Psalms 77:17

KJV

The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.

KJV (with Strong's)

The clouds {H5645} poured out {H2229}{H8776)} water {H4325}: the skies {H7834} sent out {H5414}{H8804)} a sound {H6963}: thine arrows {H2687} also went abroad {H1980}{H8691)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The clouds poured water, the skies thundered, and your arrows flashed here and there.

Berean Standard Bible

The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth.

American Standard Version

The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound: Thine arrows also went abroad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 77:17, "The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad," offers a profoundly dramatic and vivid portrayal of God's overwhelming might, utilizing the imagery of a cataclysmic storm. This verse marks a crucial turning point in Asaph's psalm, shifting from deep personal lament and theological doubt to a deliberate, faith-affirming remembrance of God's historical acts of deliverance, preeminently the Exodus. It serves to underscore the Lord's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active, decisive intervention on behalf of His people, providing a foundational assurance of His enduring faithfulness and power amidst human distress and uncertainty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 77 commences with Asaph's raw, desperate cry to God, expressing profound anguish and questioning God's presence and faithfulness in his time of trouble, as vividly articulated in verses like [Psalm 77:1](/psalms/77-1 "Psalm 77:1 - Asaph's Cry to God") and [Psalm 77:7](/psalms/77-7 "Psalm 77:7 - Asaph's Doubts and Questions"). However, a pivotal shift in the psalmist's perspective occurs around [Psalm 77:10](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10 - A Shift to Remembrance"), where he consciously chooses to recall God's "wonders of old" ([Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Wonders")). Verses 14-19 then launch into a magnificent poetic recounting of God's powerful intervention during the Exodus, specifically the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Within this grand narrative of divine power, verse 17 contributes to the overwhelming portrayal of God as a mighty warrior who commands the very elements—clouds, thunder, and lightning—to deliver His people and decisively defeat His enemies.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, storms were frequently associated with divine power and the presence of deities. Thunder was often perceived as the voice of a god, and lightning as his arrows or weapons. By depicting Yahweh as the one who controls the clouds, sends forth sound (thunder), and shoots arrows (lightning), the psalmist asserts God's supreme authority not only over humanity but over all of creation and the chaotic forces of nature. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with various storm deities, powerfully demonstrating Yahweh's uniqueness and unrivaled power, particularly in stark contrast to the gods of Egypt, whom He decisively defeated during the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). The Exodus itself was the foundational redemptive event for Israel, showcasing God's active, historical intervention for His covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Psalm 77 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Majestic Power**, portraying Him as the ultimate sovereign over all creation, capable of unleashing overwhelming natural forces. The imagery of abundant water, deafening sound, and piercing arrows vividly depicts a divine force that commands the natural world, far beyond human comprehension or control. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Intervention in History**, reminding the psalmist and the reader that God is not a distant, passive deity but one who actively engages with human affairs and intervenes decisively on behalf of His people, as supremely demonstrated in the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Stretches Out His Hand"). Lastly, the verse reinforces **God's Sovereignty Over Creation**, presenting the elements—clouds, skies, and lightning—as direct instruments of God's will, emphasizing His absolute control over all things, even the most chaotic and destructive forces of nature, for His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sound (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** The Hebrew word קוֹל (H6963, _qôwl_) literally means "voice" or "sound." In this context, especially when paired with "skies" and "arrows" (lightning), it overwhelmingly implies **thunder**. Throughout Scripture, thunder is often depicted as the very voice of God or a powerful manifestation of His presence and authority, signifying His majesty, power, and sometimes, His judgment (e.g., [Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord on the Waters")).
* **Arrows (Hebrew, _châtsâts'_):** The Hebrew word חָצָץ (H2687, _châtsâts_), akin to חֵץ (H2671, _chêts_), refers to an "arrow." In poetic and prophetic literature, "arrows" are a common and striking metaphor for **lightning bolts**. This imagery underscores the swift, sudden, destructive, and undeniable power of God's intervention, much like divine judgment or a powerful display of His might (e.g., [Psalm 18:14](/psalms/18-14 "Psalm 18:14 - God's Arrows and Lightning")).
* **Poured out (Hebrew, _zâram'_):** The Hebrew word זָרַם (H2229, _zâram_) is a primitive root meaning "to gush (as water)" or "carry away as with a flood." This verb emphasizes the overwhelming, uncontainable, and forceful nature of the water, suggesting a deluge or torrent. It highlights the sheer abundance and irresistible power of the divine downpour.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The clouds poured out water":** This clause describes an intense, abundant downpour, emphasizing the overwhelming and unrestrained nature of God's power over the elements. The verb "poured out" (H2229, _zâram_) suggests a gushing, torrential flow, indicative of a force that cannot be contained or resisted, demonstrating God's absolute control over the atmospheric forces.
* **"the skies sent out a sound":** This refers to the thunder emanating from the heavens. As discussed in the key word analysis, this "sound" (H6963, _qôwl_) is understood as the powerful, authoritative "voice" of God. It signifies His audible presence and active involvement, a sonic manifestation of His divine will and power reverberating across creation, inspiring awe and dread.
* **"thine arrows also went abroad":** This vivid metaphor depicts lightning bolts streaking across the sky. These "arrows" (H2687, _châtsâts_) are not random natural phenomena but are explicitly identified as "thine arrows," meaning they are instruments directly wielded by God. They represent the swift, precise, and far-reaching execution of His power, striking with divine purpose and effect, often associated with judgment or powerful deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 77:17 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a divine storm with sensory details of abundant water, deafening sound, and piercing light/movement. The verse employs **Personification** when it states that "the skies sent out a sound," attributing an active, volitional quality to the inanimate heavens, as if the sky itself is speaking or commanding. Most notably, it uses **Metaphor** in referring to lightning bolts as "thine arrows," transforming a natural phenomenon into a weapon directly wielded by God, thereby emphasizing His direct agency, precision, and overwhelming power. This powerful storm imagery is a form of **Theophany**, a manifestation of God's presence and power, often accompanied by dramatic natural phenomena, revealing His glory and active involvement in the world. The cumulative effect of these devices is to convey the overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and irresistible nature of God's power, particularly as displayed in His historical acts of deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 77:17 powerfully establishes God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active, decisive intervention in human history. It reminds us that the God who controls the most chaotic forces of nature is the same God who acts on behalf of His people. This imagery of a divine storm, where clouds, thunder, and lightning are instruments of God's will, serves to comfort the distressed psalmist (and us) by demonstrating that no circumstance is beyond God's control. His power is not merely abstract but is manifested tangibly and historically, particularly in His redemptive acts. This truth provides a solid foundation for trust and hope, even when human understanding fails and circumstances seem overwhelming.

