TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
Complete Jewish Bible
You are the God who does wonders, you revealed your strength to the peoples.
Berean Standard Bible
You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples.
American Standard Version
Thou art the God that doest wonders: Thou hast made known thy strength among the peoples.
World English Bible Messianic
You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou art ye God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy power among the people.
Young's Literal Translation
Thou art the God doing wonders. Thou hast made known among the peoples Thy strength,
In the KJVVerse 15,108 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 77 verses 11–20
11 ¶ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
17 The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
The psalmist here recovers himself out of the great distress and plague he was in, and silences his own fears of God's casting off his people by the remembrance of the great things he had done for them formerly, which though he had in vain tried to quiet himself with (Psa 77:5, Psa 77:6) yet he tried again, and, upon this second trial, found it not in vain. It is good to persevere in the proper means for the strengthening of faith, though they do not prove effectual at first: "I will remember, surely I will, what God has done for his people of old, till I can thence infer a happy issue of the present dark dispensation," Psa 77:11, Psa 77:12. Note, 1. The works of the Lord, for his people, have been wondrous works. 2. They are recorded for us, that they may be remembered by us. 3. That we may have benefit by the remembrance of them we must meditate upon them, and dwell upon them in our thoughts, and must talk of them, that we may inform ourselves and others further concerning them. 4. The due remembrance of the works of God will be a powerful antidote against distrust of his promise and goodness; for he is God and changes not. If he begin, he will finish his work and bring forth the top-stone.
Two things, in general, satisfied him very much:
I. That God's way is in the sanctuary, Psa 77:13. It is in holiness, so some. When we cannot solve the particular difficulties that may arise in our constructions of the divine providence, this we are sure of, in general, that God is holy in all his works, that they are all worthy of himself and consonant to the eternal purity and rectitude of his nature. He has holy ends in all he does, and will be sanctified in every dispensation of his providence. His way is according to his promise, which he has spoken in his holiness and made known in the sanctuary. What he has done is according to what he has said and may be interpreted by it; and from what he has said we may easily gather that he will not cast off his people for ever. God's way is for the sanctuary, and for the benefit of it. All he does is intended for the good of his church.
II. That God's way is in the sea. Though God is holy, just, and good, in all he does, yet we cannot give an account of the reasons of his proceedings, nor make any certain judgment of his designs: His path is in the great waters and his footsteps are not known, Psa 77:19. God's ways are like the deep waters which cannot be fathomed (Psa 36:6), like the way of a ship in the sea, which cannot be tracked, Pro 30:18, Pro 30:19. God's proceedings are always to be acquiesced in, but cannot always be accounted for. He specifies some particulars, for which he goes as far back as the infancy of the Jewish church, and from which he gathers, 1. That there is no God to be compared with the God of Israel (Psa 77:13): Who is so great a God as our God? Let us first give to God the glory of the great things he has done for his people, and acknowledge him, therein, great above all comparison; and then we may take to ourselves the comfort of what he has done and encourage ourselves with it. 2. That he is a God of almighty power (Psa 77:14): "Thou art the God that alone doest wonders, above the power of any creature; thou hast visibly, and beyond any contradiction, declared thy strength among the people." What God has done for his church has been a standing declaration of his almighty power, for therein he has made bare his everlasting arm. (1.) God brought Israel out of Egypt, Psa 77:15. This was the beginning of mercy to them, and was yearly to be commemorated among them in the passover: "Thou hast with thy arm, stretched out in so many miracles, redeemed thy people out of the hand of the Egyptians." Though they were delivered by power, yet they are said to be redeemed, as if it had been done by price, because it was typical of the great redemption, which was to be wrought out, in the fulness of time, both by price and power. Those that were redeemed are here called not only the sons of Jacob, to whom the promise was made, but of Joseph also, who had a most firm and lively belief of the performance of it; for, when he was dying, he made mention of the departing of the children of Israel out of Egypt, and gave commandment concerning his bones. (2.) He divided the Red Sea before them (Psa 77:16): The waters gave way, and a lane was made through that crowd instantly, as if they had seen God himself at the head of the armies