Psalms 77:2

KJV

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the day {H3117} of my trouble {H6869} I sought {H1875}{H8804)} the Lord {H136}: my sore {H3027} ran {H5064}{H8738)} in the night {H3915}, and ceased {H6313}{H8799)} not: my soul {H5315} refused {H3985}{H8765)} to be comforted {H5162}{H8736)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day of my distress I am seeking Adonai; my hands are lifted up; my tears flow all night without ceasing; my heart refuses comfort.

Berean Standard Bible

In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.

American Standard Version

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: My hand was stretched out in the night, and slacked not; My soul refused to be comforted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 77:2 vividly captures the psalmist's profound and unrelenting distress, portraying a soul overwhelmed by suffering. Despite an immediate and desperate turning to the Lord in his "day of trouble," the verse quickly reveals a relentless internal affliction that offers no respite, even through the night, culminating in a poignant declaration that his soul actively refused to be comforted. This deeply personal lament serves as a stark introduction to the psalm's journey from overwhelming despair and questioning to a powerful recollection and meditation on God's historical faithfulness and mighty redemptive acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 77 is a poignant individual lament attributed to Asaph, characterized by a distinct structural progression. The initial verses (vv. 1-6) plunge the reader into the psalmist's intense personal anguish, marked by sleepless nights and an inability to find solace. Verse 2 is central to this opening section, articulating the immediate, yet seemingly unavailing, seeking of God amidst ceaseless pain and a profound resistance to comfort. This deep personal crisis then transitions into a period of theological questioning, where the psalmist grapples with God's apparent silence and past faithfulness (vv. 7-9). The psalm culminates in a powerful shift (vv. 10-20), as the psalmist consciously chooses to remember and meditate on God's mighty deeds in history, particularly the Exodus, finding renewed hope and perspective through divine remembrance. This movement from raw lament to historical reflection provides a profound template for navigating doubt and despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levite musician and seer during the Davidic and Solomonic eras, Psalms 77 likely reflects a period of significant personal or national crisis. While the "day of trouble" is deeply personal, Asaph's psalms often intertwine individual suffering with broader communal anxieties, suggesting that the psalmist's distress might also echo a collective sense of divine abandonment or national tribulation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, suffering was frequently interpreted through a theological lens, sometimes seen as a consequence of sin or divine displeasure. The psalmist's profound inability to find comfort, therefore, would have been particularly acute, implying a deep spiritual disconnect from the very source of solace. The archaic imagery of "my sore ran" powerfully conveys a continuous, debilitating affliction, highlighting a pervasive suffering that infiltrates even the quiet of the night, denying the natural respite of sleep.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 77:2 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **instinctive turning to God in distress**, even when God feels distant or silent. This immediate recourse to the divine in times of crisis is a core biblical principle, echoed in calls to "call upon Me in the day of trouble" found in [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble"). Secondly, the verse vividly portrays the **relentless and overwhelming nature of suffering**, where pain offers no respite, even in the stillness of night. This theme of ceaseless anguish is a common motif in lament psalms, acknowledging the deep and pervasive impact of distress on the human spirit. Finally, the stark declaration "my soul refused to be comforted" introduces the theme of **profound spiritual and emotional despair**, where the intensity of suffering renders solace seemingly unattainable or even undesirable. This honest expression of a soul battling internal turmoil is a hallmark of biblical lament, providing a template for expressing raw emotion before God, much like the cries of Jeremiah in [Lamentations 3](/lamentations/3 "Lamentations 3 - The Lord's Compassions Never Fail").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sought (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This word (H1875) is a primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," but by implication, "to seek or ask" and "to worship." In the context of "trouble," it denotes an earnest, diligent, and persistent pursuit of the Lord. It signifies an active, intentional effort to inquire of God, to search for His presence, intervention, or understanding, even when the connection feels elusive or unrewarding. It's more than a casual thought; it's a desperate and focused appeal.
* **Sore (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word "sore" (H3027) comes from `yâd`, which primarily means "hand." However, as the Strong's data indicates, it has a vast range of figurative applications, including "pain" or "stroke." In this context, "my sore" refers to an internal affliction, wound, or stroke of pain that is personal and deeply felt. It signifies a debilitating, continuous torment that the psalmist experiences, suggesting an overwhelming internal suffering rather than a literal physical wound.
* **Refused (Hebrew, _mâʼên'_):** This word (H3985) is a primitive root meaning "to refuse" or "to decline." When combined with "to be comforted," it signifies not merely an inability to receive comfort, but an active, almost willful rejection of it. This profound resistance can stem from the overwhelming depth of despair, a feeling that no human solace could possibly address the spiritual agony, or a sense of being so consumed by pain that the very idea of comfort feels alien or impossible to embrace. It highlights a state of deep spiritual and emotional numbness or active resistance to relief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord":** This opening clause immediately establishes the psalmist's initial and instinctive response to crisis. It highlights a foundational act of faith: turning to God as the primary recourse in distress. Despite the depth of his subsequent anguish, the psalmist's first inclination is towards divine intervention, underscoring a core biblical principle of seeking God's presence and help in affliction. This demonstrates a prior relationship with God, even when it feels strained.
* **"my sore ran in the night, and ceased not":** This vivid and somewhat archaic clause describes the relentless, unceasing nature of the psalmist's suffering. The "sore" (an internal affliction or wound) is depicted as "running" or continuously afflicting him, offering no respite. The specific mention of "in the night" emphasizes the vulnerability and isolation of those hours when pain often feels most acute and debilitating, suggesting that even sleep, a natural source of relief, is denied. The phrase "ceased not" underscores the continuous, overwhelming, and persistent quality of his anguish, indicating a pervasive and inescapable torment.
* **"my soul refused to be comforted."** This final clause articulates the apex of the psalmist's despair. His suffering is so profound and pervasive that his very soul actively rejects or is incapable of receiving any form of solace. This is not merely a lack of external comfort but an internal state where the capacity for consolation is shut down. It speaks to a deep spiritual and emotional crisis, where the pain is so overwhelming that it eclipses any possibility of peace or relief, leaving the psalmist in a state of profound isolation and despair, highlighting a battle not just with external circumstances but with an internal resistance to healing.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 77:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of the psalmist's anguish. The phrase "my sore ran" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for a continuous, debilitating internal affliction, transforming a physical image into an expression of relentless spiritual and emotional torment. The descriptions "ceased not" and "my soul refused to be comforted" utilize **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and overwhelming nature of the suffering, conveying a sense of absolute and unyielding pain that defies any alleviation. The entire verse is a direct **Lament** or **Confession**, an honest and raw outpouring of personal distress directly addressed to God. Finally, "my soul refused to be comforted" employs **Personification**, attributing an active will and capacity for refusal to the psalmist's soul, thereby underscoring the profound internal struggle and the depth of his despair, making the internal conflict palpable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 77:2 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human suffering and divine interaction. It validates the experience of deep, relentless pain, affirming that it is not only permissible but necessary to bring such raw anguish directly to God. The psalmist's immediate turn to the Lord, even amidst overwhelming despair, underscores a foundational truth: God is the ultimate refuge and the first resort in times of trouble, even when His presence feels distant or His comfort elusive. This verse highlights that faith is not the absence of doubt or pain, but the willingness to express that pain honestly within the context of a relationship with God. It also sets the stage for the psalm's later movement, demonstrating that even when comfort is refused or unattainable, persistently seeking God can eventually lead to a remembrance of His faithfulness and a renewed sense of hope, as God is ultimately the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")).

