Psalm 77:12-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:1-20

From darkness to dawn. So may this psalm be described. We have the night of weeping followed by the morning, if not of joy, yet of peace. It is a portraiture to which the experience of myriads of souls has answered and will answer. Hence, for the help of all such, the psalm has been given. We know not who the writer was, nor when, nor the special reason why, the psalm was written. We only know that it is the utterance of a heart that had been sorely troubled, but to whom light and peace... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:11-12

A remedy for troubled hearts. "But I will celebrate the deeds of Jah." With Psalms 77:11 the change in the prophet's feeling actually begins. "Hitherto he has looked too much within, has sought too much to read the mystery of God's dealings by the light of his own experience merely. Hence the despondency when he contrasts the gloomy present with the far brighter and happier past. He cannot believe that God has indeed forgotten to be gracious, that he has indeed changed his very nature;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:12

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings; rather, as in the Revised Version, and muse on thy doings (comp. Psalms 77:3 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:13

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary; rather, in holiness. God's "way"—his conduct, his proceedings—however strange and mysterious it may seem to us, is always holy, i.e. just and right (comp. Genesis 18:25 ; Job 8:3 ). Who is so great a God as our God? God is both good and great; just in himself, and able to execute justice. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:13

God's way in the sanctuary. This verse is capable of different renderings. We take the one here given, as in the main true, and rich in sacred suggestion. God's way is in the sanctuary because— I. IT IS SEES THERE . The character, mind, and heart of God are revealed there. His holiness, that nothing unclean may approach him; yet also his mercy and compassion, as seen in the forgiveness through sacrifice proclaimed there; the worship he delights in and demands; the surrender of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:13

The holiness of Divine dealings. "O God, thy way is holy! Who is [so] great a God as [our] God?" Comp. Exodus 15:11 , "Who is like unto thee, O Jehovah, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" For "in the sanctuary" there is the various rendering "in holiness." It is evident that the term "holy," as applied to God, must include much more than it does when applied to men. We must try to find what was especially in the psalmist's mind,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 77:14

Thou art the God that doest wonders. The gods of the heathen could do nothing. They were weakness, vanity, nothingness. Jehovah alone was powerful. tie could work, and could "work wonders." This clause prepares the way for the magnificent description of the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea, which occupies Psalms 77:16-19 . Thou hast declared thy strength among the people; rather, among the peoples—i.e. in the sight of many heathen nations (comp. Exodus 15:14-16 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 77:12

I will meditate also of all thy work - That is, with a view to learn thy real character; to see whether I am to be constrained by painful facts to cherish the thoughts which have given me such trouble, or whether I may not find reasons for cherishing more cheerful views of God.And talk of thy doings - Or rather, “I will muse on thy doings” - for so the Hebrew word signifies. It is not conversation with others to which he refers; it is meditation - musing - calm contemplation - thoughtful... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 77:13

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary - Luther renders this, “O God, thy way is holy.” Prof. Alexander, “O God, in holiness is thy way.” DeWette, “O God, holy is thy way.” The word rendered “sanctuary” - קדשׁ qôdesh - means properly “holiness.” It is not the same word which in Psalms 73:17 is rendered “sanctuary” - מקדשׁ miqdâsh. The word here employed, however, may mean a holy place, a sanctuary, as the tabernacle Exodus 28:43; Exodus 29:30, or the temple 1 Kings 8:8; 2 Chronicles 29:7. In... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 77:14

Thou art the God that doest wonders - It is, it must be, the characteristic of God, the true God, to do wonderful things; things which are suited to produce amazement, and which we can little hope to be able to understand. Our judgment of God, therefore, should not be hasty and rash, but calm and deliberate.Thou hast declared thy strength among the people - Thou hast manifested thy greatness in thy dealings with the people. The word “people” here refers not especially to the Hebrew people, but... read more

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