Psalm 78 has a “nickname,” really called a “superscription,” a descriptive phrase written above its first verse. That being, “Maschil of Asaph.”

I counted and found 13 times that word “Maschil” appears in Scripture, all of course in the Old Testament. The noun means “instruction,” maybe even “contemplation.” It derives from the Hebrew word “sakal,” involving “prudence, understanding, skill (in godly living),” and 3 times “instruction.”

Psalm 78 is thus a teaching chapter in the Word of God.

In fact, all these “Maschil” Texts are found in the Psalms, and all are superscripts! They are found at the beginning of Psalms 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 88, 89, 142, as well as here Psalm 78.

Wow!

Chapters written to instruct!

“DO NOT FORGET” chapters!

Furthermore, Psalm 78 names its author, humanly speaking. “Maschil of Asaph.”

This man (at first a musician, then chief song leader, then writer of 12 chapters in the Psalms) has a name meaning “gatherer.” A collector of wisdom and understanding and golden “nuggets” of holy truth!

Yes, Psalm 78 is history.

But it is history as viewed through the eyes of Almighty God!

And ever word of its 72 verses eminently worthy of study!

Let’s do that in the days, weeks ahead!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell