Psalms 77:17
The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
Original Language Analysis
עָב֗וֹת
The clouds
H5645
עָב֗וֹת
The clouds
Strong's:
H5645
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
נָתְנ֣וּ
sent out
H5414
נָתְנ֣וּ
sent out
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שְׁחָקִ֑ים
the skies
H7834
שְׁחָקִ֑ים
the skies
Strong's:
H7834
Word #:
6 of 9
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
7 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
Historical Context
Theophanic storms accompany God's self-revelation throughout Scripture: Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19), Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:45), and various psalms (Psalms 18:7-15, 29:3-9). Lightning as divine arrows appears in Psalm 18:14, 144:6, and Habakkuk 3:11. The New Testament transfiguration included bright cloud and divine voice (Matthew 17:5), continuing this pattern. God manifests His presence through powerful natural phenomena.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God use storm imagery—thunder, lightning, rain—to manifest His presence?
- How do these cosmic displays of power encourage faith when facing overwhelming circumstances?
- How does Christ's transfiguration (with cloud and voice) connect to Old Testament theophanies?
Analysis & Commentary
The clouds poured out water (זֹרְמוּ מַיִם עָבוֹת). Zaram (זָרַם) means to gush, pour forth abundantly. Avoth (עָבוֹת) are dark rain clouds. This likely references the pillar of cloud that guided Israel (Exodus 13:21) or the thunderstorm at Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19). The imagery blends exodus and Sinai theophany, both demonstrating God's powerful presence.
The skies sent out a sound (קוֹל נָתְנוּ שְׁחָקִים). Qol (קוֹל) is voice or sound—thunder understood as God's voice (Psalm 29:3-9). Shechaqim (שְׁחָקִים) are the skies or firmament. Thine arrows also went abroad (אַף־חֲצָצֶיךָ יִתְהַלָּכוּ). Chets (חֵץ) are arrows—lightning bolts portrayed as divine weapons. Halak (הָלַךְ) means to walk or go about. God's lightning arrows roam the sky, striking His enemies. This militant imagery depicts God as Divine Warrior fighting for Israel.