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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 77, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph.] I cried unto God with my voice, {even} unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. {of: or, for}
Psalms 77:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. {sore: Heb. hand}
Psalms 77:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
Psalms 77:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
Psalms 77:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
Psalms 77:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
Psalms 77:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
Psalms 77:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth {his} promise fail for evermore? {for evermore: Heb. to generation and generation?}
Psalms 77:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.
Psalms 77:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 And I said, This {is} my infirmity: {but I will remember} the years of the right hand of the most High.
Psalms 77:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
Psalms 77:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
Psalms 77:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 Thy way, O God, {is} in the sanctuary: who {is so} great a God as {our} God?
Psalms 77:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14 Thou {art} the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
Psalms 77:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15 Thou hast with {thine} arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
Psalms 77:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
Psalms 77:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17 The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. {poured...: Heb. were poured forth with water}
Psalms 77:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18 The voice of thy thunder {was} in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
Psalms 77:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19 Thy way {is} in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
Psalms 77:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalms 77:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.