Psalm 77 (76):13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here is the third discourse! He expressed outward thoughts when he hinted; he reflected inwardly when he made his approach; he spoke on the divine works when he arrived at his destination. And regarding your feelings: there are no feelings. Is there anyone who exists devoid of feelings? And do you truly believe, dear brothers, that those who revere God, who serve God, and who love God are without feelings? Do you genuinely presume that activities such as painting, theater, herding animals, hunting, or fishing stir our emotions, yet contemplating God does not evoke certain feelings within us as we observe the cosmos and align our affections? To witness the beauty of creation and work within it to uncover the Creator, finding Him to be entirely delightful, indeed the most delightful of all?

I will gain understanding from all Your deeds. Indeed, they did; however, I will recount the entirety of the blessings You have granted us, meaning I will not overlook any of the gifts You have provided.

My mind is fully focused on Your admirable qualities. I reflect on how You have shown compassion towards the saints, and because of that, I remain hopeful for my own salvation.

On Wednesday, I will present all the wonders You have done among us, and by constantly reflecting on them, I will hold onto my positive expectations.

I will recall the deeds of the Lord, reflecting on Your miracles from the beginning. I will engage deeply with all Your works and contemplate Your divine plans. By referring to the Lord's deeds, David speaks of the discipline that God administers for humanity's benefit. It is implied here that he states, at that moment, I will remember the wonders You have performed since the dawn of creation; for, as Theodoret suggests, the remembrance of these acts provides me solace. I will immerse myself in persistent reflection on the various ways You, O Lord, work for the salvation of humanity.

This reflection on God's deeds contrasts with what is expressed in Psalm 76:4. There, the gaze is cast from a distance upon God's blessings, which offer no alleviation of grief; here, however, the focus is more intimate, revealing these gifts as undeniable tokens of eternal mercy. Thus, with a more profound emotional response, the phrase is reiterated, while simultaneously inferring the assurance it brings. The term “kako” in this context serves in place of “verily.” Therefore, as a victorious one, he rejoices and finds joy in recalling the works of God, firmly believing that God will remain as faithful to him as He was initially. In the latter part, he exalts the divine power, which God has made evident in rescuing His servants.

Idiphum and Asaph served as principal singers under David, and this psalm was entrusted to them so they might sing it in turn, expressing their reverence and glory to God. Some interpret Idiphum as referencing a particular instrument that was in use during that time, at which Asaph, the lead singer, performed this psalm. However, since Idiphum denotes one who arrives and Asaph signifies the gathering of people, the psalm serves as a teaching for the faithful assembled in Christ's name, guiding them from this earthly existence to eternal life, transitioning from their temporal journey to the heavenly homeland. The voice of prayer emanates from the heart of the prophet, and sincere prayer finds favor with God. The prophet reassures us that God is near to those who call on Him and is not distant from those who cry out in need.