Psalm 77 5

Psalm 77:5 kjv

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

Psalm 77:5 nkjv

I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times.

Psalm 77:5 niv

I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

Psalm 77:5 esv

I consider the days of old, the years long ago.

Psalm 77:5 nlt

I think of the good old days,
long since ended,

Psalm 77 verses

Psalm 77 5 Meaning

Psalm 77:5 conveys the psalmist's deliberate act of reflecting on God's historical interventions and acts of providence, seeking comfort and understanding by recalling the "days of old" and "years of ancient times." It signifies a conscious turning to past revelations of God's character and power during a time of personal distress. This introspection serves as a foundation for renewed hope and faith, counteracting the present despondency by meditating on God's unwavering faithfulness demonstrated throughout history.

Psalm 77 5 Context

Psalm 77 begins with the psalmist, Asaph, in deep distress and emotional turmoil. He cries out to God, groaning, refusing comfort, and struggling with his faith. Verses 1-4 portray sleepless nights and overwhelming anxiety, questioning God's presence and power. The psalmist's soul refuses to be comforted, his spirit faints, and he struggles to speak. In this profound moment of crisis, verse 5 marks a crucial turning point. Instead of spiraling further into despair, the psalmist actively decides to engage in an act of intentional remembering. He shifts his focus from his present suffering and perceived abandonment to the historical record of God's faithfulness.

Historically, for the ancient Israelites, the "days of old" or "years of ancient times" primarily referred to pivotal moments of God's saving power and covenant faithfulness, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law, the crossing of the Jordan, and the establishment of the nation. These events were not merely historical facts but foundational narratives shaping their identity and relationship with Yahweh. Remembering these served as a communal and personal theological exercise, reaffirming God's character (omnipotence, steadfast love, faithfulness) and providing a basis for trust even in the darkest times. This act of remembering served as a polemic against the fickle nature of pagan deities and human kings, asserting the unchanging, ever-active God of Israel as the true source of hope and deliverance.

Psalm 77 5 Word analysis

• I have considered:

  • Hebrew: חָשַׁב (ḥashav)
  • Meaning: to think, ponder, devise, compute, reckon, meditate, plan.
  • Significance: This is not a casual or accidental thought but a deliberate, intensive mental process. It implies a conscious act of mind, akin to deep reflection or meditation. The psalmist chooses to engage his intellect and memory, actively bringing past events to mind. This term highlights purposeful internal action to combat distress.

• the days of old:

  • Hebrew: יְמֵי קֶדֶם (y'mei qedem)
  • Meaning: days of antiquity, former times, ancient days.
  • Significance: Refers to periods long past, specifically those foundational times in Israel's history when God powerfully acted (e.g., the Exodus, the time of Moses and the patriarchs). These were not just "any" old days, but times imbued with divine activity and demonstration of power.

• the years of ancient times:

  • Hebrew: שְׁנוֹת עוֹלָמִים (sh'not olamim)
  • Meaning: years of everlasting/eternal periods, ancient ages, years of eternity. "Ancient times" in this context conveys a very long, deep past, even hinting at eternity or endless duration.
  • Significance: This phrase parallels and intensifies "days of old," emphasizing the depth and enduring nature of the historical past being recalled. The use of olamim (related to olam, meaning eternity/age) subtly underscores the timelessness of God's character and actions displayed throughout these long ages.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times": The parallelism of "days of old" and "years of ancient times" (a classic Hebrew poetic device) emphasizes the comprehensive and profound nature of the psalmist's reflection. He isn't just skimming the surface of history but delving deeply into its long and significant periods. This repetition underscores the deliberate effort required to turn his mind from present affliction to God's past demonstrations of power and faithfulness. It's a structured and disciplined remembrance.

Psalm 77 5 Bonus section

The active spiritual discipline depicted in Psalm 77:5 stands in stark contrast to the psalmist's previous state of restless anguish and inability to sleep (v. 2, 4). His initial struggle involved internal groaning and refusal of comfort; now, he purposefully engages his mind in a search for truth and solace. This verse highlights the shift from a passive victim of distress to an active participant in faith, taking the initiative to "call to mind" what is true about God. This movement from subjective experience to objective theological truth, found in God's history with His people, is a profound pattern for navigating spiritual deserts. It also subtly introduces the didactic purpose of God's historical acts: they are meant to be remembered and pondered, serving not only as comfort for the individual but also as a testimony for future generations about God's unchanging nature and power.

Psalm 77 5 Commentary

Psalm 77:5 is a pivotal verse, marking the moment where the psalmist transitions from questioning God in profound despair to intentionally recalling God's past works. It underscores that confronting doubt and anxiety often requires a disciplined turning away from immediate feelings to an active remembrance of God's character as revealed in His actions through history. This isn't escapism, but a grounding in truth. By consciously meditating on "days of old" and "years of ancient times"—epochs when God delivered, provided, and demonstrated His steadfast love—the psalmist aims to counteract his present feelings of divine absence or change. This act of "considering" (deep contemplation) provides a theological anchor, reminding him that the God who acted mightily in the past is the same God sovereign over his present. It’s a powerful testament to the value of historical memory and biblical meditation as tools for sustaining faith in times of crisis. For a believer today, this translates to remembering God’s faithfulness in one’s own life, the history of the church, and most importantly, the entire biblical narrative of redemption culminating in Christ.