Psalms 77:11-15
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. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just about recalling past miracles; the psalmist is resolving to act on his memory by making them known, a deliberate choice to shift from personal despair to public proclamation of God's faithfulness. The phrase "wonders of old" points not just to any past event, but specifically to God's foundational acts of salvation, like the Exodus, which serve as the ultimate proof of His character.
The psalmist begins in deep distress, feeling abandoned by God and unable to find comfort even in prayer. He transitions from this profound sorrow by resolving to recall God's past mighty acts, particularly the great deliverances of Israel's history, to rekindle his faith. This shift marks the turning point where remembrance of God's "wonders of old" becomes the antidote to present despair.
When we're deep in sorrow, our minds can get stuck on the 'now.' But this verse shows how we can intentionally shift our focus.
The psalmist is in a place of deep distress, questioning God's faithfulness (as seen in the verses before this one). But in verse 11, he makes a powerful decision:
The psalm points to a specific, monumental event that redefined Israel's identity and offers a powerful lens for our own faith.
Commentators highlight that 'your wonders of old' strongly evokes the Exodus from Egypt and the miraculous deliverance that followed.
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.
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Referring to God's character and actions, the word implies being set apart, transcendent, and morally perfect, completely distinct from the common or profane.
This psalm reflects a deep crisis, likely during the Babylonian Exile when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. The psalmist grapples with despair, but finds hope by remembering the Exodus, God's ultimate act of deliverance, reminding us that even in our darkest times, recalling God's past faithfulness can renew our faith.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army.
c. 1400 BC - 1000 BC
Period of Judges and Early Monarchy
A time marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance, leading to the establishment of the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants.
This verse directly echoes Psalm 77:11, highlighting the 'wonders of old' by asking 'Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?' and celebrating God's glorious actions.
Deuteronomy 32:7This passage encourages remembering 'the days of old' and considering 'the years of each generation,' mirroring the psalmist's turn to past deeds of God for present understanding.
Isaiah 43:18-19God instructs His people not to remember the former things but to look to what He is doing now, presenting a contrasting but related theme of God's ongoing work beyond past wonders.
Romans 15:4This New Testament passage explains that 'whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope,' underscoring the purpose of remembering God's past deeds.
Hebrews 13:8This verse states that 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,' providing a foundational truth for why remembering God's past faithfulness is a source of confidence in His unchanging nature.
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.
This isn't just about recalling past miracles; the psalmist is resolving to act on his memory by making them known, a deliberate choice to shift from personal despair to public proclamation of God's faithfulness. The phrase "wonders of old" points not just to any past event, but specifically to God's foundational acts of salvation, like the Exodus, which serve as the ultimate proof of His character.
The psalmist begins in deep distress, feeling abandoned by God and unable to find comfort even in prayer. He transitions from this profound sorrow by resolving to recall God's past mighty acts, particularly the great deliverances of Israel's history, to rekindle his faith. This shift marks the turning point where remembrance of God's "wonders of old" becomes the antidote to present despair.
The psalmist begins in deep distress, feeling abandoned by God and unable to find comfort even in prayer. He transitions from this profound sorrow by resolving to recall God's past mighty acts, particularly the great deliverances of Israel's history, to rekindle his faith. This shift marks the turning point where remembrance of God's "wonders of old" becomes the antidote to present despair.
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'Elohim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The supreme, sovereign Creator and Judge, a title often used to emphasize His power and authority over all creation and rival deities.
zeroa' · Hebrew Noun
An anthropomorphic reference to God’s strength, agency, and power in action, particularly in the context of delivering His people from bondage or judgment.
ga'al · Hebrew Verb
To buy back, ransom, or deliver from bondage, often by the payment of a price; in Scripture, it primarily refers to God’s act of rescuing His people from slavery or destruction.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer the Southern Kingdom of Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, conquers Babylon and issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homeland.
"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. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the…" — This isn't just about recalling past miracles; the psalmist is resolving to act on his memory by making them known, a deliberate choice to shift from personal despair to public proclamation of God'…
