Psalms 77:3

Authorized King James Version

I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶזְכְּרָ֣ה

H2142

I remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְאֶֽהֱמָיָ֑ה

H1993

and was troubled

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

אָשִׂ֓יחָה׀

H7878

I complained

to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter

וְתִתְעַטֵּ֖ף

H5848

was overwhelmed

to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish

רוּחִ֣י

H7307

and my spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?