Psalms 77:10

KJV

And I said, This [is] my infirmity: [but I will remember] the years of the right hand of the most High.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559}{H8799)}, This is my infirmity {H2470}{H8763)}: but I will remember the years {H8141} of the right hand {H3225} of the most High {H5945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I add, "That's my weakness [supposing] the Most High's right hand could change."

Berean Standard Bible

So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

American Standard Version

And I said, This is my infirmity; But I will rememberthe years of the right hand of the Most High.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 77:10 marks a profound and pivotal moment in the psalmist Asaph’s intense lament, signifying a deliberate shift from a candid confession of his personal spiritual and emotional "infirmity" to a resolute decision to consciously recall God’s mighty, unwavering, and historically demonstrated acts of deliverance. This verse serves as the crucial turning point where the psalmist intentionally redirects his focus from overwhelming distress and doubt to the enduring power and faithfulness inherent in "the right hand of the Most High," thereby laying a foundational groundwork for renewed hope and a deeper, more accurate understanding of God's character amidst profound suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 77 is a classic individual lament, attributed to Asaph, one of David's prominent worship leaders and seers. The initial verses, [Psalms 77:1-9](/psalms/77-1-9 "Psalm 77:1-9 - Asaph's Deep Anguish and Questioning"), meticulously detail Asaph's profound spiritual and emotional turmoil. He vividly describes crying out to God without finding comfort, his spirit overwhelmed, and his eyes unable to sleep. The psalmist repeatedly questions God's character and faithfulness, asking if God has forgotten to be gracious, if His mercy has ceased forever, or if His promises have failed. This intense introspection and questioning of divine attributes reach their emotional zenith in [Psalms 77:9](/psalms/77-9 "Psalm 77:9 - Has God's Mercy Ceased?"). Therefore, [Psalms 77:10](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10 - The Turning Point of Remembrance") represents a crucial and deliberate turning point, where the psalmist actively chooses to shift his focus from his present despair to a conscious and intentional remembrance of God's past, powerful interventions. This pivotal decision sets the stage for the latter part of the psalm, [Psalms 77:11-20](/psalms/77-11-20 "Psalm 77:11-20 - Remembering God's Mighty Works and Wonders"), which meticulously recounts God's mighty acts, particularly the foundational event of the Exodus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Asaph served during the united monarchy, a period when the nation of Israel was established but frequently faced various internal and external challenges, leading to both individual and communal distress. The psalms of lament, including this one, often reflect such periods of perceived divine abandonment or national crisis. The concept of God's "right hand" was a deeply ingrained and powerful metaphor in ancient Israelite culture, universally understood to signify divine strength, authority, and active intervention, especially in acts of salvation, deliverance, and judgment. The phrase "the years of the right hand of the Most High" would immediately evoke the foundational narratives of Israel's miraculous deliverance, most notably the Exodus from Egypt, where God's mighty hand was undeniably displayed in a series of powerful interventions, as celebrated in [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand of Power"). Remembering God's past acts of faithfulness was a cornerstone of Israelite theology and worship, serving as a vital basis for present trust and future hope, deeply embedded in their covenantal consciousness and regularly celebrated through festivals, narratives, and communal worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several significant theological and narrative themes central to the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it profoundly highlights **human infirmity and doubt**, acknowledging the psalmist's personal weakness and susceptibility to despair when confronted with prolonged suffering or unanswered prayer. This admission, "This is my infirmity," is a profound recognition that his questioning of God stems from his own human limitations and emotional vulnerability rather than from any actual change in God's immutable nature. Secondly, it champions the **power of divine remembrance** as a crucial spiritual discipline. The conscious and deliberate choice to "remember the years of the right hand of the Most High" serves as a potent antidote to despair, effectively redirecting the psalmist's gaze from his immediate pain and internal turmoil to God's unchanging character and omnipotence, as demonstrably seen in His historical acts of salvation. This theme resonates powerfully throughout the Old Testament, where Israel is repeatedly called to remember God's faithfulness and mighty deeds, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember the Lord Your God and His Ways"). Finally, the verse profoundly underscores the **sovereignty and active intervention of God**. By recalling God's past demonstrations of power, the psalmist reaffirms God's supreme authority and exalted status ("the Most