John Calvin Commentary Psalms 78:7

"That they might set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep his commandments," — Psalms 78:7 (ASV)

That they might set their hope in God. Here the Psalmist points out the use to which the doctrine he had stated should be applied.

In the first place, the fathers, when they find that they are instrumental in maintaining the pure worship of God on one hand, and are the means of providing for the salvation of their children on the other, should, by such a precious result of their labors, be more powerfully stirred up to instruct their children. In the second place, the children on their part, being inflamed with greater zeal, should eagerly press forward in acquiring divine knowledge. They should not allow their minds to wander in vain speculations, but should aim at, or keep their eyes directed to, the right mark. It is an unhappy and wretched toil to be ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7).

Therefore, when we hear for what purpose the law was given, we can easily learn the true and most successful method of benefiting from it. The inspired writer places trust first, assigning it the highest rank. He then requires the observance of the holy commandments of God; and he puts in the middle the remembrance of the works of God, which serves to confirm and strengthen faith.

In short, he means that the sum of heavenly wisdom consists in this: that people, having their hearts fixed on God by a true and sincere faith, call upon him; that to maintain and cherish their confidence in him, they exercise themselves in earnestly meditating upon his benefits; and that then they yield to him sincere and devoted obedience.

From this, we may learn that the true service of God begins with faith. If we transfer our trust and confidence to any other object, we defraud him of the chief part of his honor.