◄ Psalm 77 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
In the Day of Trouble I Sought the Lord For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. 1 I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me. 2In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. 3I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah 4You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak. 5I considered the days of old, the years long in the past. 6At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered: 7“Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? 8Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? 9Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah 10So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”a 11I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. 12I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds. 13Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? 14You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples. 15With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 16The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken. 17The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. 18Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. 19Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found.b 20You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Footnotes: 10 a Or “To this I will appeal: to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 19 b Or were unknown Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 77 Summary In the Day of Trouble I Sought the LORD Verses 1–3 – Crying Out in Distress Asaph begins in raw anguish: “I cried aloud to God… He heard me”. His hands are lifted all night, yet comfort seems distant. Memory of God’s nearness only sharpens the pain. Verses 4–6 – Sleepless Memory “You kept my eyes from closing”; exhausted, the psalmist replays former songs of joy. He probes his heart in the dark hours, searching for the moment when gladness slipped away. Verses 7–9 – Troubling Questions Has God rejected forever? Has steadfast love run out? Asaph fires six rapid-fire questions that every believer has whispered when prayers seem to ricochet off a closed heaven. Verses 10–12 – Turning Point “Then I said, ‘I will remember…’ ”. He pivots from self-inspection to God-inspection, choosing to rehearse the Lord’s mighty works and speak of them aloud. Verses 13–15 – Remembering Wonders “Your way, O God, is holy”. The psalmist surveys the sweep of redemption—miracles, displays of power, and the freeing of Jacob’s descendants. Verses 16–20 – The Mighty Redemption “When the waters saw You… the depths trembled”. Creation itself shuddered as God split the sea. Israel walked through on an unseen highway, led by the Lord’s “right hand of Moses and Aaron.” The psalm closes without an explicit resolution—faith stands while questions linger. Psalm 77 is a heartfelt expression of the psalmist’s emotional distress and an earnest quest for answers. Despite the initial feelings of abandonment, the psalmist eventually finds solace in remembering God's mighty deeds and unfailing love, reinforcing his faith in God's providential care. Authorship and Setting • Asaph, a chief musician appointed by David (1 Chronicles 16:4-5), likely penned or oversaw this psalm. • The song fits the temple worship era yet resonates in any era of trouble. • Musical notations “For the director; according to Jeduthun” (superscription) point to a guild of Levitical singers, indicating formal liturgical use. Literary Structure and Flow 1. Lament (vv 1-9) 2. Deliberate shift of focus (v 10) 3. Remembrance of God’s deeds (vv 11-15) 4. Climactic retelling of the Red Sea miracle (vv 16-20) “Selah” marks pauses after vv 3, 9, and 15, inviting the congregation to breathe, reflect, and let the words sink in. Historical and Archaeological Notes • The Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14) underlies vv 16-20. Egyptian records speak of sudden disasters along the Nile delta, echoing the biblical account of nature’s upheaval. • Bronze cymbals and lyres, uncovered in excavations near the City of David and dated to the Iron Age, match instruments assigned to Asaph’s choir (1 Chronicles 15:19). • The title “Jeduthun” appears in Psalm 39 and 62, suggesting a recognized melody or choir master—evidence of organized temple liturgy centuries before the Second Temple period. Key Themes Persevering Prayer – Asaph prays through the night (cf. Luke 6:12, Jesus praying all night). Honest Questions – Scripture legitimizes doubt when directed toward God rather than away from Him (Psalm 13; Habakkuk 1). Deliberate Remembrance – Victory comes not by ignoring pain but by rehearsing God’s acts (Joshua 4 stones of remembrance). God’s Sovereignty over Creation – Storm, thunder, and quake obey His voice (Mark 4:39). Leadership by Invisible Paths – “Your path led through the sea, yet Your footprints were unseen” (v 19) parallels 2 Corinthians 5:7, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” Connections to Other Scriptures • Psalm 42–43 echo the same frame: despair → self-reminder → hope in God. • Exodus 15’s “Song of Moses” celebrates the identical miracle retold here. • Isaiah 63:11-14 recalls the shepherding hand of Moses and Aaron. • New Testament writers tie Israel’s Red Sea passage to baptism and deliverance (1 Corinthians 10:1-2). • Jesus, the greater Redeemer, walks on stormy waters (Matthew 14:25), embodying God’s mastery over chaos hinted at in vv 16-19. Practical Insights for Today • Nighttime anxiety often amplifies fears; like Asaph, turn insomnia into intercession. • List past answers to prayer—concrete memory is a weapon against present doubt. • God’s silence is not absence. His unseen “footprints” guide even when emotions disagree. • Corporate worship songs grounded in history—“Amazing Grace,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”—function the way this psalm does: anchoring current pain to past rescue. Simple Outline for Personal Reflection 1. Cry out honestly. 