See Ps. 50:15; cf. 35:3. Ps. 77:2, 3 shows the reality and intensity of the prayer. Everything the psalmist did, even meditating on God, seemed but to intensify his grief.

 Literally, “my hand.” The interpretation “sore” comes from the idea that “hand” may be the symbol of a “stroke” (see Job 23:2, where “stroke” is literally “hand”). The translation “my hand is stretched out” (RSV) is apparently based on Jerome. The Hebrew verb translated “ran,” seems elsewhere always to have the meaning “run,” “flow,” “be poured” (see 2 Sam. 14:14).

 Or, “I” (see on Ps. 16:10).

 Compare Gen. 37:35; Jer. 31:15. The experience of the psalmist should give comfort to those who fail to find an immediate answer to the honest questions of their soul.