Open English Translation PSA Chapter 77

For the musical director: a song for Yedutun by Asaf.

77 I will call out to God with my voice.

I’ll call with my voice to God, and my god will hear me.

2 When I had troubles, I asked my master for help.

At night I stretched my hands out, and they didn’t get tired.

The knot in my stomach wouldn’t go away.

3 I thought of God as I groaned.

I thought about him as I grew faint. (Instrumental break.)

4 You held my eyes open.

I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the days of old,

≈ about times long past.

6 I call my song to remembrance in the night.

I meditate within my heart,

and my spirit makes searches around diligently.

7 Will my master reject me forever?

≈ Will he never again show me favour?

8 Was his loyal commitment gone forever?

≈ Had his promise failed forever?

9 Had God forgotten to be gracious?

≈ Had his anger masked his compassion? (Instrumental break.)

10 I said, “This is what saddens me:

→ the highest one no longer using his power to help us.”

11 But I will call to mind what you’ve done previously, Yahweh.

≈ I will think about the wonderful things that you did in the past.

12 I will ponder all your activities

≈ and will reflect on them.

13 Your way, God, is without imperfection.

What god compares to our terrific God?

14 You are the god who does miracles.

You’ve revealed your strength among the peoples.

15 You gave your people victory by use of your great power—

the descendants of Yakov and Yosef. (Instrumental break.)

16 The waters saw you, God.

The waters saw you, and they were afraid.

≈ The ocean depths trembled.

17 The clouds poured down water.

The cloudy skies also emitted a thunderous sound.

≈ Your arrows of lightning flew about.

18 Your thunderous voice was heard in the wind.

The lightning lit up the world.

The earth trembled and shook.

19 Your path went through the sea

and your trail through the surging waters,

but your footprints couldn’t be seen.

20 You led your people like a flock

under the supervision of Mosheh and Aharon (Moses and Aaron).