Psalms 77:10
And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The strategy of combating present despair with past memory was central to Israelite faith. Deuteronomy repeatedly commands Israel to "remember"—remember the exodus, remember the wilderness, remember God's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:15, 7:18, 8:2). Forgetfulness led to apostasy; remembrance sustained faith.
The Passover liturgy institutionalized this memory, requiring each generation to recount the exodus as if they personally experienced it. The Psalms frequently rehearse God's mighty acts (Psalms 78, 105, 106, 135, 136). When present circumstances contradicted past promises, memory of what God had done provided anchor for hope that He would act again.
"The right hand of the most High" recalls numerous biblical references: the right hand that shattered the enemy at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:6), that sustained the psalmist (Psalm 18:35, 63:8, 139:10), that achieves victory (Psalm 20:6, 44:3). This powerful hand had acted throughout Israel's history; surely it had not lost its strength.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging 'this is my infirmity' help Asaph reframe his despairing thoughts?
- What is the relationship between emotional/spiritual weakness and distorted perception of God?
- What specific 'years of the right hand of the most High' can you remember when facing discouragement?
- How can intentional memory of God's past faithfulness become a discipline for combating present despair?
Analysis & Commentary
And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. This pivotal verse marks Asaph's transition from despair to hope. After posing anguished questions (verses 7-9) about whether God has permanently rejected His people, Asaph catches himself and redirects his focus.
"This is my infirmity" (challoti hi, חַלּוֹתִי הִיא) is interpretively challenging. Challot can mean weakness, sickness, or wounding. Some translations render it: "This is my grief" or "This is my anguish." Asaph acknowledges that his despairing thoughts reflect his own wounded condition, not objective reality. His dark assessment of God stemmed from his own brokenness.
"But I will remember" (ve'ezkor, וְאֶזְכֹּר) signals the decisive turn. Zakar means to remember, recall, bring to mind—not mere cognitive recollection but active re-engagement with past realities. Memory becomes medicine for despair. What Asaph will remember is "the years of the right hand of the most High" (shenot yemin Elyon, שְׁנוֹת יְמִין עֶלְיוֹן).
"The right hand" symbolizes power, action, and salvation throughout Scripture. "The years" refers to the extended history of God's mighty acts. Asaph commits to rehearsing God's record of powerful intervention. This historical memory will counter his present despair and form the content of verses 11-20.