Psalms 77:5

KJV

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have considered {H2803}{H8765)} the days {H3117} of old {H6924}, the years {H8141} of ancient times {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I think about the days of old, the years of long ago;

Berean Standard Bible

I considered the days of old, the years long in the past.

American Standard Version

I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 77:5 marks a pivotal moment in Asaph's profound lament, where the psalmist deliberately shifts his focus from overwhelming personal distress and unanswered prayer to a conscious and active contemplation of God's past faithfulness. This verse encapsulates a crucial spiritual discipline: the intentional remembrance of God's mighty deeds and enduring character throughout Israel's history. By recalling "the days of old" and "the years of ancient times," Asaph seeks to anchor his wavering faith in the unchanging truth of God's sovereign and redemptive actions, thereby finding a pathway from despair to renewed hope and perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 77 is a deeply personal and national lament, attributed to Asaph, a chief musician and psalmist. The opening verses ([Psalms 77:1-4](/psalms/77-1 "Psalm 77:1-4 - Asaph's Anguish")) vividly portray Asaph's soul in anguish, crying out to God, sleepless, and finding no comfort. His spirit is overwhelmed, and he questions God's apparent silence and withdrawal. Verse 5 represents a critical turning point within this lament. It signifies a deliberate mental and spiritual pivot from the immediate, overwhelming pain and questioning of God's present inactivity to an intentional act of remembrance. This shift lays the groundwork for the psalm's resolution, where Asaph ultimately recalls God's mighty acts in history ([Psalms 77:10-20](/psalms/77-10 "Psalm 77:10-20 - God's Mighty Deeds Remembered")), particularly the Exodus, as a source of comfort and renewed trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Asaph, a Levitical choirmaster ([1 Chronicles 16:4-5](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4-5 - Asaph's Role in Worship")), would have been steeped in Israel's covenant history. For ancient Israel, national identity and faith were intrinsically linked to the remembrance of God's historical interventions, especially the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and the [giving of the Law at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Sinai"). This remembrance was not merely academic; it was a foundational aspect of their worship, their understanding of God's character, and their hope for the future. The "days of old" and "years of ancient times" would immediately evoke these foundational narratives of divine deliverance and covenant faithfulness. In times of national or personal crisis, recalling these historical precedents served as a powerful antidote to despair, affirming God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people, even when circumstances seemed to contradict it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalm 77 and the broader Psalter. The most prominent is **Deliberate Reflection and Meditation**, as the psalmist actively chooses to engage with history rather than passively succumb to despair. This is closely tied to the theme of **God's Enduring Faithfulness**, where looking back at "the days of old" serves as empirical evidence of God's unchanging character and His consistent pattern of deliverance and care for His people throughout generations. This act of remembrance also underpins the theme of **Finding Hope in History**, suggesting that if God acted powerfully in the past, He can and will do so again, providing a solid foundation for trust in His future actions. Finally, it highlights a crucial **Perspective Shift**, moving the psalmist's focus from his immediate, overwhelming pain to the larger, ongoing narrative of God's sovereign plan and redemptive work, echoing the call to remember God's works found in [Deuteronomy 32:7](/deuteronomy/32-7 "Deuteronomy 32:7 - Remember the Days of Old").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Considered (Hebrew, _zāḵar_):** This verb means more than a fleeting thought or simple recall. It implies a deep, active meditation, a bringing to mind with intention, a ponderous reflection, and often, an acting upon that remembrance. In a theological context, _zāḵar_ frequently refers to God "remembering" His covenant, which signifies His active intervention on behalf of His people (e.g., [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembers Noah")). Here, Asaph actively engages in this spiritual discipline, not just passively recalling facts, but deeply engaging his mind and spirit with God's past actions.
* **Days of old / Years of ancient times (Hebrew, _yĕmê qeḏem_ / _šĕnôṯ ‘ôlāmîm_):** These phrases are a poetic parallelism emphasizing the vast scope and enduring nature of God's involvement with humanity and His chosen people. "Days of old" points to the earliest periods of Israel's history, such as the Exodus and the wilderness wandering, while "years of ancient times" broadens the scope even further, perhaps to the patriarchs or even creation itself. Together, they signify the entirety of God's demonstrable faithfulness across generations, providing a comprehensive historical witness to His character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have considered":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the psalmist's agency and intentionality. It is not a passive memory that comes to him, but a deliberate, conscious effort to shift his focus. In the midst of profound distress, this act of "considering" becomes a spiritual discipline, a chosen path to re-engage with truth rather than remain consumed by despair. It speaks to the power of the human will to direct thought and attention, even under duress.
* **"the days of old, the years of ancient times":** This specifies the object of the psalmist's consideration. He is not dwelling on his current predicament but is purposefully turning his mind to the historical record of God's past actions. This refers to the foundational narratives of Israel's faith – the mighty acts of God in delivering His people from slavery, sustaining them in the wilderness, establishing His covenant, and leading them into the promised land. By recalling these events, Asaph seeks to remind himself of God's unchanging power, faithfulness, and love, which were demonstrably active throughout history.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 77:5 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "the days of old" and "the years of ancient times" express the same idea in slightly different words, reinforcing the vast historical scope of God's faithfulness. This repetition emphasizes the enduring nature of God's past interventions. There is also an element of **Merism** in the pairing of "days" and "years," which collectively encompass the totality of time, signifying that Asaph is looking back at the entirety of God's historical engagement. Furthermore, the verse marks a significant **Shift in Tone and Focus** within the psalm. The preceding verses are characterized by intense lament and questioning; verse 5 signals a deliberate pivot towards remembrance and contemplation, setting the stage for the psalm's eventual resolution and renewed hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The act of remembering God's past faithfulness, as exemplified in Psalms 77:5, is a profound theological discipline woven throughout the biblical narrative. It underscores the unchanging nature of God, whose character and promises are consistent across generations. When human experience seems to contradict divine truth, the historical record of God's mighty acts provides an anchor for faith, reminding believers that the God who acted powerfully in the past is the same God who is sovereign in the present and faithful for the future. This practice is not merely nostalgic but is a vital means of cultivating trust, gaining perspective, and finding hope amidst despair, as it grounds present struggles within the larger, redemptive story of God's interaction with His people.

