Psalms 77 - Printer Friendly

Psalms associated with Asaph (1 Chronicles 16:5–7) often follow a pattern of gloom and brooding (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1; 79:5) which resolve to confidence in the Lord (Psalm 73:16–18; 74:12; 79:13). This song is another example. Jeduthun was a worship musician and contemporary of Asaph (1 Chronicles 25:1–6). This song may be set his music.

Asaph begins by expressing intense, honest angst. No details are given about why, but this issue keeps him awake at night. Prayer and seeking God's will only makes Asaph's misery more intense. This is what sometimes happens when we first try to understand circumstances in our lives. At first, we are so focused on what we don't like that all we see are the negatives. We wonder if God really cares, or how we can possibly accept these events. The second half of this psalm shows that Asaph doesn't wallow there for long. For now, he is overwhelmed by misery and frustration (Psalm 77:1–9).

Once Asaph remembers all that God has shown and done, his attitude changes. This is the essence of biblical "faith:" trust based in knowledge, which leads us to obey even when the future is uncertain. Asaph looks back on all God had done for Israel. In those moments, the Lord proved His ability to rescue His chosen people. Other psalms and prophets explore similar processing of faith (Psalm 77:16, 18; 97:4; 114:3; Habakkuk 3:10). Rather than fear about a future he does not see, Asaph can trust because of the past which demonstrates God's goodness (Psalm 77:10–20).

Psalm 77:1–9 reveals Asaph's deep, honest angst. He is so disturbed that he cannot sleep. Even when he tries to understand God, he only becomes more upset. He feels as if the Lord has abandoned him. In fact, it seems as if God has forgotten all His promises to Israel. Asaph does not stop here, however. He will continue to wrestle with these feelings by looking back on what God has done (Psalm 77:10).

Psalm 77:10–20 follows a pattern seen in psalms associated with Asaph. He often begins with a sense of bitterness or despair (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1–3). Yet he always returns to the truths of God's character and his faith is renewed (Psalm 73:15–18; 74:12–23). In this case, he is so upset that he cannot sleep (Psalm 77:1–3). Yet he commits to what he already knows of the Lord. That brings him back to reassurance.

Asaph struggles to sleep or find peace. Though he seeks to trust in God, he only feels more disturbed. This hardship causes him to question if the Lord has abandoned him, or possibly all the people of Israel. Still, Asaph is committed to remembering what he already knows about God. He remembers how God rescued His people at the Red Sea: with crashing thunder and brilliant lighting that caused the earth to tremble. Using Moses and Aaron, the Lord led Israel through the sea like a shepherd guiding sheep.

Asaph mourns at the beginning of this psalm; the exact reason is not given. What starts as a personal struggle takes on broader tones, suggesting that Asaph grieves something happening to Israel. As is common in psalms associated with Asaph, an early bitter tone eventually becomes reassured (Psalm 73:2–3, 15–18; 74:1–3, 12–13). The psalm echoes phrases found in other psalms (Psalm 97:4; 114:3) and prophetic books (Habakkuk 3:10).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.