Has God forgotten to be gracious?
This phrase reflects a deep sense of despair and questioning of God's character. In the biblical context, the psalmist is expressing a moment of doubt during a time of distress. The question implies a struggle with understanding God's nature, which is consistently portrayed as gracious throughout Scripture. In Exodus 34:6, God is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." This rhetorical question highlights the tension between the psalmist's current experience and the historical understanding of God's character. It invites reflection on the nature of divine grace, which is unmerited favor, and challenges believers to trust in God's unchanging nature even when circumstances seem contrary.

Has His anger shut off His compassion?
This phrase suggests a fear that God's wrath might have eclipsed His mercy. In the historical and cultural context of Israel, God's anger was often understood as a response to covenant unfaithfulness, as seen in the cycles of sin and redemption in the Book of Judges. However, God's compassion is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, which assures that "His compassions never fail. They are new every morning." The psalmist's question reflects a common human struggle to reconcile God's justice with His mercy. It also points to the prophetic hope found in Jesus Christ, who embodies both God's justice and mercy, offering redemption and reconciliation.

Selah
The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical marker, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or emphasis. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it serves as an invitation to pause and meditate on the preceding words. In this context, "Selah" encourages the reader to contemplate the profound questions about God's nature and to seek a deeper understanding of His grace and compassion. It underscores the importance of reflection in the life of faith, allowing believers to process their doubts and reaffirm their trust in God's unchanging character.

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 and often questioning psalms that reflect on God's character and actions.

2. Israel
The nation of Israel is often the backdrop for the psalms, reflecting their collective struggles, doubts, and faith in God.

3. God's Compassion and Grace
Central themes in this verse, reflecting on God's nature and His relationship with His people.

4. The Exodus
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 77 reflects on God's past deliverance of Israel, particularly the Exodus, as a reminder of His faithfulness.

5. The Sanctuary
Asaph often reflects on the sanctuary, the place where God's presence dwelt among His people, as a source of hope and remembrance of God's past deeds.Understanding God's Nature
God's character is consistent; He is always gracious and compassionate. Our circumstances do not change His nature.

Dealing with Doubt
It's natural to question and doubt in times of distress. Like Asaph, we can bring our doubts to God in prayer.

Remembering Past Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past actions in our lives and in Scripture can strengthen our faith during challenging times.

The Role of Community
Sharing our struggles and doubts with fellow believers can provide support and remind us of God's truths.

Trusting in God's Timing
God's timing and ways are perfect, even when they are beyond our understanding. Trusting in His plan is crucial.Verse 9. - Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Can God, who forgets nothing and no one (Isaiah 49:15), have forgotten his own nature, which is to be "merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness" (Exodus 34:6)? Assuredly not. The higher nature in the psalmist, as Professor Cheyne observes, expostulates with the lower one. Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Has he shut them up, "as in a closed hand" (Kay, Canon Cook)? (comp. Deuteronomy 15:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Has God
אֵ֑ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

forgotten
הֲשָׁכַ֣ח (hă·šā·ḵaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7911: To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention

to be gracious?
חַנּ֣וֹת (ḥan·nō·wṯ)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2589: Be gracious, entreat

Has His anger
בְּ֝אַ֗ף (bə·’ap̄)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

shut off
קָפַ֥ץ (qā·p̄aṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7092: To draw together, close, to leap, to die

His compassion?”
רַחֲמָ֥יו (ra·ḥă·māw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7356: Compassion, the womb, a maiden

Selah
סֶֽלָה׃ (se·lāh)
Interjection
Strong's 5542: Suspension, pause


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OT Poetry: Psalm 77:9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has (Psalm Ps Psa.)