Psalms 77:12
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָגִ֥יתִי
I will meditate
H1897
וְהָגִ֥יתִי
I will meditate
Strong's:
H1897
Word #:
1 of 5
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder
בְכָל
H3605
בְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 71:24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.Psalms 145:11They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;Deuteronomy 6:7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.Psalms 145:4One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.Psalms 105:2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.Psalms 104:34My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.Psalms 143:5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Historical Context
Biblical meditation differs from Eastern mysticism—it is not emptying the mind but filling it with God's revealed acts and words. The imperative to 'talk' (declare, recount) God's works runs throughout Scripture: "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD" (Psalm 78:4). Christian preaching and testimony continue this pattern—proclaiming what God has done in history (Acts 2:22-36).
Questions for Reflection
- How does deliberate meditation on God's works move us from complaint to confidence?
- What is the relationship between private meditation and public testimony about God's deeds?
- How can you practice <em>hagah</em> (deep meditation) on God's acts in Christ this week?
Analysis & Commentary
I will meditate also of all thy work (וְהָגִיתִי בְכָל־פָעֳלֶךָ). Hagah (הָגָה) means to meditate, muse, ponder deeply—often with the connotation of verbal repetition (Psalms 1:2, 119:15). Po'al (פֹּעַל) means work, deed, or action. The psalmist commits to contemplating the totality of God's historical acts. This verse parallels verse 11 but adds the dimension of verbal reflection.
And talk of thy doings (וּבַעֲלִילוֹתֶיךָ אָשִׂיחָה). Siach (שִׂיחַ) appears again (vv.3, 6)—but now directed not inward in complaint but outward in testimony. Alilah (עֲלִילָה) means deeds, acts, or works (often mighty acts). The movement is significant: from troubled meditation (v.3) to redemptive proclamation. Memory becomes testimony; private wrestling becomes public witness. This anticipates the psalm's climactic recital of the exodus (vv.13-20).