Each of the historical psalms looks at different aspects of Israel’s history, with fuller accounts being fleshed out in the historical books of the Bible, such as Exodus or Numbers.
- Ps 78 remembers the wilderness rebellions (Ex 17:1-17) and how disobedience led to the loss of the ark (1 Sam 5).
- Ps 105 looks back over Joseph’s history (told in Genesis) and at the plagues and exodus from Egypt.
- Ps 106 remembers the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings, specifically referring to the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16) and the making of the Golden Calf (Ex 32), as well as Phinehas’ righteousness and zeal for God (Num 25.)
- Ps 114 looks poetically at the parting of the Red Sea (Ex 13-15).
- Ps 135 & Ps 136 both look at the Exodus and the defeat of Sihon and Og. (Numbers 21:21-35)
These historical events have a present-day application, however, as 1 Cor 10:11-13 makes clear. As we learn from Israel’s grumblings, disobedience and lack of faith, we are urged not to make the same mistakes. We are to ‘remember the wonders He has done’ (Ps 105:5) so that we are not stubborn and rebellious ourselves. (Ps 78:8) We are to teach the next generation (Ps 78:4-8) so that from generation to generation we will proclaim God’s praise. (Ps 79:13) These is something wonderful about different generations being joined together in praise and worship. History is the narrative of God’s actions in our world – actions which continue to this day, following a long history demonstrating His love, care, provision and power.
