Psalms 77:15
Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
גָּאַ֣לְתָּ
redeemed
H1350
גָּאַ֣לְתָּ
redeemed
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
1 of 7
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
בִּזְר֣וֹעַ
Thou hast with thine arm
H2220
בִּזְר֣וֹעַ
Thou hast with thine arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
2 of 7
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
עַמֶּ֑ךָ
thy people
H5971
עַמֶּ֑ךָ
thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בְּנֵי
the sons
H1121
בְּנֵי
the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Exodus 6:6Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:Deuteronomy 9:29Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Psalms 74:2Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.Deuteronomy 9:26I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
Historical Context
The exodus is the Old Testament's defining redemptive event, rehearsed throughout Scripture (Exodus 15, Psalms 78, 105, 106, 135, 136). The "arm of the Lord" demonstrated power over Egypt's gods, Pharaoh's army, and the sea itself. This foreshadows ultimate redemption through Christ, whom Isaiah identifies as the "arm of the LORD" revealed (Isaiah 53:1). Paul applies exodus typology to baptism and the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the <em>ga'al</em> (kinsman-redeemer) concept illuminate Christ's redemptive work?
- What does it mean that God redeemed "with his arm"—emphasizing personal, powerful action?
- How should remembering exodus redemption shape confidence in God's power to save today?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people (גָּאַלְתָּ בִּזְרוֹעַ עַמֶּךָ). Ga'al (גָּאַל) is the kinsman-redeemer verb—to redeem, reclaim, or buy back what rightfully belongs to one's family. Zeroa (זְרוֹעַ, arm) represents divine power and strength. The "outstretched arm" becomes shorthand for the exodus deliverance (Exodus 6:6, Deuteronomy 4:34, Psalm 136:12). God personally, powerfully reclaimed His covenant people from bondage.
The sons of Jacob and Joseph (בְּנֵי־יַעֲקֹב וְיוֹסֵף). This unusual pairing (typically "sons of Jacob" or "house of Jacob") highlights Joseph's role in preserving Israel in Egypt (Genesis 45-47). Both patriarchs connect to Egyptian sojourn—Jacob went down, Joseph was already there, and God brought their descendants out. Selah invites reflection on redemption's historical specificity. God acts in real history, redeeming actual people from concrete oppression.