Psalm 78/Overview/Background

• A parable (מָשָׁל) is "an utterance, often in poetic style, that has a specific message" (SDBH), while puzzling problems (חִידוֹת) are "event[s] that perplex the mind and require wisdom in order to be dealt with" (SDBH). After figuring out the solution, however, it is all the more memorable for the hearer.
• Covenant unfaithfulness can result in military defeat (Josh 7; Judges; 1 Sam 4).
• Shiloh was located in Ephraimite territory. The Ephraimites were residents of what was the legitimate place of centralized worship before Jerusalem (see Josh 18; Judg 18:31; 21:19), yet it was destroyed due to Israel's unfaithfulness. The destruction of Shiloh and its Ephraimite inhabitants was used as a later warning against future unfaithfulness (Jer 7:12–15; 26:1–15).
• The narrative of 1 Samuel presents Samuel as the one who established the Israelite monarchy (1 Sam 8–10) and anointed David (1 Sam 16). He also declared the judgment on the priestly rule at Shiloh, following the rejection of Eli's family in 1 Samuel 2:27–36.
• The anointed king David was from the southern family of Judah. When David became king, he moved the place of centralized worship to Jerusalem, also known as Zion (see 2 Sam 5–6).
• In this psalm, the terms "Jacob" and "Israel" refer to northern and southern families together. David's kingship and worship in Zion was intended for all.