice of Jesus, keeping His love and example at the center of their lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some specific ways God has shown His faithfulness in your life?
- How can you create a habit of remembering and reflecting on God’s past works?
- Why do you think it’s important to remember God’s faithfulness in times of struggle?
- How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice help strengthen your faith today?
- What are some ways you can help others remember God’s goodness and faithfulness?
Psalm 78:11 reminds us that remembering God’s work in our lives is essential to a faithful, grateful relationship with Him. By looking back on His love, provision, and protection, we’re better equipped to face the present and future with trust. Through Jesus, we are called to a life of remembrance, with His sacrifice as the ultimate example of God’s love and faithfulness. This verse encourages us to keep God’s wonders close to our hearts, guiding our actions and deepening our relationship with Him.