High") and His unwavering ability to act decisively on behalf of His people, thereby providing a firm and unshakeable foundation for renewed hope and trust in His ongoing faithfulness, even when present circumstances seem to contradict it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Infirmity (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** The Hebrew word חָלָה (*châlâh*), from which the noun form in the verse is derived, is a primitive root carrying a broad semantic range including "to be weak," "sick," "afflicted," "grieved," or "distressed." In the context of Psalms 77:10, the psalmist's declaration "This is my infirmity" signifies a profound spiritual or emotional malady—his deep despair, overwhelming doubt, and the questioning of God's character that has consumed him. It is an honest admission that his current state of mind, his inability to find comfort, and his struggle with God's perceived absence are a personal failing, a "sickness of soul," or a deep affliction of his inner being. This self-diagnosis points to a recognition that his distress originates from his human frailty rather than from any deficiency in God.
* **Right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** The Hebrew word יָמִין (*yâmîyn*) literally translates to "right hand" or "right side." Biblically, the "right hand" is a powerful and pervasive metaphor for strength, power, authority, and decisive action. When attributed to God, it signifies His omnipotence, His executive power in history, and His active intervention, particularly in acts of salvation, deliverance, and judgment on behalf of His people. It is the instrument through which God demonstrates His might and unwavering faithfulness, as vividly portrayed in events such as the parting of the Red Sea or the defeat of Israel's enemies. The "years of the right hand" thus refer to historical epochs marked by God's powerful and saving interventions.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** The Hebrew term עֶלְיוֹן (*ʻelyôwn*) translates to "Most High" and stands as one of the ancient and venerable titles for God. This title profoundly emphasizes His supreme sovereignty, His exalted position above all creation, and His absolute power and transcendence. It highlights God's unique and unparalleled status as the ultimate ruler and authority over all things, reinforcing the theological truth that His actions are beyond human comprehension or limitation and are always carried out with divine purpose, might, and perfect wisdom. It underscores His incomparable majesty and ultimate control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said, This [is] my infirmity":** This clause represents a critical moment of profound self-awareness and honest confession for the psalmist. After pouring out his intense anguish, doubt, and questioning of God's faithfulness in the preceding verses, he identifies the root cause of his despair. His "infirmity" is not merely a physical ailment but a deep spiritual and emotional weakness—his tendency to succumb to doubt, fear, and a distorted perception of God's character when faced with prolonged suffering or perceived divine silence. It is a humble acknowledgment that his current state of mind, characterized by a lack of comfort and questioning God's promises, is a personal failing, a "sickness of soul," rather than a true reflection of God's unchanging nature. This admission marks the essential first step toward spiritual healing and a redirection of his focus.
* **"[but I will remember] the years of the right hand of the most High":** While the King James Version inserts the phrase "but I will remember" for interpretive clarity, the Hebrew structure implies a direct continuation or a stark contrast, highlighting the psalmist's resolute decision. The psalmist consciously chooses to counter his "infirmity" (or grief) by actively recalling God's past acts of power and unwavering faithfulness. "The years of the right hand of the Most High" refers to the historical epochs and specific, powerful events where God undeniably intervened on behalf of His people, most notably the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. This is a deliberate and volitional act of choosing to meditate on God's unchanging character and omnipotence, as powerfully demonstrated through His mighty deeds throughout history, rather than dwelling on his immediate distress and internal turmoil. This intentional act of remembrance serves as a powerful spiritual discipline, fundamentally shifting his focus from his own weakness and subjective feelings to God's enduring strength, unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His proven track record of divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 77:10 masterfully employs several potent literary devices that significantly enhance its meaning, emotional impact, and theological depth. