Psalms 77:6
I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
Original Language Analysis
אֶֽזְכְּרָ֥ה
I call to remembrance
H2142
אֶֽזְכְּרָ֥ה
I call to remembrance
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
נְגִינָתִ֗י
my song
H5058
נְגִינָתִ֗י
my song
Strong's:
H5058
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
בַּ֫לָּ֥יְלָה
in the night
H3915
בַּ֫לָּ֥יְלָה
in the night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָשִׂ֑יחָה
I commune
H7878
אָשִׂ֑יחָה
I commune
Strong's:
H7878
Word #:
6 of 8
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
Cross References
Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Psalms 4:4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.Acts 16:25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.Ecclesiastes 1:16I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.Lamentations 3:40Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.Job 35:10But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;Job 10:2I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.Jonah 1:2Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.
Historical Context
The practice of night vigil combined prayer, meditation, and song (Psalms 42:8, 63:6, 119:62). Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight in prison (Acts 16:25), demonstrating that songs in darkness express defiant faith. The Hebrew concept of lev (heart) encompasses intellect, emotion, and will—the whole inner person. Communing with one's heart means honest self-assessment before God, not mere emotionalism.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does remembering past worship play when present circumstances make praise difficult?
- How does healthy introspection ('communing with one's heart') differ from destructive rumination?
- What 'songs in the night' from your own history can you recall when faith feels distant?
Analysis & Commentary
I call to remembrance my song in the night (אֶזְכְּרָה נְגִינָתִי בַּלָּיְלָה)—neginah (נְגִינָה) refers to stringed instrument music or song. The psalmist recalls past nights of worship and joy, contrasting with the present night of anguish (v.2). Memory becomes complex: remembering God brought trouble (v.3), yet remembering past praise offers a lifeline. This demonstrates faith's struggle to reconnect present suffering with past experience of God's goodness.
I commune with mine own heart (עִם־לְבָבִי אָשִׂיחָה). Siach (שִׂיחַ) appears again (see v.3)—meditative reflection. The psalmist engages in internal dialogue, examining his own soul. My spirit made diligent search (וַיְחַפֵּשׂ רוּחִי) uses chaphas (חָפַשׂ), meaning to search carefully, investigate thoroughly. This is spiritual self-examination, probing the soul's condition and questioning assumptions. Contemplative introspection precedes the breakthrough of verse 10.