Psalms77

The psalmist expresses deep distress and overwhelming sorrow, crying out to God and questioning His enduring mercy and faithfulness. He then resolves to remember God's mighty works and wonders from ancient times. He recalls God's powerful acts of redemption, particularly leading Israel through the Red Sea and the wilderness by Moses and Aaron.

A Cry of Deep Distress

1
My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me. ​
2
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted. ​
3
I remember God, and I groan. I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed. Selah. ​
4
You hold my eyelids open. I am so troubled that I can’t speak.

Questioning God's Faithfulness

5
I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. ​
6
I remember my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; my spirit diligently inquires:
7
“Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he be favorable no more? ​
8
Has his loving kindness vanished forever? Does his promise fail for generations?
9
Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion?” Selah. ​

Resolving to Remember God's Works

10
Then I thought, “I will appeal to this: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” ​
11
I will remember the LORD’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old. ​
12
I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings.
13
Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God? ​
14
You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples.
15
You have redeemed your people with your arm, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. ​

Remembering the Wonders of the Exodus

16
The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed. ​
17
The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around. ​
18
The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook.
19
Your way was through the sea; your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known. ​
20
You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 77

Verse 1

The psalm begins as a profound lament, attributed to Asaph and set to the tune of Jeduthun (a choir director). The repetition of the phrase 'unto God with my voice' emphasizes the intensity and desperation of the prayer.

Verse 2

The phrase 'my sore ran in the night' (KJV) or 'my hand was stretched out' (ESV) signifies constant affliction. The soul’s refusal to be comforted highlights a state of deep spiritual despair, common in the darkest parts of the lament psalms.

Verse 3

Paradoxically, remembrance of God brings not comfort but further distress, suggesting the Psalmist fears God has become his adversary or judge rather than his deliverer. Selah calls for a pause for musical or meditative reflection on this overwhelming despair.

Verse 5

The Psalmist seeks relief by reflecting on 'the days of old,' hoping to find historical precedent for God’s intervention, yet this reflection initially deepens his anxiety.

Verse 7

Verses 7-9 articulate the core crisis of faith. The Psalmist questions God's eternal attributes: His enduring commitment ('cast off forever'), His unfailing covenant love ('mercy clean gone'), and His ability to keep His promises.

Verse 9

The final question is theological, asking if God has actively 'shut up' or restrained His compassion. This series of rhetorical questions expresses the depth of feeling abandoned by the covenant God.

Verse 10

This verse marks the crucial turning point (the pivot) of the psalm. The Psalmist recognizes his doubt as 'infirmity' (a weakness of faith) and resolves to shift his focus from his feelings to God’s historical acts of power and redemption ('the years of the right hand').

Verse 11

The resolve is stated explicitly: the Psalmist will not dwell on present misery but will intentionally recall God's great deeds ('wonders of old'), a necessary discipline to combat spiritual despair.

Verse 13

The phrase 'Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary' may refer either to the earthly Temple or, more likely, to the sphere of God's holiness and power in heaven. It affirms that God’s methods are holy, transcendent, and incomparable.

Verse 15

The reference to 'Jacob and Joseph' identifies the specific redemptive history the Psalmist will recall: the Exodus, the foundational story of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery 'with thine arm' (a symbol of divine strength).

Verse 16

The Psalmist now recounts the crossing of the Red Sea. The personification of the waters seeing God and recoiling emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over creation, forcing nature itself to obey His command.

Verse 17

This verse describes the accompanying storm phenomena—rain, thunder, and lightning—often interpreted as the 'warfare' of God against the forces opposing His people, demonstrating His irresistible power.

Verse 19

The imagery of God’s path in the sea refers directly to the Red Sea crossing, but the statement 'thy footsteps are not known' suggests that while God acts powerfully in history, His ultimate plans and methods remain mysterious and beyond full human comprehension.

Verse 20

The psalm concludes by affirming that the mighty, mysterious God is also a tender Shepherd. He led His people gently but firmly, utilizing human leaders (Moses and Aaron) to guide them toward safety.

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