Psalms 78:1
Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
Psalms 78:1: "Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 78 is a long devotional recounting Israel’s history to exhort faithfulness. Verse 1 marks the speaker’s call to attentive reception of instruction—God’s law given through the psalmist. The phrase “give ear” signals active, humble listening, not passive reception. The exhortation to “incline your ears” echoes ancient Near Eastern rhetoric urging attentiveness to authoritative speech. The verse sits within a broader pedagogical aim: recounting God’s deeds (later verses) to impress upon the nation the importance of remembering, obeying, and transmitting covenant faithfulness to future generations. The historical context is formative: a people prone to forgetfulness, needing repeatedly to hear and heed God’s word to sustain identity, hope, and ethical living amid changing circumstances.
This line foregrounds the central biblical theme of hearing God’s word as foundational for life with God. The act of listening is not mere intellect; it is trust, obedience, and alignment with God’s heart. The verse also emphasizes the intergenerational dimension of Scripture: the words of God must be passed down, shaping family life, education, and communal memory. It signals that revelation is not a one-time event but a continuous invitation to respond in faithfulness. In a broader theological arc, it frames salvation history as a curriculum of divine instruction—law given for a people to become a holy, distinctive community.
Practical application invites us to cultivate listening habits: quiet time with Scripture, attentive worship, and receptivity to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. In families, establish rhythms: family devotions, shared readings, and conversations about how to live out God’s words at school, work, or neighborhoods. For educators and mentors, model attentive listening to God’s word and to others, creating spaces where questions are welcomed and truth is pursued with integrity. If you struggle to hear, adopt a routine of meditative reading, journaling, and seeking confirmation through community. The goal is to foster a culture where God’s law guides ordinary decisions—how we manage money, treat others, and prioritize time and talents.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Isaiah 54:13; Hosea 4:6; James 1:22; Psalm 119:2