1. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God Forest Hills Bible Chapel 18 May 2008

2. Hebrew Parallelism The main characteristic of Hebrew poetry, found in the Old Testament, is parallelism. The poetry’s rhythm is produced by thought, instead of assonance, alliteration, or rhyme.

3. Types of Parallelism There are three main types of parallelism found in the Old Testament. – Synonymous – Antithetic – Synthetic

4. Synonymous Parallelism The repetition of an idea. Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? Psalm 15:1

5. Antithetic Parallelism A thought made clear by contrasting ideas. The wicked man flees though no one pursues, But the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

6. Synthetic Parallelism Ascending or descending progression. They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31b

7. Elements of Biblical Wisdom Lit. “Poetic Literature” refers to the form of the literature. “Wisdom Literature” refers to the content of the literature. There are 5 “Books” in the Psalter. – 1-41 – 42-72 – 73-89 – 90-106 – 107-150

8. Psalms are “hymns” (Greek: “psalmoi”) which were sung to God, either by individuals or by the congregation. There are many different types of Psalms. – Praise – Lament – Imprecation – Messianic – Wisdom

9. The Book of Psalms is “an anthology of anthologies” or a “collection of collections” of the psalms. The Book of Psalms shows us that we can take every emotion – anger, joy, doubt, confusion, love, etc. – into the presence of God.

10. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 1 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah

11. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. 5 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; 6 I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

12. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah

13. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

14. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

15. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 16 The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. 17 The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

16. Psalm 77: When Believers Cry Out to God 19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

17. Psalm 77 1. The believer often goes through times of intense (though here, unspecified) suffering, difficulty, struggle, etc. – vv. 1-3.

18. Psalm 77 2. The events of the believer’s difficulties leads to significant personal reflection – vv. 4-9. The believer is struck with sleeplessness – apparently from God Himself! – v. 4a The believer remembers better times in his walk with the Lord. – vv. 4b-6 The believer asks significant questions about who God is, and what God does. – vv. 7-9

19. Psalm 77 3. The believer finds strength in both the character and deeds of a loving, covenant-making God – vv. 10-20. The believer remembers the great saving acts of God in Israel’s past – vv. 10-12. The believer remembers the holiness of God which is evident in his redemptive acts on behalf of Israel – vv. 13-15. The believer remembers both the Exodus, and God’s shepherding of his people – vv. 16-20.