of Israel, and had retired for fear of him. Not only the surface of the waters, but the depths, were troubled, and opened to the right and to the left, in obedience to his word of command. (3.) He destroyed the Egyptians (Psa 77:17): The clouds poured out water upon them, while the pillar of fire, like an umbrella over the camp of Israel, sheltered it from the shower, in which, as in the deluge, the waters that were above the firmament concurred with those that were beneath the firmament to destroy the rebels. Then the skies sent out a sound; thy arrows also went abroad, which is explained (Psa 77:18): The voice of thy thunder was heard in the heaven (that was the sound which the skies sent forth); the lightnings lightened the world - those were the arrows which went abroad, by which the host of the Egyptians was discomfited, with so much terror that the earth of the adjacent coast trembled and shook. Thus God's way was in the sea, for the destruction of his enemies, as well as for the salvation of his people; and yet when the waters returned to their place his footsteps were not known (Psa 77:19); there was no mark set upon the place, as there was, afterwards, in Jordan, Jos 4:9. We do not read in the story of Israel's passing through the Red Sea that there were thunders and lightning, and an earthquake; yet there might be, and Josephus says there were, such displays of the divine terror upon that occasion. But it may refer to the thunders, lightnings, and earth quakes, that were at Mount Sinai when the law was given. (4.) He took his people Israel under his own guidance and protection (Psa 77:20): Thou leddest thy people like a clock. They being weak and helpless, and apt to wander like a flock of sheep, and lying exposed to the beasts of prey, God went before them with all the care and tenderness of a shepherd, that they might not fail. The pillar of cloud and fire led them; yet that is not here taken notice of, but the agency of Moses and Aaron, by whose hand God led them; they could not do it without God, but God did it with and by them. Moses was their governor, Aaron their high priest; they were guides, overseers, and rulers to Israel, and by them God led them. The right and happy administration of the two great ordinances of magistracy and ministry is, though not so great a miracle, yet as great a mercy to any people as the pillar of cloud and fire was to Israel in the wilderness.
The psalm concludes abruptly, and does not apply those ancient instances of God's power to the present distresses of the church, as one might have expected. But as soon as the good man began to meditate on these things he found he had gained his point; his very entrance upon this matter gave him light and joy (Psa 119:130); his fears suddenly and strangely vanished, so that he needed to go no further; he went his way, and did eat, and his countenance was no more sad, like Hannah, Sa1 1:18.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–20. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 77
"You are the God that doest wonderful things alone" [Psalm 77:14]. You are indeed a great God, doing wonderful things in body, in soul; alone doing them. The deaf have heard, the blind have seen, the feeble have recovered, the dead have risen, the paralytic have been strengthened. But these miracles were at that time performed on bodies, let us see those wrought on the soul. Sober are those that were a little before drunken, believers are those that were a little before worshippers of idols: their goods they bestow on the poor that did rob before those of others...."Wonderful things alone." Moses too did them, but not alone: Elias too did them, even Eliseus did them, the Apostles too did them, but no one of them alone. That they might have power to do them, You were with them: when You did them they were not with You. For they were not with You when You did them, inasmuch as You made even these very men. How "alone"? Is it perchance the Father, and not the Son? Or the Son, and not the Father? Nay, but Father and Son and Holy Ghost. For it is not three Gods but one God that does wonderful things alone, and even in this very leaper-over. For even his leaping over and arriving at these things was a miracle of God: when he was babbling within with his own spirit, in order that he might leap over even that same spirit of his, and might delight in the works of God, he then did wonderful things himself. But God has done what? "You have made known unto the people Your power." Thence this congregation of Asaph leaping over; because He has made known in the peoples His virtue. What virtue of His has He made known in the peoples? "But we preach Christ crucified,...Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." [1 Corinthians 1:23] If then the virtue of God is Christ, He has made known Christ in the peoples. Do we not yet perceive so much as this; and are we so unwise, are we lying so much below, do we so leap over nothing, as that we see not this?