TRV
Translation
King James Version
The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
Complete Jewish Bible
The water saw you, God; the water saw you and writhed in anguish, agitated to its depths.
Berean Standard Bible
The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.
American Standard Version
The waters saw thee, O God; The waters saw thee, they were afraid: The depths also trembled.
World English Bible Messianic
The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The waters sawe thee, O God: the waters sawe thee, and were afraide: yea, the depths trembled.
Young's Literal Translation
The waters have seen Thee, O God, The waters have seen Thee, They are afraid--also depths are troubled.
In the KJVVerse 15,110 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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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 12:9
“When our Lord had arrived and had entered the boat with Simon, the wind abated.” The Arian, therefore, who contradicts the birth [of the Lord] is also rejected, through the word that those who were in the boat spoke, “They came and worshiped him, and they were saying to him, ‘You are indeed the Son of God.’ ” It is he of whom it is written, “The waters saw you and trembled, and the depths too were stirred up. Your pathways are on many waters, and your footsteps are not known.” So they confessed by their word that he, concerning whom these things were spoken, was indeed the Son of God.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
The Six Days of Creation 3.1.2
This is not the only example of the obedience of water available to us, for elsewhere we find it written, “The waters saw you, O God; the waters saw you, and they were afraid.” What is said here of the waters does not seem to be without a semblance of truth, since elsewhere the prophet also speaks in the same manner: “The sea saw and fled; Jordan was turned back.” Who does not know how in actual fact the sea fled at the crossing of the Hebrews? When the waters were divided, the people crossed over, believing because of the dust under their feet that the sea had fled and that the waters had vanished. Therefore, the Egyptian believed what he saw and entered in, but the waters that had fled returned for him. The waters, then, know how to gather, how to fear and how to flee, when commanded to do so by God. Let us imitate these waters, and let us recognize one congregation of the Lord, one church.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 77
And he continues how? "The waters have seen You, O God, and they have feared and the abysses have been troubled" [Psalm 77:16]. What are the waters? The peoples. What are these waters has been asked in the Apocalypse, [Revelation 17:15] the answer was, the peoples. There we find most clearly waters put by a figure for peoples. But above he had said, "You have made known in the peoples Your virtue." With reason therefore, "the waters have seen You, and they have feared." They have been changed because they have feared. What are the abysses? The depths of waters. What man among the peoples is not troubled, when the conscience is smitten? You seek the depth of the sea, what is deeper than human conscience? That is the depth which was troubled, when God redeemed with His arm His people. In what manner were the abysses troubled? When all men poured forth their consciences in confession.
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 77:16 serves as the climactic turning point in Asaph's lament, shifting from personal despair to a powerful remembrance of God's majestic intervention in history. This verse vividly personifies the natural elements, depicting the "waters" and "depths" of the sea as sentient beings that recoil in terror and agitation at the mere sight of God, recalling the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unparalleled power to deliver His people, offering a profound anchor of hope and trust in His enduring faithfulness amidst personal trials.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 77 is a wisdom psalm, specifically a lament, structured around a dramatic shift from profound personal anguish to a confident recollection of God's past redemptive acts. The psalm begins with Asaph's deep distress, sleepless nights, and questioning of God's faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 77:1-9. The pivotal transition occurs in Psalms 77:10-12, where the psalmist consciously decides to remember God's "years of the right hand of the Most High" and His "wonders of old." Verse 16, along with the subsequent verses Psalms 77:17-20, then launches into a magnificent poetic recounting of the Exodus event, particularly the parting of the Red Sea, which serves as the ultimate historical proof of God's power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This historical remembrance provides the foundation for the psalmist's renewed hope and trust.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, detailed in Exodus 14, was the foundational redemptive event in Israelite history, shaping their identity as God's chosen people. It was a constant reminder of Yahweh's unique power, His covenant faithfulness, and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. In the ancient Near East, large bodies of water, especially the sea, were often associated with chaos, untamed power, and even primordial monsters (e.g., Rahab or Leviathan in other biblical texts, though not directly here). The idea of a deity controlling or subduing the waters was a powerful demonstration of supreme divine authority, far surpassing the localized deities of surrounding nations. For Asaph, a Levitical choirmaster, the Exodus narrative would have been central to Israel's liturgical memory and national identity, providing a wellspring of theological truth and historical precedent.