* [Psalm 29:3](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord upon the Waters")
* [Psalm 18:14](/psalms/18-14 "Psalm 18:14 - God's Arrows and Lightning")
* [Exodus 14:24-25](/exodus/14-24-25 "Exodus 14:24-25 - God's Intervention at the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For a contemporary audience, Psalms 77:17 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to renewed trust. When facing overwhelming circumstances, deep personal distress, or doubting God's active presence and faithfulness, this verse calls us to remember His past demonstrations of power. Just as God unleashed the elements with precision and might to deliver Israel from bondage, He remains sovereign over all situations today. This vivid imagery assures us that God is not a distant observer but an active, capable, and caring God who can work in mighty and unexpected ways, even through what appears to be chaos. It reminds us to fix our gaze not on the "storms" of our troubles, but on the God who controls the very skies and sends forth His "arrows" to accomplish His purposes, providing comfort, strength, and an unshakeable hope in times of uncertainty. Our awe of His power should lead to deeper trust in His providence and a confident expectation of His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past demonstrations of power, like those described in Psalm 77:17, affect our present fears or anxieties?**
* **What "storms" or overwhelming circumstances are you currently facing where you need to trust in God's sovereign intervention and powerful control?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's majestic power in our daily lives, moving beyond intellectual assent to heartfelt worship?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse literal or metaphorical?**

Answer: Psalms 77:17 is both literal and metaphorical, characteristic of rich Hebrew poetry. It describes a literal, powerful storm event, but uses highly poetic language to convey its profound meaning and divine agency. The "clouds poured out water" is a literal description of heavy rain. However, "the skies sent out a sound" uses **personification** to describe thunder, attributing an active role to the heavens, and "thine arrows also went abroad" uses a powerful **metaphor** to describe lightning bolts as divine weapons. The overall effect is to convey a literal, overwhelming display of natural power that is directly orchestrated by God, functioning as a theophany—a manifestation of God's presence and power—to reveal His character and purposes.

**How does this verse relate to the Exodus narrative, which is the broader context of Psalm 77?**

Answer: This verse is an integral part of Asaph's recollection of God's mighty acts during the Exodus, particularly the miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea. While [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") primarily emphasizes the strong east wind and the parting of the waters, the broader biblical narrative often associates God's intervention with storm imagery, especially when dealing with His enemies. For instance, [Exodus 14:24](/exodus/14-24 "Exodus 14:24 - God Troubles the Egyptians") mentions the Lord looking "unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians." This suggests a divine intervention that may have included elements of a terrifying storm or a display of divine power consistent with the imagery in Psalms 77:17. The verse underscores that God used every element of creation, including overwhelming weather phenomena, to deliver Israel and defeat Pharaoh's army, demonstrating His comprehensive sovereignty.

**What is the significance of the "sound" and "arrows" in this verse?**

Answer: The "sound" refers to thunder, which in biblical thought is frequently depicted as the very "voice" of God. It signifies His powerful presence, supreme authority, and often, His judgment or decisive intervention. For example, [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord") repeatedly emphasizes "the voice of the Lord" as thunder, demonstrating His power over creation and His majestic presence. The "arrows" are a poetic metaphor for lightning bolts. These are not random occurrences but are depicted as instruments directly wielded by God, emphasizing His precision, speed, and irresistible power in executing His will, whether for deliverance or judgment. Together, they form a vivid picture of a divine storm, a powerful manifestation of God's active involvement in the world, revealing His might and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 77:17, with its portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His powerful intervention, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The same divine power that commanded the clouds, thunder, and lightning in the Old Testament is fully embodied in Jesus. We see this directly in His earthly ministry when, with a mere word, He rebuked the wind and calmed a raging storm on the Sea of Galilee, causing His disciples to marvel, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?" ([Mark 4:39-41](/mark/4-39-41 "Mark 4:39-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This demonstrates that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a man of God, but God incarnate, wielding the very power of the Creator. His "voice" is not just thunder, but the voice that calls the dead to life ([John 5:25](/john/5-25 "John 5:25 - The Voice of the Son of God")) and commands all creation, a power that will ultimately usher in a new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and New Earth")). Furthermore, just as God's "arrows" went abroad to deliver His people in the Exodus, Jesus is the ultimate "arrow" of God's redemptive plan, sent into the world to defeat sin and death through His cross and resurrection ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the divine intervention, the one through whom God's majestic power is fully displayed, not just over nature, but over the spiritual forces of darkness, bringing ultimate deliverance and salvation to all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

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 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Psalms 68:33

To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice.

Judges 5:4

LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.

Psalms 144:6

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

Habakkuk 3:11

The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of thy glittering spear.

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Psalms 68:9

Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.