Psalms 77

Ps 77 The psalmist laments that God has turned away from him, even though he feels innocent. He reflects on his situation (77:3, 6, 12) and finds hope (see 25:5) in remembering God’s past deeds (77:11).77:1-3 The night provides a special opportunity for prayer and meditation (77:6, 11; see 6:6; 16:7; 17:3; 30:5; 63:6; 119:55, 62, 148).

77:3 I think of God: God’s people inevitably face difficult times, but recalling his mighty acts at the beginning of their relationship assures them of God’s commitment. • Feeling overwhelmed, the psalmist is unable to deal with the crisis (142:3; 143:4).

77:4-6 As the psalmist meditates at night, he feels so disturbed that he cannot sleep or speak. He has pleasant memories of the past, but he cannot look beyond the present moment into the future.

77:7-9 The psalmist questions his status before God.77:7 Feeling rejected (see 43:2), the psalmist asks if the situation is permanent.

77:10-12 The memories of God’s mighty works in the past fill the psalmist’s mind.77:10 The psalmist fears that God’s hand of protection (44:3; 77:15; Exod 6:6) and favor (Pss 16:7-8; 110:1) is now against him for no apparent reason.

77:13-15 This central section of the poem reflects on God as the holy and powerful redeemer.

77:16 the Red Sea: The Canaanites attributed divine power to the sea, but God is the one who made the sea and uses it for his own purposes.