The last verse returns to the two-claused structure of the earlier part. It comes in lovely contrast with the majestic and terrible picture preceding, like the wonderful setting forth of the purpose of the other theophany in Psalm xviii., which was for no higher end than to draw one poor man from the mighty waters. All this pomp of Divine appearance, with lightnings, thunders, a heaving earth, a shrinking sea, had for its end the leading the people of God to their land, as a shepherd does his flock. The image is again an echo of Exod. xv. 13. The thing intended is not merely the passage of the Red Sea, but the whole process of guidance begun there amid the darkness. Such a close is too abrupt to please some commentators. But what more was needful or possible to be said, in a retrospect of God's past acts, for the solace of a dark present? It was more than enough to scatter fears and flash radiance into the gloom which had wrapped the psalmist. He need search no further. He has found what he sought; and so he hushes his song, and gazes in silence on the all-sufficient answer which memory has brought to all his questions and doubts. Nothing could more completely express the living, ever-present worth of the ancient deeds of God than the "abruptness" with which this psalm ceases rather than ends. PSALM LXXVIII. 1 Give ear, my people, to my law, Bow your ear to the sayings of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter riddles from the ancient days, 3 What we have heard and known And our fathers have told us, 4 We will not hide from their sons, Recounting to the generation to come the praises of Jehovah, And His might and the wonders that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers To make known to their children; 6 In order that the generation to come might know, The children who should be born, [Who] should rise up and tell to their children, 7 That they might place their confidence in God, And not forget the deeds of God, But keep His commandments; 8 And not be as their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not make its heart steadfast, And whose spirit was not faithful towards God.