* [Deuteronomy 32:7](/deuteronomy/32-7 "Deuteronomy 32:7 - Moses' Call to Remember")
* [Psalms 77:11-12](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11-12 - Asaph's Commitment to Remember God's Works")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 77:5 offers a powerful and practical strategy for navigating personal struggles, spiritual doubts, and seasons of despair. When faced with overwhelming anxiety, a sense of God's absence, or unanswered prayers, we are encouraged to actively recall and meditate on God's past faithfulness, both in the grand narrative of biblical history and in our own personal experiences. This intentional act of remembrance shifts our focus from the immediate, overwhelming problem to the eternal, unchanging nature of God. It grounds our faith in His consistent character, fostering trust that the God who acted powerfully in the past, who delivered, provided, and sustained, is still sovereign and faithful today. This perspective allows us to place our present difficulties within the larger context of God's ongoing redemptive work, providing not only comfort but also resilience and a renewed sense of hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are specific "days of old" or "years of ancient times" from biblical history that particularly resonate with you and demonstrate God's faithfulness?**
* **Can you identify personal "days of old" in your own life where God clearly intervened, provided, or showed His faithfulness? How does remembering these instances impact your present trust?**
* **In what ways does consciously shifting your focus from present problems to God's past acts help to reframe your perspective and cultivate hope?**
* **What spiritual disciplines can you implement to regularly "consider the days of old" and integrate God's historical faithfulness into your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for the psalmist to "consider the days of old" when he is in such distress?**

Answer: For the psalmist, Asaph, considering "the days of old, the years of ancient times" is a deliberate spiritual discipline, a conscious shift from his present anguish to the historical record of God's faithfulness. In his distress, he feels abandoned and questions God's character ([Psalms 77:7-9](/psalms/77-7 "Psalm 77:7-9 - Asaph's Questions to God")). By recalling God's mighty acts in Israel's history, such as the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"), he reminds himself of God's unchanging power, love, and commitment to His covenant people. This act of remembrance serves as an anchor for his faith, providing a foundation of truth upon which he can rebuild his hope, even when his current circumstances seem to contradict God's goodness. It's a way of combating despair with divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 77:5 looks back to God's historical acts for comfort and hope, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "days of old" and "years of ancient times" pointed forward to the culmination of God's redemptive plan in Christ. All of God's past deliverances, covenants, and promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The ultimate act of God's faithfulness, far surpassing the Exodus, is the [incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). When we "consider the days of old" now, we do so through the lens of Christ, recognizing that He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one in whom all the types and shadows of the Old Testament find their reality. Our remembrance is no longer just of past historical events, but of the living Lord who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")), and who has secured our eternal hope through His finished work on the cross. The New Covenant, established in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")), is the ultimate demonstration of God's enduring faithfulness, providing a foundation for our trust that transcends any present suffering.

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

Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Psalms 143:5

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Psalms 44:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Psalms 74:12

¶ For God [is] my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

Psalms 74:18

¶ Remember this, [that] the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and [that] the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.