Key Themes: Psalms 77:16 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation, demonstrating that even the most formidable natural forces are subject to His command. The personification of the waters underscores their immediate and fearful obedience to the Creator's presence. Secondly, it emphasizes divine power and majesty, portraying God as an awe-inspiring force before whom nothing can stand. The imagery of the waters being "afraid" and "troubled" conveys a sense of overwhelming, irresistible might. Thirdly, and most significantly for the psalmist's journey, it reinforces the theme of remembrance as a source of hope and faith. By recalling God's past mighty acts, particularly the deliverance at the Red Sea, Asaph moves from despair to renewed confidence, illustrating that reflecting on God's historical faithfulness can anchor believers in times of personal crisis. This echoes the broader biblical call to "remember the former things of old," as seen in Isaiah 46:9.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 77:16 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing Personification, Repetition, and vivid Imagery. The most prominent device is Personification, where the "waters" and "depths" are endowed with human attributes: they "saw" God, they "were afraid," and they "were troubled." This technique transforms the natural elements into active participants, reacting with visceral terror to the divine presence, thereby magnifying God's power. The Repetition of "The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, specifically Anadiplosis (repetition of a word or phrase from the end of one clause at the beginning of the next, though here it's within the same clause for emphasis). This repetition is not redundant but deeply emphatic, underscoring the direct, undeniable confrontation between God and the chaotic waters, and highlighting the profound impact of His appearance. The entire verse is infused with powerful Imagery that evokes a scene of cosmic awe and terror: the vast, deep waters convulsing in fear, painting a picture of overwhelming divine majesty that subdues even the most formidable forces of nature. This combination of devices creates a dramatic and unforgettable portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, particularly over the chaotic forces of nature. It recalls the foundational event of the Exodus, where God demonstrated His unique power by parting the Red Sea, not merely as a historical miracle but as a theological statement about His control over all things. The personification of the waters being "afraid" and "troubled" emphasizes that even inanimate elements instinctively recognize and submit to their Creator's presence. This divine power is not arbitrary but is always exercised in faithfulness to His covenant people, providing deliverance and salvation. The psalmist's recollection of this event transforms his despair into hope, illustrating that remembering God's past demonstrations of power is a vital spiritual discipline for navigating present difficulties. This theological truth assures believers that no obstacle, however overwhelming, is beyond God's capacity to command and subdue for His purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 77:16 offers profound spiritual nourishment for the contemporary believer. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging and unchallengeable sovereignty. Just as the ancient waters trembled and obeyed at the mere sight of God, so too do all the "depths" and "troubles" of our lives ultimately bow before His authority. Whether we face personal crises, societal upheavals, or spiritual battles, the God who commanded the Red Sea remains the same. His power is not diminished, and His faithfulness endures. This calls us to cultivate a posture of remembrance, consciously recalling God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in our own personal narratives. Such remembrance transforms our perspective, shifting us from a focus on the magnitude of our problems to the infinitude of God's power, fostering a deep trust that He can navigate and subdue any "waters" that threaten to overwhelm us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "waters" being personified in this verse?
Answer: The personification of the "waters" and "depths" as seeing, being afraid, and troubled is a powerful literary device that serves to emphasize God's absolute and overwhelming sovereignty over all creation. By attributing human-like reactions to inanimate elements, the psalmist vividly portrays the immediate and undeniable recognition of God's presence and authority by even the most formidable forces of nature. It highlights that nothing, not even the chaotic and untamed power of the sea, can stand against or resist the Creator. This makes God's power more tangible and awe-inspiring, demonstrating that His dominion extends to every aspect of the physical world, compelling even the elements to tremble in His presence, as seen in the historical account of the parting of the Red Sea.
How does Psalms 77:16 connect to the overall message of Psalm 77?
Answer: Psalms 77:16 marks the pivotal turning point in the psalm, transitioning from the psalmist's initial deep personal anguish and questioning of God's faithfulness, described in Psalms 77:1-9, to a profound remembrance and confident declaration of God's mighty deeds. The psalmist consciously decides to "remember the deeds of the Lord," as stated in Psalms 77:11, and verse 16 is the dramatic commencement of that recollection, focusing on the ultimate demonstration of God's power in the Exodus. This shift illustrates the transformative power of recalling God's historical faithfulness as an anchor for present hope. The verse serves as the lynchpin, demonstrating that God's past actions provide irrefutable evidence of His enduring power and commitment to His people, thereby alleviating the psalmist's despair and restoring his trust.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 77:16, with its majestic portrayal of God's sovereignty over the chaotic waters, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God who caused the waters to tremble at His presence is the same God incarnate in Jesus. Just as the waters of the Red Sea recoiled before Yahweh, so too did the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee obey the command of Jesus, who "rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!'" as recorded in Mark 4:39. This miraculous act, along with Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:25, unequivocally demonstrates His divine authority over creation, echoing the power displayed in Psalms 77. The "waters" that "saw" God and were "afraid" foreshadow the recognition of Christ's unparalleled power by all creation. He is the pre-existent Word through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible," as affirmed in Colossians 1:16, including the very waters and depths. Therefore, the deliverance from the "depths" of chaos in the Old Testament points to Christ, who delivers humanity from the "depths" of sin and death, ultimately calming the storms of our lives and ushering in a new creation where there will be "no more sea," as prophesied in Revelation 21:1, symbolizing the final vanquishing of all chaos and separation.