Psalms76

Psalms 76 extols God's greatness and power, particularly as revealed in Judah and Zion where He defeats His enemies. It declares that God is to be feared, for He executes judgment from heaven, saving the meek and humbling the proud. The psalm concludes by urging people to honor God with vows and presents, acknowledging His terrifying power over earthly rulers.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

God Is Known in Judah and Zion

1
God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. ​
2
His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion. ​
3
There He shattered the flaming arrows, the shield and sword and weapons of war. Selah

The Defeat of the Mighty Kings

4
You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains filled with game.
5
The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand. ​
6
At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and rider lie stunned.

The Awesome Judgment of the Lord

7
You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?
8
From heaven You pronounced judgment, and the earth feared and was still
9
when God rose up to judge, to save all the lowly of the earth. Selah ​

Exhortation to Worship the Terrible God

10
Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself. ​
11
Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared. ​
12
He breaks the spirits of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

Study Notes for Psalms 76

Verse 1

The technical superscription attributes this psalm to Asaph, likely composed after a great military deliverance (cf. the defeat of Sennacherib in Isaiah 37). The central theme is God's known presence and greatness in Israel subsequent to a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty.

Verse 2

"Salem" is an ancient poetic name for Jerusalem (cf. Genesis 14:18). Zion and Jerusalem are synonyms for the city where God chose to establish his sanctuary and dwelling place, confirming His commitment to His people.

Verse 5

"Slept their sleep" is a euphemism for sudden, total defeat, often implying death or paralysis. The enemy warriors, though stouthearted (brave), were rendered helpless by divine intervention, unable to fight or even move their hands.

Verse 9

Divine judgment is not arbitrary destruction; it serves a redemptive purpose, specifically operating to save the oppressed. God arises to judge the arrogant nations in order to deliver and vindicate 'all the meek of the earth,' demonstrating His absolute justice.

Verse 10

This verse asserts God's absolute sovereignty, even over human evil. The wrath of man (which intends harm) is ultimately channeled by God to bring Him praise, while the remainder of destructive wrath is curtailed and cannot exceed God's allowance.

Verse 11

Following the demonstration of God’s power, the appropriate human response is reverence and covenant loyalty. To 'vow, and pay' refers to fulfilling promises made during times of distress, recognizing God as the only truly awesome and sovereign power.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options