Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 77, attributed to Asaph, is a profound expression of distress and despair, yet it also serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness. The psalmist opens the chapter with a fervent plea to God, crying out during a time of trouble and sleeplessness. This earnest seeking of the Lord indicates a deep yearning for divine help and comfort in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. The psalmist reflects on his emotional turmoil, revealing a heart that feels abandoned and forgotten by God. He questions whether God’s steadfast love has ceased and if His promises are no longer valid. These rhetorical questions highlight the depth of Asaph’s anguish, as he grapples with feelings of divine silence and abandonment. As the psalm progresses, the tone shifts from lament to remembrance. The psalmist resolves to recall the mighty deeds of God, specifically focusing on the historical acts of salvation and deliverance that marked Israel’s past. He meditates on God’s holiness and greatness, asking, 'What god is great like our God?' This rhetorical question emphasizes the uniqueness and sovereign power of God over all creation. The psalmist vividly recounts the miraculous events during the Exodus, where God demonstrated His might through wonders that terrified the waters and led His people through the sea. By remembering these past events, the psalmist finds a foundation for hope in the present crisis. Ultimately, Psalm 77 serves as a model for believers who experience doubt and despair. It illustrates the importance of bringing our troubles before God while also recalling His faithfulness and power. The chapter invites readers to acknowledge their feelings of distress but encourages them to shift their focus back to the character and deeds of God, reinforcing the belief that God is still present and active, even in times of silence and struggle.