* [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")
* [Lamentations 3:19-23](/lamentations/3-19-23 "Lamentations 3:19-23 - Remembering Affliction and God's Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 77:2 provides immense validation and permission for those experiencing profound and relentless pain. It teaches us that authentic faith does not demand a stoic suppression of suffering, but rather encourages a raw, unfiltered outpouring of our deepest anguish to God. The psalmist's experience reminds us that it is acceptable, even biblical, to feel so overwhelmed that comfort seems impossible or even unwanted. This verse normalizes the experience of spiritual and emotional desolation, assuring us that we are not alone in such struggles and that biblical figures, too, wrestled with intense, unyielding distress. It challenges us to persist in seeking the Lord even when our prayers feel unheard, our pain unceasing, and our souls resistant to solace, trusting that God can handle our most honest and desperate cries, and that this very act of seeking is a crucial step towards eventual healing and renewed hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond in your "day of trouble"? Is your first instinct to seek the Lord, even when comfort seems distant?**
* **Have you ever experienced a time when your "soul refused to be comforted"? What did that feel like, and how did you navigate that profound despair?**
* **What does Psalms 77:2 teach us about the nature of honest prayer and God's capacity to receive our deepest anguish and unvarnished emotions?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong to feel like my soul refuses to be comforted?**

Answer: No, Psalms 77:2, along with many other biblical laments, explicitly validates such feelings. It is an honest and raw expression of profound distress, not a sign of spiritual failure or a lack of faith. The psalmist's journey demonstrates that God is big enough to handle our deepest despair, our questions, and even our resistance to comfort. This verse gives us permission to bring our whole, hurting selves to God, knowing that He hears and understands, even when we feel utterly inconsolable. It's a starting point for deeper engagement with God, not an end.

**What does "my sore ran in the night" mean in modern terms?**

Answer: In modern terms, "my sore ran in the night" is an archaic yet powerful metaphor for continuous, debilitating affliction or a persistent "striking" of pain that offers no relief. The Hebrew words for "sore" (`yâd`, meaning "hand" but figuratively "pain") and "ran" (`nâgar`, meaning "to flow" or "to pour out") combine to convey that the psalmist's suffering—whether emotional, spiritual, or even physical—was relentless and unceasing, particularly during the vulnerable and often isolating hours of the night. It describes an overwhelming, pervasive anguish that provides no respite, wearing down the soul and making comfort seem impossible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 77:2, with its raw depiction of a soul in unyielding distress, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's desperate seeking of the Lord in trouble foreshadows the Son of God, who, in His humanity, fully entered into the "day of trouble" for all humanity. Jesus experienced profound anguish, even crying out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), a cry that echoes the very despair of the psalmist. He knew what it was for His soul to be "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")), and He willingly bore the relentless "sore" of sin and separation from God that "ceased not" until His atoning sacrifice was complete. Through His suffering, Jesus became the ultimate Comforter, the one who truly understands our pain, having experienced it fully. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest and comfort ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), and He sent the Holy Spirit, the "Helper" or "Comforter," to dwell within believers, providing the very solace the psalmist longed for ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Thus, the psalmist's desperate search for comfort, even when his soul refused it, is ultimately met and satisfied in Christ, who offers a peace that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Genesis 37:35

And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Isaiah 26:16

LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer [when] thy chastening [was] upon them.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Esther 4:1

¶ When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

Esther 4:4

So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told [it] her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received [it] not.