Psalms 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The psalmist isn't just recalling past events; he's actively choosing to focus on God's past actions, even singular "wonders," as a deliberate strategy to shift his perspective. This isn't passive memory but an intentional act of faith to anchor himself in God's faithfulness when the present feels overwhelming.
Emerging from deep despair and doubt, the psalmist turns from his present troubles to recall God's past faithfulness. This turning point marks a shift from questioning God's character and actions to actively remembering and recounting His mighty deeds, especially the monumental deliverance of Israel from Egypt. By focusing on these "wonders of old," the psalmist finds solace and renewed hope, laying the groundwork to recount specific acts of God's power and love.
Feeling overwhelmed and stuck in sorrow? This psalm shows a deliberate choice to shift focus from present pain to God's past faithfulness.
The psalmist, drowning in despair in the first part of Psalm 77, hits a turning point in verse 11. He doesn't just passively hope for things to get better; he makes a conscious decision:
A Shift in Focus
This isn't a fleeting thought, but a resolute act. The repeated "I will remember" emphasizes a commitment to actively recall God's actions. It's a strategy against despair, a deliberate turning away from what's wrong to what God has done.
More Than Just Memory
This remembrance isn't just about recalling historical events. It's about
It’s the intentional act of bringing God’s character and past actions to the forefront of the mind, even when present circumstances scream otherwise.
What specific 'wonders' does the psalmist recall? Discover how the greatest act of deliverance in Israel's history becomes the anchor for hope.
The phrase "wonders of old" points to a very specific, foundational event in Israel's history: the Exodus from Egypt.
The Defining Act
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator God of Israel, signifying His self-existence, faithfulness, and personal relationship with His people.
pele' · Hebrew Noun
Supernatural acts or miracles performed by God that evoke awe and amazement, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and history.
siyach · Hebrew Verb
To think deeply, reflect, or converse with oneself in a low tone; often used in Scripture to describe the process of internalizing God’s Word and works.
This psalm was likely composed during or shortly after the Babylonian exile, a period of national catastrophe. The psalmist grapples with despair, questioning if God has abandoned His people, but finds solace by actively remembering and recounting God's past mighty acts, particularly the Exodus. This act of remembrance serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness has not changed, even amidst present suffering.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Red Sea Crossing
The liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and their miraculous passage through the Red Sea. This event is central to the psalm, representing God's powerful deliverance.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites, after wandering in the desert, begin to conquer the Promised Land. This marked another period of God's intervention and fulfillment of promises.
c. 950 BC
Building of the First Temple
King Solomon builds the Temple in Jerusalem, a focal point for worship and a symbol of God's dwelling with His people.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of its people. This was a devastating national trauma.
This passage directly links to the 'wonders of old' mentioned in Psalm 77:11, celebrating God's powerful deliverance of Israel from Egypt, reinforcing the idea of remembering God's mighty deeds.
Deuteronomy 32:7This verse encourages remembering former days and the instruction of parents, which aligns with the psalmist's turn to past acts of God as a source of comfort and perspective.
Isaiah 43:18-19This prophetic passage speaks of God doing a 'new thing' and urges the people not to remember the former things, which provides a fascinating counterpoint to Psalm 77:11, highlighting that while remembering past wonders is good, God's ongoing work is also crucial.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25The command to 'do this in remembrance of me' points to the profound significance of communal remembrance of God's redemptive acts, mirroring the psalmist's resolve to recall God's wonders for his own encouragement and faith.
Lamentations 3:21-23This passage offers a similar context of distress where the author finds hope by remembering God's faithfulness and mercies, which are new every morning, echoing Psalm 77:11's theme of finding solace in past divine actions.
pulpitPsalms 77:11: "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
Verse 11. - I will remember the works of the Lord. The same thought is carried on and expressed more clearly in the present and the ensuing verse. Then a special remembrance is made of one particular mercy - the deliverance from Egypt (vers. 13-20). Surely I will remember thy wonders of old (comp. Exodus 15:11).
clarkePsalms 77:11: "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
I will remember the works of the Lord - I endeavor to recollect what thou hast done in behalf of our fathers in past times; in no case hast thou cast them off, when, with humbled hearts, they sought thy mercy.
The psalmist isn't just recalling past events; he's actively choosing to focus on God's past actions, even singular "wonders," as a deliberate strategy to shift his perspective. This isn't passive memory but an intentional act of faith to anchor himself in God's faithfulness when the present feels overwhelming.
Emerging from deep despair and doubt, the psalmist turns from his present troubles to recall God's past faithfulness. This turning point marks a shift from questioning God's character and actions to actively remembering and recounting His mighty deeds, especially the monumental deliverance of Israel from Egypt. By focusing on these "wonders of old," the psalmist finds solace and renewed hope, laying the groundwork to recount specific acts of God's power and love.
Emerging from deep despair and doubt, the psalmist turns from his present troubles to recall God's past faithfulness. This turning point marks a shift from questioning God's character and actions to actively remembering and recounting His mighty deeds, especially the monumental deliverance of Israel from Egypt. By focusing on these "wonders of old," the psalmist finds solace and renewed hope, laying the groundwork to recount specific acts of God's power and love.
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A Template for Trust
When the psalmist remembers these "wonders," he's not just reminiscing. He's
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, intensifying the exile and casting doubt on God's presence and promises.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, allows the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marked a significant turning point after the hardship of exile.
"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." — The psalmist isn't just recalling past events; he's actively choosing to focus on God's past actions, even singular "wonders," as a deliberate strategy to shift his perspective. This isn't passive me…
