John Calvin Commentary Psalms 78:8

"And might not be as their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that set not their heart aright, And whose spirit was not stedfast with God." — Psalms 78:8 (ASV)

And that they might not be as their fathers, a rebellious and provoking generation. The Psalmist here shows more clearly how necessary this sermon was, because the Jews were very prone to revolt from God if they were not kept under control by powerful restraints.

He takes it as an unquestionable fact that their hearts were in no way better than the hearts of their fathers, whom he states were a treacherous, rebellious, perverse, and disobedient race. Therefore, they would immediately backslide from the way of God unless their hearts were continually supported by firm foundations.

The experience of all ages shows that what Horace writes about his own nation is true everywhere:

“Ætas parentum, pejor avis, tulit
Nos nequiores, mox daturos
Progeniem vitiosiorem.”
Odes, Book III. Ode vi.

“The age that gave our fathers birth,
Saw them their noble sires disgrace:
We, baser still, shall leave on earth
The still increasing guilt of our degenerate race.”
Boscawen's Translation.

What then would be the consequence if God did not help the world, which thus proceeds from evil to worse?

The prophet teaches the Jews, based on the wickedness and perverseness of their fathers, that they needed severe discipline to recall them from imitating bad examples. From this, we learn how great the world's folly is in persuading itself that the example of the fathers should be regarded as equivalent to a law, which ought to be followed in every case.

He does not speak here of all people without distinction, but of the holy and chosen race of Abraham. Nor does he rebuke a small number of people, but almost the whole nation, among whom excessive obstinacy prevailed, as well as perverse forgetfulness of the grace of God and treacherous deceit.

He does not merely mention the fathers of one age, but he includes a period stretching back into remote antiquity, so that people may not find an excuse for committing sin based on the length of time it has prevailed. Therefore, we must make a wise selection from among the fathers of those whom it is fitting for us to imitate.

Since it is very difficult to remove the tendency towards this perverse imitation of the fathers (towards whom a feeling of reverence is naturally impressed on the minds of their successors), the prophet uses many terms to describe the aggravated wickedness of the fathers, branding them as guilty of apostasy, provocation, treachery, and hypocrisy.

These are very serious charges, but it will be evident from what follows that they are not exaggerated. The word הכין, hechin, which I have translated directed, is by some translated established; but in my opinion, the meaning is rather that God’s ancient people always turned aside from God into devious paths.

Also, in what follows, instead of reading whose spirit was not faithful towards God, some read whose spirit leaned not upon God. But it is better to follow the former interpretation: that they were not faithfully and steadfastly devoted to God, even though they had solemnly sworn allegiance to Him.

The Papists use this passage as an argument to prove that humans have the power to bend their own hearts and direct them to either good or evil as they please. However, this is an inference from it that cannot withstand examination for even a moment.

Although the prophet justly blames those who have not directed their hearts correctly, his object is not expressly to speak of what humans can do by themselves.

It is the special work of God to turn the hearts of humans to Himself by the secret influence of His Holy Spirit. However, it does not follow from this that they will be exempt from blame when their own lust and depravity draw them away from God.

Moreover, from the sins which are reproved here, we should learn how He would have us obey and serve Him.

1. We must lay aside all obstinacy and take His yoke upon us.
2. We must clothe ourselves with the spirit of meekness, bring the affections of the heart to the obedience of God, and pursue uprightness—and that not with the fervor of a mere transient impulse, but with sincere and unwavering steadfastness.