Psalm 78

A long history lesson told so the next generation won't forget. It's a sobering cycle: God does wonders, the people forget and test Him, God judges, they repent with their mouths but not their hearts. It doesn't flatter Israel. What surprised me on a slow reading is verses 38-39: God remembers that we are "but flesh, a passing breeze," and holds back His anger. It ends with God choosing a shepherd boy. Jesus' parables fulfill verse 2 (Matthew 13:35).

"And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath." (Psalm 78:38)

"He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." (Psalm 78:39)