Psalms 77:17

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

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)}.

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

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

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

Psalms 77:17 (KJV) describes a dramatic display of God's overwhelming power, using imagery of a powerful storm. It reads, "The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad." This verse is part of Asaph's profound reflection on God's mighty acts in history, particularly as he grapples with personal distress and seeks assurance of God's enduring faithfulness.

Context

Psalm 77 begins with Asaph's deep anguish and questioning of God's presence and faithfulness in his time of trouble (Psalm 77:1-6). However, the psalm shifts from lament to remembrance, as Asaph purposefully recalls God's "wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11). Verses 14-19 vividly recount God's powerful intervention during the Exodus, specifically the parting of the Red Sea, where nature itself seemed to respond to God's command. Verse 17 contributes to this grand depiction of divine power, portraying God as a mighty warrior who controls the elements to deliver His people.

Key Themes

  • God's Majestic Power: The verse paints a picture of God's immense power, not just over humanity but over all creation. The "clouds poured out water," the "skies sent out a sound," and "thine arrows went abroad" vividly depict a divine force that commands the natural world.
  • Divine Intervention in History: This imagery serves to remind the psalmist, and us, that God is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in human affairs and the course of history, especially on behalf of His people. This is a crucial theme in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the Exodus from Egypt.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Creation: The elements—clouds, skies, and lightning (arrows)—are presented as instruments of God's will. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and control over all things, even the most chaotic forces of nature.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the skies sent out a sound" translates the Hebrew word qol (קול), which literally means "voice" or "sound." In this context, it strongly implies thunder, often seen in scripture as the voice of God or a manifestation of His powerful presence (Psalm 29:3). "Thine arrows also went abroad" is a common poetic metaphor for lightning bolts, underscoring the swift, destructive, and undeniable power of God's intervention, much like divine judgment or a powerful display of His might (Psalm 18:14).

Reflection and Application

For a general audience, Psalms 77:17 offers profound encouragement. When facing overwhelming circumstances or doubting God's care, this verse calls us to remember His past demonstrations of power. Just as God unleashed the elements to deliver Israel, He remains sovereign over all situations today. This vivid imagery assures us that God is capable of working in mighty and unexpected ways. It reminds us to fix our gaze not on our troubles, but on the God who controls the very skies and sends forth His "arrows" to accomplish His purposes, providing comfort and strength in times of uncertainty.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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