2. Ask the hard questions. 3. Choose to remember God’s deeds. 4. Speak them out loud. 5. Stand firm while the sea splits—deliverance may already be underfoot. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Isaiah 43:16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Teaching Points Crying Out to God in Distress I cried aloud to God, I cried out to God to hear me (Psalm 77:1). Asaph begins with an earnest plea, demonstrating that it is natural and appropriate to bring our troubles before the Lord. The Struggle with Doubt Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? (Psalm 77:7). Asaph voices his doubts and fears, reflecting the common human experience of questioning God's presence in difficult times. Remembering God's Faithfulness I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old (Psalm 77:11). The turning point in the psalm comes when Asaph chooses to focus on God's past acts of deliverance. God's Mighty Works Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found (Psalm 77:19). Asaph recalls the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power and sovereignty even when His presence is not visibly apparent. Practical Applications Bring Your Troubles to God In times of distress, follow Asaph's example by crying out to God, trusting that He hears and cares for you. Acknowledge Your Doubts It's okay to express your doubts and fears to God. Use these moments to seek His truth and reassurance. Focus on God's Faithfulness When overwhelmed, intentionally recall and meditate on the ways God has been faithful in your life and throughout history. Trust in God's Sovereignty Even when you cannot see God's footprints, trust that He is guiding you through the waters of life. People 1. The Psalmist (Asaph) The author of the psalm, traditionally identified as Asaph, who is expressing his distress and seeking comfort in God. He reflects on his troubles and God's past deeds to find solace. 2. God (Elohim) The central figure in the psalm, referred to as "God" (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, Elohim). The psalmist calls upon God in his time of trouble and meditates on God's mighty works and wonders, seeking reassurance in His power and faithfulness. The psalm does not mention other specific individuals by name, but it does reference the collective experiences of the Israelites and God's historical interventions on their behalf. Places 1. The Waters (Verse 16) The psalmist refers to the waters seeing God and trembling, which can be interpreted as a reference to the Red Sea or the Jordan River, where God performed miraculous acts for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for waters, "מַיִם" (mayim), is often used in the context of significant biblical events involving water. 2. The Sea (Verse 19) This verse speaks of God's path through the sea, likely alluding to the parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus. The Hebrew term "יָם" (yam) is used here, which is commonly associated with large bodies of water, particularly the Red Sea in the context of Israel's deliverance. 3. The Depths (Verse 19) The psalm mentions God's path through the depths, reinforcing the imagery of the Red Sea crossing. The Hebrew word "תְּהוֹם" (tehom) refers to the deep or abyss, emphasizing the miraculous nature of God's deliverance. While these references are not explicit place names, they evoke significant locations in Israel's history where God demonstrated His power and faithfulness. Events 1. Cry for Help The psalmist begins by crying out to God for help, expressing a deep sense of distress. ^"I cried aloud to God, I cried out to God to hear me."^ (Psalm 77:1) The Hebrew word for "cried" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) conveys a sense of a loud, urgent plea. 2. Seeking the Lord in Trouble In the day of trouble, the psalmist seeks the Lord, stretching out his hand in the night without ceasing. ^"In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; my hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; my soul refused to be comforted."^ (Psalm 77:2) The Hebrew word for "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent search or inquiry. 3. Remembrance and Meditation The psalmist remembers God and meditates, but his spirit grows faint. ^"I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint."^ (Psalm 77:3) The Hebrew root for "remembered" (זָכַר, zakar) indicates an intentional recalling to mind. 4. Sleeplessness and Distress The psalmist is so troubled that he cannot speak or sleep. ^"You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak."^ (Psalm 77:4) The phrase "kept my eyes from closing" suggests a divine intervention in the psalmist's insomnia. 5. Contemplation of the Past The psalmist considers the days of old and the years long past. ^"I considered the days of old, the years long in the past."^ (Psalm 77:5) The Hebrew word for "considered" (חָשַׁב, chashav) implies thoughtful reflection. 6. Questioning God's Favor The psalmist questions whether the Lord will reject forever and if His favor is gone. ^"Will the Lord reject forever and never show His favor again?"^ (Psalm 77:7) The Hebrew word for "reject" (זָנַח, zanach) means to cast off or spurn. 7. Reflection on God's Deeds The psalmist resolves to remember the deeds of the Lord and His wonders of old. ^"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old."^ (Psalm 77:11) The repetition of "remember" emphasizes a deliberate act of recalling God's past faithfulness. 8. Meditation on God's Works The psalmist meditates on all God's works and considers His mighty deeds. ^"I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds."^ (Psalm 77:12) The Hebrew word for "ponder" (שִׂיחַ, siach) suggests deep contemplation. 9. Acknowledgment of God's Holiness The psalmist acknowledges God's holiness and greatness among the gods. ^"Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?"^ (Psalm 77:13) The Hebrew word for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) signifies being set apart and sacred. 