TRV
Translation
King James Version
The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The cloudes powred out water: the heauens gaue a sounde: yea, thine arrowes went abroade.
Young's Literal Translation
Poured out waters have thick clouds, The skies have given forth a noise, Also--Thine arrows go up and down.
In the KJVVerse 15,111 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
In praises of God, in confessions of sins, in hymns and in songs, in prayers, "There is a multitude of the sound of waters. The clouds have uttered a voice" [Psalm 77:17]. Thence that sound of waters, thence the troubling of the abysses, because "the clouds have uttered a voice." What clouds? The preachers of the word of truth. What clouds? Those concerning which God does menace a certain vineyard, which instead of grape had brought forth thorns and He says, "I will command My clouds, that they rain no rain upon it." [Isaiah 5:6] In a word, the Apostles forsaking the Jews, went to the Gentiles: in preaching Christ among all nations, "the clouds have uttered a voice." "For Your arrows have gone through." Those same voices of the clouds He has again called arrows. For the words of the Evangelists were arrows. For these things are allegories. For properly neither an arrow is rain, nor rain is an arrow: but yet the word of God is both an arrow because it does smite; and rain because it does water. Let no one therefore any longer wonder at the troubling of the abysses, when "Your arrows have gone through." What is, "have gone through"? They have not stopped in the ears, but they have pierced the heart.
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 77:17, "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 and Psalm 77:7. However, a pivotal shift in the psalmist's perspective occurs around Psalm 77:10, where he consciously chooses to recall God's "wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11). 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. 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. 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 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 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 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). 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) and commands all creation, a power that will ultimately usher in a new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). 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). 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).