The Old Covenant is deeply intertwined with the prophecies that speak of the glorious reality of Jesus Christ.
Today, I’m diving into Psalm 78, a powerful reflection by Asaph, whose very name means "gatherer" or "receiver." Asaph, the psalmist, gathers and receives divine truth, then delivers it to us.
This isn't just an ancient poem; it’s a living word that speaks directly to us, revealing God’s unwavering kindness even in the face of human rebellion. It recounts the turbulent history of Israel, from their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, highlighting how, time and again, they "did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation [Yah’shû‛âh]" (verse 22). In the same sense it speaks to us today.
Think about that! The nation of Israel witnessed some of the most astounding miracles firsthand. They literally walked through a parted sea, saw manna fall from the sky, and watched water gush from a rock! They didn't even need to walk by faith; they could have walked by sight alone! Yet, their hearts remained stiff-necked.
But here's the beautiful story of God's relentless grace: He remembered that they were but flesh (Psalm 78:39). Despite their idolatry, defiance, and stubbornness, He meticulously guided them through the wilderness. His steadfast love continually sought their hearts, pointing to an even greater, ultimate salvation to come.
The Stunning Prophecy of the Last Verse
While the entire Psalm is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness, it's the very last verse, Psalm 78:72, that truly brings me to my knees. Asaph, with prophetic insight, concludes with these earth-shattering words: that God built a sanctuary (a miqdâsh or sacred place – ultimately us, the believers!) and chose His beloved servant (Jesus) to lead His people, His very inheritance!
Wow! This isn't just history; it's prophecy fulfilled in the most profound way by Jesus Christ and His finished work. It is indeed His Story.
Let's unpack Psalm 78:72, infused with the rich imagery from the ancient Hebrew:
"So he fed [râ‛âh or רעה depicting (pictograph of ancient Hebrew characters): the Highest reveals Grace - remember this post] them according to the integrity [tôm or תּם depicting: covenant (cross) of blood] of his heart [lêbâb or לבב depicting: control or power of the ultimate house]; and guided [nâchâh or נחה depicting: life secured by Grace] them by the skilfulness [tebûnâh or תּובנה depicting: The covenant of nail of the house of life and grace] of his hands [kaph or כּף depicting: open hand of the word (Jesus)]"
What an incredible word picture!
Psalm 78:72 is a Showcase of Prophetic Power:
Every single Hebrew word in this final verse overflows with divine truth, prefiguring the finished work of Christ:
He fed [râ‛âh - רעה] them according to the integrity [tôm - תּם] of His heart [lêbâb - לבב]:
râ‛âh (רעה): This word literally means "to shepherd" or "to pasture." It depicts "the Highest reveals Grace." Jesus declared, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11, KJV; the Greek for "shepherd" here is ποιμήν - poimēn, emphasizing His role as tender protector and provider). He is the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35, KJV), the ultimate sustenance given by grace.
tôm (תּם): "Integrity" here speaks of completeness, blamelessness. Its pictographic meaning, "covenant (cross) of blood," powerfully points to Christ's perfect, spotless sacrifice. His integrity means His sacrifice was fully acceptable, bringing about the new covenant (διαθήκη - diathēkē) in His blood (Luke 22:20), making us complete in Him.
lêbâb (לבב): "Heart" signifies the core of being, intention, and power. The pictograph "control or power of the ultimate house" speaks of God's sovereign control. This divine heart of love, revealed in Christ's sacrificial love (Romans 5:8), is now the ultimate dwelling place, the "house" where God's Spirit resides within believers, all by His finished work.
And guided [nâchâh - נחה] them by the skilfulness [tebûnâh - תּובנה] of His hands [kaph - כּף]:
nâchâh (נחה): This means "to lead, guide, or direct." It paints a picture of "life secured by Grace." Through Christ's resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit, our Paraclete (παράκλητος - paraklētos - comforter/advocate), now guides us (John 16:13). This guidance is a direct benefit of the life secured and gifted by His completed work on the cross.
tebûnâh (תּובנה): "Skilfulness" implies understanding, discernment, and profound wisdom. The pictographic meaning, "The covenant of nail of the house of life and grace," is chillingly precise. It points to the nails of the cross, where the New Covenant was ratified, securing for us eternal life and grace within the "house" of God's family. This is the ultimate "skill" – God's perfect plan executed perfectly by Jesus.
kaph (כּף): "Hands" refers to the open hand, symbolizing receiving, giving, and power. The pictograph "open hand of the word (Jesus)" is profoundly significant. Jesus is the Word (Λόγος - Logos) made flesh (John 1:1, 1:14). His hands, stretched out on the cross and then open in resurrection, represent the ultimate invitation and the power of His completed work, bringing life and grace to all who receive it.
Framing the Gospel Picture: The Finished Work of Christ
Do you see the full Gospel picture here? It is absolutely breathtaking!
In spite of all humanity's stubbornness, rebellion, complaining, and spiritual idolatry (worshiping the "enemy"), the God of infinite love, YHVH – the Hand by Grace Nailed by Grace – declared through Asaph that He:
Fed them (reveals the Highest in Grace, Jesus as the Good Shepherd and Bread of Life)
According to His blood covenant on the cross (His perfect integrity and sacrifice)
By the very power of Himself (the ultimate control of His heart, His love)
He secured them with His living grace (through the Holy Spirit's guidance)
Coming from the open (invitation) Word (Jesus, with His pierced, open hands).
This is the very essence of the finished work of Christ: Jesus manifested, went to the cross, bringing a new covenant in His blood, was resurrected by the power of God, and secured eternal life and perfect righteousness for all who believe, all in an open invitation for everyone to receive.
Wow, this is the Gospel of His unfathomable love for all, forever! It's the beautiful picture of an ever-so-patient God, full of mercy and grace (χάρις - charis, unmerited favor), abounding in goodness and truth!
This alone is enough to make you shake with joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8: "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory").
The Word Incarnate: Humility and Victory
But get this …
Jesus is the Word (Λόγος - Logos) Who became flesh (John 1:14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..."). The very Hebrew root word for "open hand" or "palm" (kaph - כּף) is connected to kâphaph (כּפף), with the profound meaning "to bow oneself down."
Isn't this precisely what Jesus did? He bowed Himself down (ταπεινόω - tapeinoō - to humble oneself) when He manifested in the likeness of human flesh, taking on the form of a servant, to die on a cross (Philippians 2:8: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."). And through that ultimate act of humility and obedience, He victoriously rose, King above all kings, Lord above all lords!
HalleluYAH! The finished work of Christ is not just a historical and prophetic event; it is the living, breathing reality of our salvation, our guidance, and our eternal inheritance!
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