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 77:14 serves as a profound declaration within a psalm that transitions from deep lament to renewed faith. It articulates God's unique and active character as the divine agent who performs extraordinary, supernatural deeds, referred to as "wonders." Furthermore, the verse highlights God's intentional and public revelation of His formidable power and inherent might, explicitly stating that He "declared thy strength among the people." This pivotal statement marks a turning point for the psalmist, Asaph, shifting his focus from personal distress and questioning to a confident remembrance of God's immutable nature and undeniable historical interventions, particularly the paradigmatic event of the Exodus, thereby anchoring faith in God's past faithfulness and future capability.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 77, attributed to Asaph, is a masterfully crafted psalm that vividly portrays a spiritual journey from profound despair to a renewed sense of hope and trust in God. The initial verses (Psalms 77:1-9) capture the psalmist's raw anguish, sleepless nights, and agonizing questions concerning God's apparent withdrawal of mercy and faithfulness. This period of intense questioning and introspection culminates in a deliberate shift in focus from Psalms 77:10 onward, where Asaph consciously resolves to "remember the works of the LORD" and "thy wonders of old" (Psalms 77:11). Verse 77:14, "Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people," stands as a climactic affirmation within this intentional act of remembrance. It provides the foundational truth upon which the psalmist rebuilds his faith, leading directly into a detailed and evocative recounting of God's mighty acts during the Exodus in the subsequent verses (Psalms 77:15-20).
Historical & Cultural Context: For ancient Israel, the concept of God performing "wonders" and declaring His "strength" was inextricably linked to their foundational national narrative: the Exodus from Egyptian bondage. This monumental event, encompassing the ten plagues, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, and the supernatural provision in the wilderness, served as the supreme and undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's unparalleled power over all other gods, nations, and natural forces. It was through these acts that God established His unique covenant relationship with Israel, revealing His absolute sovereignty and setting Himself apart from all other deities. The psalms, frequently employed in temple worship, communal feasts, and personal devotion, consistently recalled these historical interventions to reinforce Israel's identity as God's chosen people and to bolster their faith in His ongoing faithfulness. The "people" among whom God declared His strength primarily refers to Israel, but it also implicitly includes the surrounding nations who witnessed or heard of these mighty acts, thereby acknowledging God's universal dominion and incomparable power. Remembering these historical interventions was thus a vital spiritual discipline, grounding their present faith in God's proven and unchangeable character.
Key Themes: Psalms 77:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Divine Omnipotence and Miraculous Power, emphasizing God's unique and inherent ability to perform extraordinary, supernatural acts that transcend all human capability and natural laws. This is the God who split the sea, brought water from a rock, and delivered His people from insurmountable odds, demonstrating that "nothing is too difficult" for Him, a truth echoed in passages like Jeremiah 32:27. Secondly, the verse highlights God's Public Revelation of Strength. His power is not hidden or abstract but is openly displayed and undeniably manifested, serving as irrefutable demonstrations of His sovereignty, not only to Israel but also to the surrounding nations, as vividly seen in the accounts of the Exodus plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea. Lastly, and crucially for the emotional trajectory of Psalm 77, it reinforces the theme of Remembering God's Past Faithfulness. For the psalmist, recalling God's historical "wonders" provides profound solace and reassurance in times of current distress. It serves as a potent reminder that the God who acted so powerfully in the past remains the same God today, fully capable of intervening on behalf of His people, a transformative truth that shifts the psalmist from despair to hope, as he consciously resolves to remember God's works in Psalm 77:11.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 77:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and transformative message. The verse begins with a direct Affirmation ("Thou art the God..."), which serves as a confident and unequivocal declaration of God's inherent character, standing in stark contrast to the psalmist's earlier doubts and questions. This affirmation is immediately followed by a statement of God's action, "that doest wonders," which functions as a profound act of Praise, extolling God for His unique and supernatural capabilities that transcend all human limitations. The parallel structure of the two clauses, "Thou art the God that doest wonders" and "thou hast declared thy strength among the people," beautifully illustrates Synonymous Parallelism. The second clause reiterates and expands upon the first, emphasizing the public, manifest, and undeniable nature of God's miraculous power. This repetition reinforces the central message and deepens its impact. Furthermore, this verse functions as a powerful Climax in the psalmist's spiritual journey from lament to remembrance, serving as a definitive statement of faith that pivots the psalm towards a detailed recounting of God's mighty deeds, particularly the Exodus narrative, in the subsequent verses.