Bible Teachers:What does Psalm chapter 77 mean?
Chapter Context
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).
What does Psalm chapter 77 mean?
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 to Jeduthun's 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).