10. Recollection of God's Deliverance The psalmist recalls God's deliverance of His people, particularly through the parting of the Red Sea. ^"You made a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found."^ (Psalm 77:19) The imagery of "footprints" (עִקְבוֹת, 'ikvot) suggests God's unseen yet powerful presence. Lessons from Psalm 77 1. Cry Out to God in Times of Trouble Psalm 77 begins with a heartfelt cry to God: "I cried aloud to God, for He would hear me" (Psalm 77:1). This teaches us that in moments of distress, our first response should be to turn to God in prayer. Just as a child instinctively calls out to a parent, we are encouraged to bring our troubles before the Lord, trusting that He listens and cares for us. 2. Remember God's Faithfulness The psalmist reflects on past experiences of God's faithfulness: "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11). This is a powerful reminder to recall how God has worked in our lives and in the lives of others. By focusing on His past faithfulness, we can find hope and encouragement for the present and future. 3. Meditate on God's Works Meditation is more than just a quiet moment; it's an active engagement with God's truth. "I will ponder all Your work and meditate on Your mighty deeds" (Psalm 77:12). By intentionally reflecting on God's actions and character, we align our thoughts with His truth, which can transform our perspective and renew our minds. 4. Acknowledge God's Holiness The psalmist declares, "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?" (Psalm 77:13). Recognizing God's holiness sets Him apart from all else and reminds us of His perfect nature. This acknowledgment leads us to worship and reverence, understanding that His ways are higher than ours. 5. Trust in God's Power Psalm 77 highlights God's power: "You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples" (Psalm 77:14). Trusting in God's power means believing that He is capable of doing the impossible. This trust can embolden us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that nothing is too difficult for Him. 6. Seek God's Guidance The psalmist reflects on God's guidance: "You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron" (Psalm 77:20). Just as God guided the Israelites, He offers us direction through His Word and Spirit. Seeking His guidance ensures that we walk in His will, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment. 7. Embrace God's Sovereignty Understanding that God is in control brings peace: "The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You and writhed; even the depths were convulsed" (Psalm 77:16). Embracing God's sovereignty means trusting that He orchestrates all things for His glory and our good, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. 8. Find Comfort in God's Presence The psalmist finds solace in God's presence: "In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; my hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing" (Psalm 77:2). God's presence is a source of comfort and strength, providing us with peace that surpasses understanding. We are never alone, for He is always with us. 9. Be Honest with God Psalm 77 shows the psalmist's raw honesty: "Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable?" (Psalm 77:7). Being honest with God about our doubts and fears is crucial. He desires a genuine relationship with us, where we can express our true feelings and receive His reassurance and love. 10. Praise God for His Unchanging Nature Finally, the psalmist praises God's unchanging nature: "Your way was through the sea, Your path through the great waters, yet Your footprints were unseen" (Psalm 77:19). God's character remains constant, providing a firm foundation for our faith. In a world of change, we can rely on His steadfastness and eternal promises. Topics 1. Cry for Help in Distress The psalmist begins with a heartfelt cry to God in times of trouble. The opening verses express a deep yearning for divine intervention: "I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me" (Psalm 77:1). The Hebrew root for "cried out" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) conveys a sense of urgent pleading. 2. Unceasing Prayer and Reflection The psalmist describes a relentless pursuit of God through prayer, even when comfort seems distant: "In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; my hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing" (Psalm 77:2). The Hebrew word for "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent search. 3. Overwhelming Sorrow and Restlessness The psalmist experiences profound sorrow and restlessness, unable to find peace: "You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak" (Psalm 77:4). The Hebrew root for "troubled" (פָּעַם, pa'am) suggests an inner turmoil or agitation. 4. Remembrance of God's Past Deeds In the midst of despair, the psalmist turns to remembering God's mighty works: "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11). The Hebrew word for "remember" (זָכַר, zakar) indicates a deliberate act of recalling. 5. Meditation on God's Mighty Works The psalmist meditates on God's power and past deliverance, finding solace in His unchanging nature: "I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds" (Psalm 77:12). The Hebrew root for "ponder" (הָגָה, hagah) involves deep contemplation. 6. God's Holiness and Sovereignty The psalmist acknowledges God's holiness and sovereignty, recognizing His unparalleled greatness: "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?" (Psalm 77:13). The Hebrew word for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) emphasizes God's set-apart nature. 