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 77:14 encapsulates a core theological truth about God's nature: He is an active, intervening, and demonstrably powerful deity. This verse seamlessly connects the psalmist's deeply personal struggle with the grand, overarching narrative of God's redemptive history, particularly the Exodus, which serves as the paradigmatic example of God's "wonders" and "declared strength." It asserts that God's power is not abstract or theoretical but has been historically and publicly manifested, providing an unchanging and irrefutable anchor for faith amidst present distress. The verse powerfully reminds us that God's past faithfulness, evidenced by His mighty acts, is the bedrock for our future hope, calling believers to remember His mighty deeds as an inexhaustible source of comfort, assurance, and confidence in His sovereign ability to act.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In moments of profound personal distress, when the circumstances of life seem to contradict God's goodness, power, or presence, Psalms 77:14 offers a vital spiritual anchor and a powerful antidote to despair. Like Asaph, we are called to intentionally shift our gaze from our overwhelming problems and internal turmoil to the unchanging, wonder-working character of God. This verse reminds us that the God who performed "wonders" and "declared His strength" in the grand narratives of biblical history—the God of the Exodus, the God who created the heavens and the earth—is the very same God who is intimately active and present in our lives today. It encourages us to cultivate a deliberate discipline of remembrance, recalling God's past faithfulness—both as recorded in Scripture and as personally experienced in our own lives—as a powerful counter-narrative to doubt and anxiety. By meditating on His proven power and His historical interventions, we can move from questioning His presence or ability to trusting in His sovereign capacity to intervene, transform, and deliver. This practice fosters a deeper, more resilient confidence in His ongoing care, His mighty hand, and His ultimate purpose for our lives, transforming our lament into worship and our fear into faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of God "declaring His strength among the people" in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "thou hast declared thy strength among the people" carries profound significance, emphasizing that God's power is not hidden, theoretical, or merely for His own private enjoyment, but is openly and publicly manifested. This "declaration" is a deliberate act of divine revelation, intended to be witnessed, acknowledged, and understood by both His covenant people, Israel, and the surrounding nations. It signifies that God's "wonders" are not just for His own glory but serve as undeniable proof of His sovereignty, His unique nature, and His active, purposeful involvement in human history. For Israel, this public declaration was a constant, tangible reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His unparalleled ability to deliver them from any foe or impossible situation, as powerfully demonstrated in the Exodus event. For the nations, it served as a compelling testimony to Yahweh's supremacy over all other gods and idols, as seen in the devastating impact of the plagues on Egypt and the subsequent fear that fell upon surrounding peoples. This public declaration builds a historical and communal foundation for faith, showing that God's power is real, effective, undeniable, and universally proclaimed.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 77:14, with its powerful declaration of God as the one who "doest wonders" and "hast declared thy strength among the people," finds its ultimate, most profound, and climactic fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wonders—such as the parting of the Red Sea or manna from heaven—pointed to God's power in creation and historical redemption, Christ Himself is the supreme wonder, the very incarnation of God's declared strength and wisdom. His miraculous birth was a wonder (Matthew 1:20-23), His earthly ministry was replete with wonders—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming violent storms (e.g., Matthew 8:26-27), and even raising the dead (e.g., John 11:43-44). The greatest declaration of God's strength, however, was not merely the parting of a sea, but the decisive victory over sin, death, and the grave achieved through Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate "wonder," publicly declaring Him to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4), conquering humanity's greatest enemies. Through Christ, God's strength is not merely declared "among the people" of Israel, but "among all nations" (Romans 16:26), inviting all humanity to witness and believe in the saving power of God made manifest in His Son, who is indeed "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24).