Definition: Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth [his] promise fail for evermore?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 77:8 together. It’s a really poignant and thought-provoking verse that deals with the question of whether God’s goodness and promises will last forever. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse expresses deep sorrow and questioning about whether God’s mercy – his kindness, forgiveness, and love – is truly complete and unchanging. It asks if His promises (things He says will happen) are still valid even after He’s gone. Let's unpack it word by word: “Is his mercy clean gone for ever?” - This means is God’s kindness and goodness completely lost? Is there no hope of a future where He continues to be good and loving? “…doth [his] promise fail for evermore?” – This is the key part. “Doth” is a feminine form, which in this context means "does" or “does it happen?". This phrase implies that God’s promises – things He says will be true – are not secure and can't last forever. Putting it all together: The verse essentially asks: “Even after God is gone, will His promises still hold any real meaning or value?” It highlights a feeling of sadness and perhaps even despair because the idea that something so fundamental as God’s love and goodness could fade away is unsettling. What does this mean practically? It speaks to our own feelings about loss – whether it’s the loss of loved ones, relationships, or even hope for the future. It's a reminder that while we can't control everything, faith in God's enduring love and promises offers comfort and strength during difficult times. In short, Psalm 77:8 is a cry from the heart about the fragility of our hopes and the enduring power of God’s love. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like its historical setting)? Explore how this verse relates to other themes in the Bible?