Psalms 77—83 form a cluster of psalms that cover the devastation of three holy things — the holy temple, the holy city, and the holy people. In particular, these psalms reveal the way of restoration — to exalt Christ. These seven psalms were written by Asaph, a Levite who had served in the temple. The fact that these psalms speak of the desolation of the temple, the city of Jerusalem, and the people indicates that they were written after the children of Israel had been taken captive to Babylon.

The psalmist was puzzled and complained to God because God had cast off His people for a while (vv. 1-9). God has chosen us, and He will never forsake us (Deut. 31:6; Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5). He may allow us to depart from Him for a time; then He touches us, and we come back to Him (cf. Rom. 11:24-25).

In vv. 10-20 the psalmist recalled the past and mused on God’s wondrous doings for His people. In this way he introduced the subject of restoration. The temple had been destroyed, the city had been devastated, and many of the people had been either killed or taken captive. This does not mean, however, that Israel is finished, for there will be restoration through the exalting of Christ (see note Psa. 80:17¹).

Heb. Jah; a shortened form of Jehovah.

God’s way is hidden in the sea, and His paths in the great waters, with His footsteps, are not known to men (v. 19), but His way is revealed in His sanctuary, i.e., in our spirit and in the church (Eph. 2:22; 1 Tim. 3:15). When we exercise our spirit and live in the church, God’s way becomes clear to us. See note Psa. 73:17^1a.