Psalms 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Psalms 78:2: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:"
In this verse, the psalmist announces a teaching method: employing parables or riddling sayings to convey deep truth. “Dark sayings of old” suggests wisdom tradition, memories of ancestral experiences, and theological insights—truths that require contemplation and interpretation. Parables invite listeners to engage, discover layers of meaning, and respond with transformative faith. This aligns with ancient pedagogy where storytelling, metaphor, and proverb conveyed complex covenant realities in memorable ways. Psalm 78 frames the content as a relay of “old” truths—the faith given to ancestors, now being proclaimed to the present generation. The shift from straightforward exhortation to parabolic teaching signals a desire to capture attention, invite reflection, and cultivate discernment. The context within Psalm 78 is urgent: the community needs to remember, understand, and live out God’s faithful acts and commands across generations.
Parables and dark sayings reveal that God’s truth often resists immediate comprehension, demanding engagement, interpretation, and communal memory. Theologically, this emphasizes revelation that proceeds through wisdom literature and prophetic memory—God’s people must wrestle with meaning, accept mystery, and allow tradition to illuminate present practice. It also foregrounds the role of teachers, poets, and elders as mediators of divine truth, entrusted with guarding and unfolding the covenant narrative.
Today, “parables” can be lived experiences rather than mere stories. Practical steps: learn to interpret personal trials or everyday events as teaching moments—what does this situation reveal about my priorities, trust, or obedience? Use group discussions, sermons, or Bible study to unpack complex truths; invite questions and provide room for diverse insights. Share “dark sayings” from family history or church history to illustrate faithfulness in hardship. The aim is to cultivate wisdom through reflection, conversation, and communal discernment, turning patience with mystery into sustainable growth.
Cross-References: Matthew 13:10-17; Psalm 78:5-7; Proverbs 1:6; Luke 8:10; Job 12:11