Psalms 77:14

KJV

Thou [art] the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou art the God {H410} that doest {H6213}{H8802)} wonders {H6382}: thou hast declared {H3045}{H8689)} thy strength {H5797} among the people {H5971}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/77-1-9 "Psalm 77:1-9 - The Psalmist's Lament")) 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](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10 - A Shift to Remembrance") onward, where Asaph consciously resolves to "remember the works of the LORD" and "thy wonders of old" ([Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds")). 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](/psalms/77-15-20 "Psalm 77:15-20 - God's Mighty Deliverance")).

* **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](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - Nothing is Too Difficult for God"). 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](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin") and the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - 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](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Works").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term (H410) is a shortened form of a word meaning "strength" or "might." It refers to the Almighty, the supreme divine being, but can also be used for any deity. In the context of Yahweh, it emphasizes His inherent power, formidable nature, and absolute sovereignty. Here, it underscores that the very essence of the God of Israel is defined by His strength and ability to act powerfully.
* **wonders (Hebrew, _peleʼ'_):** This noun (H6382) signifies something extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond normal human comprehension and expectation. It is consistently used in the Old Testament to describe God's supernatural acts of deliverance, judgment, and creation, highlighting His unique and incomparable power. A "wonder" is an act that evokes awe, astonishment, and reverence, setting God apart as the one true, living God who transcends the natural order.
* **declared (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb (H3045), in its Hiphil perfect form, means "to make known," "to proclaim," "to announce," or "to tell." The Hiphil stem indicates a causative action, meaning God actively caused His strength to be known. This implies a public, undeniable, and intentional manifestation of God's power, not merely a private display. It denotes an open communication and observation of His might, ensuring that His acts are recognized and understood as divine interventions.
* **strength (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** This noun (H5797) refers to might, power, vigor, or formidable ability. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent, unyielding, and sovereign power, particularly His capacity to deliver, protect, overcome enemies, and establish His will. It is a quality that inspires both reverential fear in His adversaries and unwavering confidence in His people, demonstrating His unchallengeable authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou art the God that doest wonders":** This opening clause is a direct, declarative statement affirming God's unique and active nature. It establishes that performing "wonders"—supernatural, awe-inspiring, and inexplicable acts—is intrinsic to His very being and character. He is not merely a powerful deity, but His power is continually expressed through miraculous interventions that defy natural explanation, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation, history, and human affairs. This serves as a foundational truth for the psalmist, moving beyond questioning God's character to confidently affirming it as the basis for hope.
* **"thou hast declared thy strength among the people":** This second clause specifies both the nature and the scope of God's wonders. They are not hidden or private displays of power, but rather publicly "declared" or made manifest. God intentionally reveals His "strength"—His might, power, and formidable ability—in a visible and undeniable way "among the people." This refers primarily to His covenant people, Israel, but also implicitly to the surrounding nations who witnessed or heard of these mighty acts. This emphasizes the historical, communal, and undeniable impact of God's actions, particularly those associated with the Exodus, which served as a public, irrefutable testimony to His incomparable power and His active, sovereign involvement in human history.

#### 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.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?")
* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm")
* [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - I Will Remember the Works of the LORD")

### 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
* **What specific "wonders" of God, either from the biblical narrative or from your own personal journey, can you intentionally recall and meditate on today to strengthen your faith?**
* **In what particular areas or circumstances of your current life do you most need God to "declare His strength" and reveal His mighty hand?**
* **How does the practice of remembering God's past faithfulness and mighty acts help you navigate present anxieties, doubts, or feelings of abandonment?**
* **What practical steps can you implement to regularly remember, meditate on, and articulate God's mighty acts in your daily life?**

### 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](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). 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](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Tenth Plague") 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 (cf. [Matthew 1:20-23](/matthew/1-20-23 "Matthew 1:20-23 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold")), His earthly ministry was replete with wonders—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming violent storms (e.g., [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and even raising the dead (e.g., [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised from the Dead")). 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 (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")), conquering humanity's greatest enemies. Through Christ, God's strength is not merely declared "among the people" of Israel, but "among all nations" (cf. [Romans 16:26](/romans/16-26 "Romans 16:26 - Made Known to All Nations")), 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" (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")).

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

Psalms 136:4

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Daniel 6:27

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Exodus 13:14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Psalms 72:18

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

Joshua 9:9

And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,

Joshua 9:10

And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which [was] at Ashtaroth.