LXXVII.
The affliction out of which the mournful cry of this psalm rises is presented in such general terms that there is no single indication by which to refer it to one period more than another. As the consolation is sought entirely in the history of national deliverance, and not in any display of divine goodness toward the author individually, it is safe to conclude that the troubles described are also national rather than personal. At all events, for the time the poet’s individuality is entirely merged in the sense of public calamity. The question whether the psalm, or Habakkuk 3:10-15, which at its close it resembles, is the original, would, if it could be decided, be some guide in ascertaining the date of the composition. But there appear arguments equally strong on both sides of this question. There is a striking change of rhythm at Psalms 77:16, otherwise the structure is regular.
Title. — See title Psalms 4, 39