7. Recollection of the Exodus The psalmist recalls the Exodus, a defining moment of deliverance for Israel, as a testament to God's power: "You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron" (Psalm 77:20). This remembrance serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and guidance. Themes 1. Crying Out to God in Distress The psalmist begins by expressing a deep sense of anguish and desperation, crying out to God for help. This theme highlights the human experience of seeking divine intervention in times of trouble. The Hebrew root word for "cry" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) emphasizes a loud call for help, reflecting the intensity of the psalmist's plea. 2. Remembering God's Past Deeds The psalmist reflects on the mighty works and wonders God performed in the past, which serves as a source of comfort and hope. This theme underscores the importance of recalling God's faithfulness as a means of strengthening one's faith. The Hebrew word זָכַר (zakar), meaning "to remember," is central to this theme, indicating an active, intentional recollection. 3. Questioning God's Presence and Favor The psalmist grapples with feelings of abandonment and questions whether God has rejected him. This theme explores the tension between faith and doubt, a common experience in the believer's journey. The Hebrew word חָנַן (chanan), meaning "to be gracious," is questioned, as the psalmist wonders if God's grace has ceased. 4. God's Holiness and Sovereignty The psalmist acknowledges God's holiness and supreme authority over all creation. This theme emphasizes the reverence due to God and His unmatched power. The Hebrew word קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh), meaning "holy," is used to describe God's nature, highlighting His purity and separateness from creation. 5. The Power of God's Deliverance The psalmist recounts God's deliverance of His people, particularly through the Exodus, as a demonstration of His power and faithfulness. This theme celebrates God's ability to save and protect His people. The Hebrew root יָשַׁע (yasha), meaning "to save" or "to deliver," is central to understanding God's role as a deliverer. 6. Trust in God's Unchanging Nature Despite the psalmist's initial doubts, there is a reaffirmation of trust in God's unchanging nature and eternal promises. This theme encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, even when circumstances seem dire. The Hebrew word אֱמוּנָה (emunah), meaning "faithfulness" or "steadfastness," reflects the reliability of God's character. Prayer Points Pray for Faith in Times of Doubt Ask God to strengthen your faith and help you trust in His presence and plan, even when you cannot see it. Pray for Remembrance of God's Works Request the Holy Spirit to bring to mind God's past faithfulness and mighty works in your life and in Scripture. Pray for Peace Amidst Distress Seek God's peace that surpasses understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus during troubling times. As we study Psalm 77, let us be encouraged by Asaph's journey from despair to hope, and let it inspire us to trust in God's unchanging nature and His mighty works. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Psalm 77:14 claim miraculous deeds without any scientific or archaeological evidence to confirm them? 2. Does Psalm 77:7–9, which questions God’s faithfulness, conflict with other passages that portray God as ever-present and unchanging? 3. Why does Psalm 77:1–4 depict the psalmist in overwhelming despair if God’s power and intervention are supposed to be evident? 4. Psalm 77:16 describes waters trembling at God’s presence—what physical or historical basis supports this event, if any? 5. If Psalm 77:9 asks whether God can forget to be gracious, how does this align with the Bible’s broader depiction of God as eternally merciful? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 77 reflect the inner feelings you have when you are in distress? How can you relate to the psalmist's doubts and fears? 2. How does the psalmist's shift from despair to remembering God's deeds speak to you personally? 3. In what situations have you questioned God’s unfailing love and kindness like the psalmist does in verses 7-9? 4. What can we learn from the psalmist's decision to "remember the deeds of the Lord" when in times of distress (verse 11)? 5. How can the psalmist's example help you in your own spiritual journey during difficult times? 6. The psalmist chooses to focus on God's deeds rather than his own troubles. How can this perspective shift help us in our daily lives? 7. How does the imagery of God parting waters and guiding His flock in verses 16-20 inspire you in your faith journey? 8. How does this Psalm encourage you to respond when you feel like God is distant or unresponsive? 9. What practical steps can you take to remember God's past faithfulness when facing uncertainty in your life? 10. How can reflecting on God's mighty deeds help you understand His character better? 11. How might remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your faith in His future promises? 12. What similarities do you see between the psalmist's time of trouble and a recent challenging situation you faced? 13. How can you apply the psalmist's method of coping with distress in your life today? 14. Can you recall a specific moment in your life when you felt God's powerful intervention like the "parting of the seas" described in the Psalm? 15. How does the psalmist's transition from questioning God to praising Him influence your understanding of faith during trials? 16. What are some miracles or mighty deeds in your own life that remind you of God's unfailing love and power? 17. How does Psalm 77 inform your understanding of how to handle doubt and trust in God's plan? 18. The psalmist concludes with an image of God leading His people like a flock. How does this image resonate with your personal experience of God's guidance? 19. How does the Psalm 77 journey from distress to divine reassurance apply to modern challenges such as job loss, health issues, or global crises? 20. What steps can you take to foster a deeper trust in God's power and providential care, particularly during periods of personal turmoil? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions