77
For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph.
Context: Possibly a reflection during Daniel’s mourning of three weeks and pleading to God to reveal the meaning of a troubling vision. (Dan 10:1-14)
1 My cry goes to God!
Indeed, I cry to God for help,
and for him to listen to me.
2 In the day of my trouble I sought 'Adonay [Lord].
My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired.
My soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remember God, and I groan.
I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed.
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
4 You hold my eyelids open.
I am so troubled that I can’t speak.
5 I have considered the days of old,
the years of ancient times.
6 I remember my song in the night.
I consider in my own heart;
my spirit diligently inquires:
7 “Will 'Adonay [Lord] reject us forever?
Will he be favorable no more?
8 Has his chesed ·loving-kindness· vanished forever?
Does his promise fail for generations?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he, in anger, withheld his rachamim ·compassionate loves·?”
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
10 Then I thought, “I will appeal to this:
the years of the right hand of haElyon [the Most High].”
11 I will remember Yah’s deeds;
for I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will also meditate on all your work,
and consider your doings.
13 Your way, God, is in the sanctuary.
What deity is great like God?
14 You are the God who does wonders.
You have made your strength known among the peoples.
15 You have redeemed your people with your arm,
the sons of Jacob [Supplanter] and Joseph [May he add].
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
16 The waters saw you, God.
The waters saw you, and they writhed.
The depths also convulsed.
17 The clouds poured out water.
The skies resounded with thunder.
Your arrows also flashed around.
18 The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind.
The lightnings lit up the world.
The earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was through the sea;
your paths through the great waters.
Your footsteps were not known.
20 You led your people like a flock,
by the hand of Moses [Drawn out] and Aaron [Light-bringer].