What is the meaning of Psalm 78:6? The coming generation would know them Psalm 78:6 begins, “that the coming generation would know them.” “Them” refers to “the praises of the LORD, His strength, and the wonders He has done” (Psalm 78:4). God desires every new wave of believers to possess firsthand awareness of His works, not secondhand folklore. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 shows the same heartbeat: parents are told to keep God’s words “on your hearts” and “teach them diligently to your children.” When knowledge of God is handed down faithfully, each generation develops its own living relationship with Him. This keeps faith vibrant, preventing what Judges 2:10 describes—“another generation… who did not know the LORD.” Key ideas: • Faith is not inherited like DNA; it is taught, modeled, and embraced. • God’s mighty acts are too important to fade into mere history; they must remain present reality for every age. • Passing on truth is an act of stewardship: we safeguard the treasure of revelation by making sure the next generation truly “knows” it. Even children yet to be born The verse widens the horizon: “even children yet to be born.” God’s plan stretches beyond our lifetime. Psalm 22:30-31 envisions “future generations” who will “proclaim His righteousness.” Isaiah 59:21 promises that God’s words will remain on the lips of children and grandchildren “from now on and forever.” By teaching today’s children, we are actually shaping destinies of people who have not drawn their first breath. Consider: • Every nursery, children’s class, and family altar is an investment in tomorrow’s unborn believers. • Long-term faithfulness today creates spiritual legacy for centuries, just as Abraham’s obedience still blesses nations (Genesis 22:18). • Thinking generationally guards us from short-term spiritual amnesia; we labor not only for our kids but for kids they will one day name. To arise and tell their own children The goal is multiplication: “to arise and tell their own children.” Truth received must become truth relayed. Paul echoes this in 2 Timothy 2:2: “what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Psalm 145:4 sings, “One generation shall declare Your works to the next.” God designs a perpetual relay race where each runner hands off the baton of faith. Practical outworking: • Storytelling: recount God’s acts in age-appropriate language, just as Joshua set up stones so children would ask, “What do these stones mean?” (Joshua 4:6-7). • Modeling: live lives worth imitating, so the next generation “arises” with confidence. • Commissioning: intentionally release children to share—encourage them to pray aloud, read Scripture, serve, and testify. Their voices carry weight with peers and with their future households. summary Psalm 78:6 calls believers to a holy chain reaction. We internalize God’s works so “the coming generation” truly knows Him. Our vision extends to “children yet to be born,” ensuring faith outlives us. Then we equip those children to “arise and tell their own children,” creating an unbroken line of testimony until the Lord returns. |
    |