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, powerfully evident in the phrase "the right hand of the Most High," which serves as a vivid representation of God's active power, supreme authority, and decisive intervention. This is not a literal anatomical hand but a profound symbolic representation of divine strength, omnipotence, and the execution of God's will, particularly in acts of salvation and judgment. The psalm also exhibits a clear **Pivot** or **Turn** (often referred to as a *strophe* in the structure of lament psalms), marking a dramatic and intentional shift from the psalmist's intense personal lament and questioning in the preceding verses to a conscious and resolute decision to remember God's historical faithfulness. This pivot is structurally and theologically crucial for the psalm's overall message, demonstrating how profound despair can be effectively countered and transformed by intentional remembrance and a renewed focus on God's character. Furthermore, there is a powerful implied **Contrast** between the psalmist's "infirmity" (representing human weakness, doubt, and subjective emotional turmoil) and "the right hand of the Most High" (representing divine power, unwavering faithfulness, and objective historical action), highlighting the stark and redemptive difference between human frailty and God's omnipotence and steadfastness. The psalm's overall genre is a **Lament**, but verse 10 initiates the critical transition from complaint and anguish to a renewed declaration of trust and a profound recounting of God's mighty deeds, showcasing the transformative power of recalling God's unchanging character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 77:10 offers profound theological insight into the nature of faith, the experience of suffering, and the immutable character of God. It teaches us that even the most devout and spiritually mature individuals can experience deep spiritual anguish and doubt, acknowledging that such "infirmity" is an intrinsic part of the human condition in a fallen world. However, it simultaneously provides the divine antidote: a deliberate, active, and volitional remembrance of God's past faithfulness and omnipotent power. This conscious act of recalling God's mighty deeds throughout history—His "right hand" actively at work—serves to re-establish a proper theological perspective, shifting focus from the overwhelming present circumstances and subjective feelings to the eternal, unchanging nature of God. It underscores the profound truth that God's character, His covenant promises, and His unwavering faithfulness are not contingent on our fluctuating emotions or challenging circumstances, but are immutably rooted in His divine being and His undeniable historical acts of salvation. This verse powerfully invites believers across all generations to engage in a vital spiritual discipline of memory, anchoring their present hope and future trust in the undeniable, objective evidence of God's past interventions and His consistent demonstration of power and love.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God Upholds with His Right Hand")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 77:10 offers profound encouragement and a practical, transformative pathway for anyone navigating seasons of spiritual doubt, emotional distress, or a profound crisis of faith. In a world often characterized by pervasive uncertainty, personal struggle, and the weight of unanswered questions, the psalmist's journey from the depths of despair to the intentional act of remembrance provides a timeless and universally applicable model. When we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by challenging circumstances, our own perceived weaknesses, or the apparent silence of God, this verse calls us to first honestly acknowledge our "infirmity"—our inherent human tendency to falter, to doubt, or to allow our subjective feelings to dictate our perception of God. This honest self-assessment is not a sign of spiritual weakness but rather a crucial and courageous step toward profound spiritual health and healing. Following this vital acknowledgment, the verse compels us to intentionally shift our focus from our internal turmoil and subjective pain to the external, unchanging, and objective reality of God's character and His historical faithfulness. This involves actively and deliberately recalling God's past interventions in our own lives, in the lives of others we know, and throughout the grand narrative of biblical history. Meditating deeply on stories of His power, His miraculous provision, and His unwavering deliverance, particularly contemplating His "right hand" at work, can profoundly shift our perspective, rekindle dormant hope, and powerfully remind us that God remains absolutely sovereign and eternally faithful, even when our faith feels weak or our circumstances seem to contradict His promises. This deliberate and disciplined act of remembrance is a spiritual battle against despair, inviting us to anchor our present trust in the unshakeable truth of who God has always been and who He will always be.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "infirmity" or spiritual weakness do I tend to experience when faced with prolonged suffering, unanswered prayers, or moments of profound doubt?**
* **What particular "years of the right hand of the Most High"—moments of God's powerful intervention in my personal life, in the lives of those I know, or in biblical history—can I intentionally remember and meditate on today to counter my despair?**
* **How does the deliberate act of shifting my focus from my personal struggles and subjective feelings to God's unchanging character and historical faithfulness help to overcome despair and rebuild a robust, resilient trust in Him?**
* **What practical steps can I implement to cultivate a consistent and intentional discipline of remembering God's mighty acts and His unwavering faithfulness in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "This is my infirmity" truly mean in the context of the psalmist's struggle?**

