I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist isn't just going to tell a story; he's using Israel's history as a "parable," or example, to reveal deeper truths that aren't immediately obvious. He calls them "dark sayings," not because they're obscure in wording, but because the profound meaning behind God's actions and Israel's reactions is challenging and even astonishing to grasp.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm isn't just a history lesson; it's a deliberate recounting of Israel's past, filled with God's amazing deeds and the people's repeated unfaithfulness. The psalmist intends to use these historical "examples" and "riddles" to teach present and future generations, highlighting the enduring pattern of God's mercy met by human ingratitude. The focus isn't just on events, but on the deeper lessons about obedience, trust, and God's covenant faithfulness that are revealed within their story.
When the psalmist says he'll speak in a 'parable,' what does that really mean? It's more than just a simple story.
The word 'parable' (mashal in Hebrew) isn't just about teaching with stories, like Jesus did. It can also mean an example, a comparison, or even a proverb.
Think of it as a powerful way to illustrate a deeper truth. The history of Israel, with all its ups and downs, becomes a giant 'parable' – a collection of examples meant to teach a profound lesson about God and His people.
Why call God's historical dealings 'dark sayings' or 'riddles'? What's so mysterious about them?
The psalmist uses the term 'dark sayings' or 'riddles' (chidot in Hebrew) because God's actions often hold deep, hidden meanings. These aren't just random events; they're divinely orchestrated scenarios that require careful thought to understand.
What might seem like baffling or even negative events in Israel's history were actually part of God's plan. They were 'riddles' that pointed to God's character, His justice, His mercy, and His ultimate purposes. The psalmist's job is to provide the 'clue' to unlock these mysteries.
The psalmist isn't just a historian; he's a teacher. So why dig into the past with such detail?
Psalm 78 uses Israel's history as a living sermon for the present generation. The 'parables' and 'dark sayings' from the past are meant to serve as a mirror.
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By looking at God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, the people of that day (and us today!) can see their own tendencies reflected. The goal is not just to remember what happened, but to learn from it: to be encouraged by God's enduring mercy and rebuked by the consistent consequences of disobedience. It's about understanding the pattern of God's dealings and our response to them.
Understand the original words
mashal · Hebrew Noun
A riddle, proverb, or figurative speech. In a biblical context, it often refers to wise sayings or prophetic utterances that require spiritual insight to fully understand and apply.
chidah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to obscure or difficult matters, often involving historical enigmas, moral wisdom, or profound truths from the past that demand reflection and interpretation.
This psalm, a 'maschil' or teaching psalm, was composed after the united monarchy had split. The author, likely Asaph or his guild, uses Israel's entire history as a 'parable' or 'dark saying' to instruct the people, emphasizing the profound, often hidden, lessons in God's dealings with them.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Wandering
Following their liberation from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites endured a long period of wandering in the wilderness. This era was marked by God's provision and miracles, but also by the people's repeated disobedience and lack of faith.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The reign of King David brought a period of relative stability and centralized worship in Jerusalem, marking a significant point in Israel's national history.
Post-1000 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division led to further spiritual decline and political instability.
After Division of Kingdoms— this verse
Asaph Composes Psalm 78
This psalm, attributed to Asaph, likely dates from the period after the kingdom's division. It reflects on Israel's entire history, highlighting the recurring cycle of God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness, serving as a warning and encouragement.
This psalm also uses the imagery of a parable and 'dark sayings' (riddles or profound truths) to reveal God's wisdom, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding beyond surface-level meaning.
Proverbs 1:6This verse explicitly links the understanding of proverbs and parables with discerning 'dark sayings' and the words of the wise, highlighting the instructional and revelatory nature of such pronouncements.
Matthew 13:34-35This passage directly quotes Psalm 78:2, explaining that Jesus spoke in parables to fulfill this prophecy and reveal mysteries about the kingdom of heaven that were hidden from some but illuminated for others.
Habakkuk 2:6The term 'dark saying' here is used in the context of a taunt or riddle against the wicked, suggesting that such profound pronouncements can carry a powerful, even judgmental, element meant to expose hidden truths.
clarkePsalms 78:2: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:"
In a parable - Or, I will give you instruction by numerous examples; see Psalm 49:1-4 (note), which bears a great similarity to this; and see the notes there. The term parable, in its various acceptations, has already been sufficiently explained; but משל mashal may here mean example, as opposed to תורה torah, law or precept, Psalm 49:1 .
pulpitPsalms 78:2: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:"
Verse 2. - I will open my mouth in a parable. The facts of Israelitish history. are the "parable," the inner meaning of which it is for the intelligent to grasp. They are φωνᾶντα συνετοῖσιν. I will utter dark sayings of old (comp. Proverbs 1:6). Khidoth (חידות) are properly "riddles" (see Judges 14:12). Here the idea is that God's dealings with his people had been "riddles," whereto the psalmist would give the c…
The psalmist isn't just going to tell a story; he's using Israel's history as a "parable," or example, to reveal deeper truths that aren't immediately obvious. He calls them "dark sayings," not because they're obscure in wording, but because the profound meaning behind God's actions and Israel's reactions is challenging and even astonishing to grasp.
This psalm isn't just a history lesson; it's a deliberate recounting of Israel's past, filled with God's amazing deeds and the people's repeated unfaithfulness. The psalmist intends to use these historical "examples" and "riddles" to teach present and future generations, highlighting the enduring pattern of God's mercy met by human ingratitude. The focus isn't just on events, but on the deeper lessons about obedience, trust, and God's covenant faithfulness that are revealed within their story.
This psalm isn't just a history lesson; it's a deliberate recounting of Israel's past, filled with God's amazing deeds and the people's repeated unfaithfulness. The psalmist intends to use these historical "examples" and "riddles" to teach present and future generations, highlighting the enduring pattern of God's mercy met by human ingratitude. The focus isn't just on events, but on the deeper lessons about obedience, trust, and God's covenant faithfulness that are revealed within their story.
"I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old," — The psalmist isn't just going to tell a story; he's using Israel's history as a "parable," or example, to reveal deeper truths that aren't immediately obvious. He calls them "dark sayings," not becau…
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Last reviewed October 2026