Psalms 78:11

And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.

Psalms 78:11 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 78 is a teaching psalm written by Asaph, a chief musician in the time of King David. It retells Israel’s history so that each generation would remember God’s faithfulness and avoid the failures of their ancestors. The immediate setting of verse 11 concerns the tribe of Ephraim, who turned back in battle, broke God’s covenant, and refused to walk in His law (Psalm 78:9-10). Verse 11 names the root of their failure: they forgot God’s works and the wonders He had shown them.

Meaning

The word “forgat” is stronger than a simple lapse of memory. It describes a deliberate neglect of what God had done. The Israelites had witnessed miracles in Egypt and at the Red Sea, yet they did not keep these deeds in their hearts. This spiritual forgetfulness led them to distrust God and disobey His commands. The verse warns that forgetting God’s past faithfulness opens the door to unbelief and sin.

Biblical connections

The psalmist later declares, “I will remember the works of the LORD” (Psalm 77:11), showing the right response to God’s mighty acts. In contrast, Israel forgot quickly. Only three days after crossing the Red Sea, the people complained about lack of water (Exodus 15:22-24). This pattern of forgetfulness is a warning: what we fail to remember, we soon fail to trust. The wonders were performed in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan, making their neglect even more serious.

Application

We also face the danger of forgetting God’s works in our lives. To guard against this, we can intentionally recall His faithfulness through regular reading of Scripture, meditation on His promises, and sharing testimonies with other believers. When we remember what God has done, we find strength and hope for present trials. Gratitude and worship flow naturally from a heart that remembers.

Reflection

Take time to list specific works and wonders God has done for you. Let that remembrance shape your trust and obedience today. As you remember, you will be less likely to repeat the mistake of Israel and more ready to follow God with a faithful heart.