How important to you are your future generations? To Asaph, they were very important. Asaph then wrote the history of Israel from Jacob to David. In verses 1-8. Asaph gave a great introduction. His purpose was to remind his hearers and readers that they (and we) are only one (1) generation away from becoming a pagan nation. We must teach our children to read God’s word and to obey Him, to receive Him as Savior and Lord. And why should we do that? “So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands. They will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.”
In the rest of the verses, he gave instances of Israel’s failure to follow God. He described them as they “stubbornly tested God in their hearts” and “even spoke against God Himself”. Even after God punished them, “all they gave Him was lip service”.
In verses 65-72, Asaph brought the history to a stopping point. After Saul was dead, everything changed so much he described God in human terms. It was like God had been asleep and just woke up or like a drunken soldier who was regaining his senses; it was like night and day. Now with David as king of Israel, there could be a new beginning by teaching children to trust and honor God.