psalm 77: when believers cry out to god forest hills bible chapel 18 may 2008

Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God

Forest Hills Bible Chapel

18 May 2008

Hebrew ParallelismHebrew Parallelism

The main characteristic of Hebrew poetry, found in the Old Testament, is parallelism.

The poetry’s rhythm is produced by thought, instead of assonance, alliteration, or rhyme.

Types of ParallelismTypes of Parallelism

There are three main types of parallelism found in the Old Testament.– Synonymous– Antithetic– Synthetic

Synonymous ParallelismSynonymous Parallelism

The repetition of an idea.

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?

Who may live on your holy hill?

Psalm 15:1

Antithetic ParallelismAntithetic Parallelism

A thought made clear by contrasting ideas.

The wicked man flees though no one pursues,

But the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

Synthetic ParallelismSynthetic Parallelism

Ascending or descending progression.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

They will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not faint.Isaiah 40:31b

Elements of Biblical Wisdom Lit.Elements of Biblical Wisdom Lit.“Poetic Literature” refers to the form of

the literature.“Wisdom Literature” refers to the

content of the literature.There are 5 “Books” in the Psalter.

– 1-41– 42-72– 73-89– 90-106– 107-150

Psalms are “hymns” (Greek: “psalmoi”) which were sung to God, either by individuals or by the congregation.

There are many different types of Psalms.– Praise– Lament– Imprecation– Messianic– Wisdom

The Book of Psalms is “an anthology of anthologies” or a “collection of collections” of the psalms.

The Book of Psalms shows us that we can take every emotion – anger, joy, doubt, confusion, love, etc. – into the presence of God.

Psalm 77: When Believers Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to GodCry Out to God

1 I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the

Lord;

at night I stretched out untiring hands

and my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I mused, and my spirit grew

faint. Selah


4 You kept my eyes from closing;

I was too troubled to speak. 5 I thought about the former days,

the years of long ago; 6 I remembered my songs in the night.

My heart mused and my spirit inquired:


7 “Will the Lord reject forever?

Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished

forever?

Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah


10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will meditate on all your works

and consider all your mighty deeds.


13 Your ways, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs

miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah


16 The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. 17 The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.


19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77Psalm 771. The believer often goes through

times of intense (though here, unspecified) suffering, difficulty, struggle, etc. – vv. 1-3.

Psalm 77Psalm 772. The events of the believer’s difficulties

leads to significant personal reflection – vv. 4-9.

The believer is struck with sleeplessness – apparently from God Himself! – v. 4a

The believer remembers better times in his walk with the Lord. – vv. 4b-6

The believer asks significant questions about who God is, and what God does. – vv. 7-9

Psalm 77Psalm 773. The believer finds strength in both the

character and deeds of a loving, covenant-making God – vv. 10-20.

The believer remembers the great saving acts of God in Israel’s past – vv. 10-12.

The believer remembers the holiness of God which is evident in his redemptive acts on behalf of Israel – vv. 13-15.

The believer remembers both the Exodus, and God’s shepherding of his people – vv. 16-20.

psalm 77: when believers cry out to god forest hills bible chapel 18 may 2008

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