I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
Psalm 77 stands among Psalms 73-77, which open Book 3 of the Psalms and are attributed to Asaph. It belongs to the sorrows and afflictions of the Hebrew captives in the Babylonian captivity, especially its latter part under Belshazzar. The considering of days of old recalls formative events in Israel's history, from Jacob's return through the Exodus and the making of the nation, remembered as evidence of God's providential leading, protection, redemption, and restoration.
That same remembrance is also bound up with Israel's rebellion and disobedience in the wilderness, including idolatry and violation of the Sabbath. The psalm turns God's mighty works in the past into comfort, giving encouragement and assurance of divine help and final deliverance. To consider the days of old is to recall former experiences of God's help, songs, and mercies, so that the heart is encouraged to keep praying fervently even when fearing that God may no longer be gracious or merciful.
Psalm 77 stands among Psalms 73-77, which open Book 3 of the Psalms and are attributed to Asaph. It belongs to the sorrows and afflictions of the Hebrew captives in the Babylonian captivity, especially its latter part under Belshazzar. The considering of days of old recalls formative events in Israel's history, from Jacob's return through the Exodus and the making of the nation, remembered as evidence of God's providential leading, protection, redemption, and restoration.
That same remembrance is also bound up with Israel's rebellion and disobedience in the wilderness, including idolatry and violation of the Sabbath. The psalm turns God's mighty works in the past into comfort, giving encouragement and assurance of divine help and final deliverance. To consider the days of old is to recall former experiences of God's help, songs, and mercies, so that the heart is encouraged to keep praying fervently even when fearing that God may no longer be gracious or merciful.