Will the Lord spurn us forever
This phrase reflects a deep sense of despair and questioning of God's enduring presence and favor. In the context of the Psalms, this is a common theme where the psalmist expresses feelings of abandonment or divine silence. Historically, this could relate to periods of Israel's exile or personal trials where God's presence seemed distant. Theologically, it raises questions about God's covenant faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God promises never to leave nor forsake His people. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ's own experience on the cross, where He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), highlighting the human experience of feeling forsaken yet ultimately trusting in God's plan.

and never show His favor again?
The concern about God not showing favor again ties into the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where favor is often associated with God's blessings, protection, and presence. In the Old Testament, God's favor is linked to obedience and faithfulness to His commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). The psalmist's question reflects a fear of permanent separation from God's blessings, which is a significant concern for the covenant community. This phrase also connects to the New Testament understanding of grace, where favor is unmerited and given through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Theologically, it reassures believers that God's favor is not based on human merit but on His steadfast love and mercy, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's mercies being new every morning.

1. Asaph
The author of Psalm 77, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his deep, reflective psalms that often explore themes of distress and divine intervention.

2. Israel
The nation of Israel is often the backdrop for the psalms, representing God's chosen people who frequently experienced cycles of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance.

3. The Lord (Yahweh)
The central figure in the psalm, Yahweh is the covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose faithfulness and mercy are questioned in times of distress.

4. Rejection
The feeling of being rejected by God is a central theme in this verse, reflecting a period of spiritual desolation and questioning.

5. Favor (Hebrew: ???, chen)
This term refers to grace or favor, a key aspect of God's relationship with His people, often associated with His blessings and presence.Understanding Divine Silence
Times of perceived rejection or silence from God are not uncommon in the believer's journey. These moments can serve as opportunities for deepening faith and reliance on God's promises.

The Nature of God's Favor
God's favor is not always manifested in immediate relief or visible blessings. It often involves a deeper work of character and faith within us.

The Role of Lament in Faith
Lament is a biblical and healthy expression of faith. It allows believers to bring their deepest fears and questions before God, trusting in His ultimate goodness.

Trusting in God's Unchanging Character
Despite circumstances, God's character remains constant. His past faithfulness is a foundation for trusting Him in present trials.

Community and Encouragement
Sharing struggles within a faith community can provide support and remind us of God's faithfulness through the testimonies of others.(7-9) The self-questionings here follow as they rise sigh after sigh in the poet's heart. God's silences have always been more appalling to the human spirit than even the most terrible of His manifestations. To the pious Israelite, to whom the past history of his race appeared one scene of opportune interpositions to save at the moment when distress became too intolerable, it seemed as if the divine protection was altogether withdrawn when the misery was protracted and the sign of help withheld.

Verse 7. - Will the Lord cast off forever? The psalmist asked himself in the night such questions as these: Is it really to be supposed that God will cast off his people forever? And will he be favourable (or, gracious) no more? Surely such desertion is incredible.

Parallel Commentaries ...


“Will the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֑י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

spurn [us]
יִזְנַ֥ח ׀ (yiz·naḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2186: Reject, forsake, fail

forever
הַֽ֭לְעוֹלָמִים (hal·‘ō·w·lā·mîm)
Article, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

and never
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

show His favor again?
לִרְצ֣וֹת (lir·ṣō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7521: To be pleased with, to satisfy a, debt


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OT Poetry: Psalm 77:7 Will the Lord reject us forever? Will (Psalm Ps Psa.)