Answer: In [Psalms 77:10](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10 - The Turning Point of Remembrance"), "This is my infirmity" (from the Hebrew *châlâh*) signifies the psalmist's profound spiritual and emotional weakness, representing a poignant self-diagnosis of his own despair and overwhelming doubt. It is an honest admission that his current state of mind—his persistent questioning of God's faithfulness and his inability to find comfort despite his earnest cries—stems from his inherent human frailty, a "sickness of soul," rather than from any actual change or deficiency in God's character. This crucial acknowledgment serves as a pivotal turning point, enabling him to shift his focus from his internal turmoil to God's external, unchanging power and faithfulness.

**Why is "remembering the years of the right hand of the Most High" so crucial for the psalmist's recovery?**

Answer: Remembering God's past acts of power and unwavering faithfulness is profoundly crucial because it serves as the divine antidote to the psalmist's "infirmity" and deep despair. By consciously recalling "the years of the right hand of the Most High," the psalmist intentionally shifts his focus from his present overwhelming circumstances and subjective feelings to the objective, historical, and undeniable evidence of God's omnipotence, supreme sovereignty, and unwavering commitment to His people. This deliberate act of remembrance grounds his faith in objective truth rather than fleeting subjective emotions. It powerfully reminds him that God is not fickle, forgetful, or powerless, but possesses a consistent and undeniable track record of mighty deliverance and covenant faithfulness, profoundly exemplified in foundational events like the Exodus, where God's powerful right hand was undeniably at work, as celebrated in [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand"). This spiritual discipline of remembering God's character and His mighty deeds provides a firm and unshakeable foundation for renewed hope and robust trust, transforming his initial lament into a powerful declaration of God's enduring greatness, as vividly demonstrated in the latter half of the psalm, [Psalms 77:11-20](/psalms/77-11-20 "Psalm 77:11-20 - Remembering God's Mighty Works").

**How does Psalm 77:10 offer comfort to those experiencing a crisis of faith today?**

Answer: [Psalms 77:10](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10 - The Turning Point of Remembrance") offers profound and enduring comfort by validating the universal human experience of doubt and despair while simultaneously providing a clear, actionable path forward. It assures us that it is neither uncommon nor shameful to experience "infirmity"—moments of spiritual weakness, questioning God's presence, or doubting His power and love. The psalmist, a devout worshiper and leader, openly admits his deep struggle, thereby normalizing our own similar experiences. More importantly, the verse provides the divine and timeless solution: the intentional and deliberate act of remembering God's past faithfulness. When our feelings betray us, or our circumstances overwhelm us, we can anchor our faith in the objective and unchangeable truth of God's historical actions and His immutable character. This encourages believers to actively recall personal testimonies of God's grace, meditate on biblical narratives of miraculous deliverance, and cling to the enduring promises of God, thereby shifting focus from the overwhelming problem to the unchanging power and steadfast love of "the Most High." It serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our fluctuating feelings or circumstances, but on His eternal and unwavering nature, offering a steadfast and unshakeable hope in times of spiritual crisis, as affirmed in [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 77:10, with its profound pivot from the psalmist's human infirmity to the intentional remembrance of God's powerful "right hand," finds its ultimate, most comprehensive, and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Our deepest "infirmity" is not merely emotional distress or spiritual doubt, but the pervasive spiritual sickness of sin and our utter inability to save ourselves or overcome its dominion. It is precisely this profound human weakness and fallen condition that Christ came into the world to address and conquer. The "years of the right hand of the Most High," which for Asaph pointed back to the miraculous Exodus and God's mighty acts of deliverance for ancient Israel, now point forward and culminate in the unparalleled person and finished work of Jesus. His impeccable life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection are the supreme and definitive demonstrations of God's "right hand"—His saving power, His sovereign intervention, and His unwavering faithfulness in human history. It is uniquely through Christ that God has fully revealed His might, decisively overcoming sin, death, and the grave, and offering eternal salvation and reconciliation to all who believe, as profoundly declared in [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Sent His Son for Our Salvation"). The ultimate act of God's power and exaltation is seen in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, who was subsequently exalted to the "right hand of God" in heaven [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand"), where He now reigns supreme and continuously intercedes for us. When we, like Asaph, confront our own infirmities—whether persistent doubt, overwhelming suffering, or the lingering effects of sin—our remembrance is no longer merely of past historical events, but of the living, resurrected Christ, who is eternally "the same yesterday and today and forever" [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same"). He is the one who graciously empowers us in our weakness [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ") and through whom God's "right hand" continues to work powerfully in the lives of believers, transforming despair into unshakeable hope and human weakness into divine strength by the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit [Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "The Spirit Helps Our Weakness").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 42:3

Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Psalms 31:22

For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

Exodus 15:6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

Psalms 77:5

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

Habakkuk 3:2

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Habakkuk 3:13

Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.