Psalms 77

The Prophet describeth in his own example very lively, how it afflicteth the people of God, when as they have no evidence of Gods gracious presence: and how the spirit overcometh at length, raising and strengthening them again through faith, and the consideration of Gods faithful promises and former mercies.

1. A Psalm of Asaph [See Psalm 50.on verse 1.] for the chief song-master over Jeduthan. [See Psal.39.on v.1.or in Jeduthun, i.e. over to among the posterity of Jeduthun. Others, for Jeduthn himself, as being one of the chief song masters himself:]

2. My voice is to God, and I cry: my voice is to God, and he will encline the ear unto me.

3. In the day of my distress sought I the Lord: my hand was stretched out by night, and ceased not: (or, gave not over:) [instantly paying to God; or, spread forth, trouble or anguish, sometimes strike their hands together, sometimes cast them abroad or throw them forth as it were, and move them here and there, according to the commotion in their hearts: Others, overwhelmed, surcharged, with tears namely.] my soul refused to be comforted. [i.e. I could not satisfy, nor allay my grief, and was altogether disconsolate, incapable of any comfort. Comp. Gen.37.on v.35.]

4. If I thought on God, I was troubled: if I meditated, [As Gen.24.63. See there: others, if I prayed, etc. My soul was overwhelmed: [See Psalm 61,on v.3.] Sela! [see Psal.3.on v.3.]

5. Thou heldest mine eyes waking; [Hebr. Thou heldest the watches of mine eyes: that is (as some understand it) mine eye-lids. The sence is thou didst keep me awake, that I could not sleep for the continuance of the crosses and troubles upon me.] I was dismayed [like a things struck and beaten with hammers: as one whose heart beateth and panteth for anguish and grief. Compare, Jud.13.on v.25. and Gen.41.8. Dan.2.1,3. Where the same Hebrew word is used] and spake not.

6. I considered the days of old, [according to the command, Deut.32.7. compare Psalms 74:12, etc.] the years of the ages. [past and gone long agoe. Of the Hebrew word Olam, see Jer.2.on verse 20.]

7. I remembered my string-play (Or stringed instruments) [how I was wont in former times to praise God for his benefits] in the night I pondered (considered) in my heart; and my spirit inquired (searched) to get a [right understanding in this matter. Compare Psa.73.v, 16,17. Hence proceedeth the following words of the Prophet, as if he should say. At last I thought; shall the Lord then, &c. As followeth.]

8. Shall the Lord then reject forever (Or in eternities) [i.e. continually, evermore] and be no more favourable hence forward? [Heb. Not go on, or add to be well willing favourable, or kindly disposed, or to take pleasure, or content, viz.in me, or in his people, to whom he hath been so favourable in times past.]

9. Doth his kindness cease forever? Hath the promise an end [i.e. the word of his promise] from generation to generation? [Heb. In generation and generation.]

10. Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he shut up his mercies through wrath? Sela,

11. Then said I: this afflicteth me; [viz. That God dealeth otherwise with me now, then heretofore; that he keepeth not always the same course and method in governing of his people. God doth all things wisely, and so as it may be serviceable to his glory and our good. Oth. This afflicteth me, the changing of the right hand of the most high, or by way of question, shall this afflict me, that prayer, the changing of the right hand of the most high] (but) the right hand of the most high doth change. [i.e. he can soon change and turn this affliction into rejoicing.]

12. I will remember the acts of the LORD, [Thereby to raise up and strengthen my self] yea I will remember thy wonders of old. [Heb. Of thy wonder, or miracle, and so in the next verse, all thy work, or all thy acting.]

13. And will consider all thy works [Or recount, relate] and speak of thine acts, [or attentively observe thine acts.]

14. O God thy way is in the sanctuary [i.e. thy government is understood to the purpose in thy Church or Sanctuary, and not all among the children of the World. Compare Psa.73.17. Oth. Thy way is in holiness, i.e. all thou doest is perfectly holy, though we are not always able to comprehend it] who is a great God? Like God?

15. Thou art that God, that doth (Or worketh) wonder: thou hast made thy strength known among the Nations (or folks.)

16. Thou hast delivered thy people through (thine) arm; [Through thy great power and might. See Exod.6.5. Psa.79.11.] the children of Jacob and Joseph [Joseph was likewise Jacobs son, and consequently his children, the children of Jacob; but he is named here in particular, reason of the excellency and prerogative of Ephraim and Manasseh, Gen.50.21. 1 Chron.5,11,2. Besides that he fed all Israel in Egypt like a Father: yea sometimes by Joseph there are understood the ten Tribes, or all Israel together. See Gen.45.10,11. And 48.22. compare Psa.80.on v.2,3.] Sela.

17. The waters saw thee O God, the waters saw thee they trembled, [Or were in anguish, as one that is in travel, flying away for fear as it were, to make way for the children of Israel, passing the red Sea. Compare Psa.110.3,5.] the abysses also were troubled, (stired.)

18. The thick clouds poured out water [This verse and the sequel seemeth to declare that which is set down, Exod.14.24,25. As being done in that manner, that God raised first a mighty tempest over the Egyptians] the uppermost clouds gave a noise (sound) i.e. [thundered] thine arrows likewise issued forth; [i.e. the flashes of lightening, as is declared in the sequel, compare 2 Sam.22.15.]

19. The sound of thy thunder was in this round. [Or in the Orbe, sphere, Globe, i.e. in the air which encompasseth the Earth like a Globe or sphere. As for the Hebrew word: Compare Psa.83.14. Isa.17.14. Ezek.10.2. &c.] the lightenings enlightened the world; the Earth was troubled and trembled.

20. Thy way was in the Sea; [Where thou wentest to lead thy people through the red sea, and to overthrow the Egyptians in it. So Exod.14.19,20.22. Nehem.9.11. compare Nah.1.3.] and thy path in great waters: and thy footsteps were not known. [there was no sign nor token left of this passage; for the waters returned and were as before, Exod.14.26,28.]

21. Thou leddest thy people as a flock [Like unto a Shepherd, leading them through the wilderness to the land of Canaan and taking care for them, &c. See Psa.78.52.] by the hand of Mose and Aaron. [that is by their means and ministry.]