Psalms 77:15

KJV

Thou hast with [thine] arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast with thine arm {H2220} redeemed {H1350}{H8804)} thy people {H5971}, the sons {H1121} of Jacob {H3290} and Joseph {H3130}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With your arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Ya'akov and Yosef. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

American Standard Version

Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 77:15 stands as a pivotal declaration within a psalm of lament, marking the turning point from the psalmist's deep distress to a profound remembrance of God's unwavering faithfulness. It powerfully affirms God's historical, mighty, and personal intervention in redeeming His covenant people, Israel, through an act of irresistible strength, thereby providing a foundational truth for renewed trust and hope in the face of present anxieties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 77 is a psalm of Asaph, structured as a journey from intense personal anguish to a meditative remembrance of God's mighty acts. The opening verses [Psalm 77:1-6](/psalms/77-1 "Psalm 77:1-6 - The Psalmist's Cry of Distress") vividly portray the psalmist's sleepless nights, ceaseless groaning, and questioning of God's apparent abandonment. This deep lament continues through [Psalm 77:7-10](/psalms/77-7 "Psalm 77:7-10 - Doubts About God's Faithfulness"), where the psalmist grapples with the terrifying thought that God's mercy might have failed. However, a significant shift occurs from [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds"), as the psalmist resolves to recall and meditate on God's "deeds of old" and "wonders." Verse 15 is a direct fruit of this resolve, serving as a foundational historical anchor that grounds the psalmist's shifting perspective in the undeniable reality of God's past redemptive power, specifically the Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of God's "arm" redeeming His people immediately evokes the foundational narrative of the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Deliverance from Egypt"). This event was the quintessential demonstration of Yahweh's power and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For the ancient Israelites, the Exodus was not merely a historical event but a defining act that shaped their identity, their understanding of God, and their hope for future deliverance. The reference to "the sons of Jacob and Joseph" is a poetic and inclusive way to refer to the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing God's covenant loyalty to all twelve tribes, even those descended from Joseph's prominent sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This verse taps into a collective memory of divine intervention that transcended tribal divisions and underscored God's unique relationship with His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Redemption and Deliverance** is paramount, highlighting God's active and sovereign role in liberating His people from bondage, not through human might but through His own irresistible power, as seen in the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/15-13 "Exodus 15:13 - God's Redemption of Israel"). Secondly, the phrase "thine arm" embodies the theme of **God's Mighty Power and Sovereignty**, a potent metaphor for His irresistible strength and ability to execute His will, often invoked in contexts of salvation and judgment ([Isaiah 53:1](/isaiah/53-1 "Isaiah 53:1 - The Arm of the Lord Revealed")). Thirdly, by redeeming "the sons of Jacob and Joseph," the verse underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people across generations, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Finally, the psalmist's turn to remembering this act emphasizes the **Historical Foundation of Faith**, encouraging believers to draw strength and hope from God's past acts of salvation as a basis for trusting His present and future intervention ([Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Remembering the Exodus for Future Generations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arm (Hebrew, _zĕrôa'_)**: This term, often used in the Old Testament, is a powerful anthropomorphic metaphor for God's active strength, power, and ability to execute His will. It implies an outstretched, irresistible force, particularly in acts of salvation and judgment. In the context of redemption, it signifies the divine might displayed in the Exodus, where God's "strong hand and outstretched arm" delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand")). It is a symbol of God's effective and sovereign power.
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _gā’al_)**: This verb carries the rich theological meaning of acting as a "kinsman-redeemer" (go'el), buying back, delivering from bondage, or reclaiming what is rightfully one's own. It speaks of a personal, active, and proprietary act of liberation, often involving payment or a decisive intervention. Here, it highlights God's initiative and personal involvement in liberating His people from oppression, establishing His claim over them as His own.
* **Jacob and Joseph (Hebrew, _ya'aqōḇ wĕyôsēp_):** This phrase serves as a poetic and inclusive designation for the entire nation of Israel. Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel")), is the patriarch from whom all twelve tribes descended. Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, became the progenitor of two prominent tribes, especially significant in the Northern Kingdom. By naming both, the psalmist emphasizes that God's redemptive act encompassed all the descendants of Israel, demonstrating His comprehensive and unwavering covenant faithfulness to His entire chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast with [thine] arm redeemed thy people":** This clause directly attributes the act of redemption to God alone, emphasizing His sole agency and mighty power. The "arm" metaphorically represents God's irresistible strength and active intervention. The use of "redeemed" underscores God's personal, proprietary act of liberation, akin to a kinsman reclaiming what is his own, specifically from bondage or peril. This points to the Exodus as the paradigmatic act of redemption, where God's power was undeniably displayed to set His people free.
* **"the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.":** This phrase identifies the beneficiaries of God's redemptive power: His covenant people, Israel, inclusively referred to by their patriarchal lineage. "Jacob" represents the foundational patriarch of the twelve tribes, while "Joseph" specifically highlights the influential northern tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh), ensuring the scope of God's redemption is understood to cover the entire nation. The term "Selah" is a musical or liturgical notation, typically indicating a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. Here, it invites the reader to meditate deeply on the profound truth just stated – God's mighty, historical, and comprehensive redemption of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 77:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "thine arm" to represent God's power, strength, and active intervention. This anthropomorphic imagery makes the abstract concept of divine power tangible and relatable, evoking the image of a mighty warrior extending a powerful limb to deliver. The phrase "the sons of Jacob and Joseph" is an example of **Synecdoche** and **Merism**. It uses parts (descendants of specific patriarchs) to represent the whole (the entire nation of Israel), while also combining two significant figures to encompass the entirety of the twelve tribes, highlighting God's comprehensive covenant faithfulness. The inclusion of "Selah" functions as a **Rhetorical Device**, prompting the reader to pause, reflect, and internalize the weighty truth of God's redemptive work, transforming the reading experience into a meditative encounter with divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 77:15 serves as a powerful theological anchor, reminding us that God's character is fundamentally redemptive and His power is eternally sufficient. This verse connects the psalmist's personal struggle with the grand narrative of God's historical salvation, asserting that the God who acted decisively in the past is the same God who remains sovereign and able to intervene in the present. It underscores the principle that remembering God's mighty deeds is crucial for sustaining faith during times of doubt and distress, transforming despair into hope by grounding it in the unchangeable reality of His covenant faithfulness. The redemption of "the sons of Jacob and Joseph" is not merely a historical anecdote but a testament to God's enduring commitment to His chosen people, a commitment that finds its ultimate expression in a broader, spiritual redemption.

* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Outstretched Arm in the Exodus")
* [Isaiah 51:9-11](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9-11 - The Arm of the Lord Awakens for Redemption")
* [Luke 1:68](/luke/1-68 "Luke 1:68 - God Has Visited and Redeemed His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 77:15 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating their own seasons of doubt, distress, or perceived abandonment. It calls us to shift our focus from our overwhelming circumstances to the unchanging character and proven power of God. When we feel overwhelmed by the "noise" of our anxieties or the apparent silence of God, this verse invites us to intentionally recall His past acts of faithfulness—both in the grand sweep of biblical history and in the personal narrative of our own lives. The "arm" that redeemed Israel from Egyptian bondage is the same arm that sustains us today. This remembrance is not mere nostalgia but an active spiritual discipline that strengthens our trust, rekindles our hope, and reminds us that God's power to deliver is neither diminished nor exhausted. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate pain to the God who has always been, and always will be, our Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of redemption, both in Scripture and in your personal life, strengthen your faith in current challenges?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust in God's "arm" (His mighty power) rather than your own efforts or human solutions?**
* **What does it mean for you, personally, that God is a "Redeemer," and how does that truth bring comfort or challenge?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of the verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical notation. While its precise meaning is debated, it is generally understood to indicate a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In the context of Psalm 77:15, "Selah" serves as an invitation to the reader or worshiper to pause and meditate deeply on the profound truth just declared: God's mighty and historical redemption of His people. It encourages a moment of spiritual absorption, allowing the weight and significance of God's redemptive power to truly sink in.

**Why does the verse specify "the sons of Jacob and Joseph" instead of just "Israel"?**

Answer: The phrase "the sons of Jacob and Joseph" is a poetic and inclusive way to refer to the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing God's comprehensive covenant faithfulness. "Jacob" is the patriarch whose name was changed to Israel ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel")), representing the foundational lineage of all twelve tribes. "Joseph" is specifically mentioned because his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, became prominent tribes, particularly in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. By naming both, the psalmist ensures that God's redemptive act is understood to encompass all the descendants of Israel, uniting both the southern (Judah-centric) and northern (Ephraim-centric) perspectives under the umbrella of God's singular, unwavering covenant with His chosen people. It reinforces that God's saving arm extends to all His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 77:15, with its declaration of God's "arm" redeeming "the sons of Jacob and Joseph," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The historical redemption of Israel from Egypt, a powerful display of God's mighty arm, foreshadows the spiritual and eternal redemption accomplished through Christ. While the Old Testament redemption freed a nation from physical bondage, Jesus, the true "arm of the Lord" ([Isaiah 53:1](/isaiah/53-1 "Isaiah 53:1 - The Arm of the Lord Revealed")), came to redeem humanity from the far greater bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). His crucifixion and resurrection are the supreme demonstrations of God's irresistible power to save, a power that triumphs over all spiritual enemies ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through Christ, God has not merely redeemed a specific lineage, but "a people for his own possession" from every tribe and nation ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). The "sons of Jacob and Joseph" now expand to include all who are "in Christ," whether Jew or Gentile, who have been bought with the precious blood of the Lamb ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb")). Thus, the ancient declaration of God's redemptive arm culminates in the glorious, all-encompassing salvation offered through Jesus, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer.

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

Exodus 6:6

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Deuteronomy 9:29

Yet they [are] thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

Psalms 74:2

Remember thy congregation, [which] thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, [which] thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

Deuteronomy 9:26

I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Genesis 48:3

And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

Genesis 48:20

And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.