Psalms 76:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph. In Judah [is] God known: his name [is] great in Israel.

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)} on Neginoth {H5058}, A Psalm {H4210} or Song {H7892} of Asaph {H623}. In Judah {H3063} is God {H430} known {H3045}{H8737)}: his name {H8034} is great {H1419} in Israel {H3478}.

For the leader. With string music. A psalm of Asaf. A song: In Y'hudah God is known; his name is great in Isra'el.

God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel.

In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel.

Commentary

Psalm 76:1 serves as the introduction to a powerful psalm, often understood as a hymn of thanksgiving for a great divine deliverance. It immediately sets the stage by identifying the author and the musical accompaniment, then declares a fundamental truth about God's revelation among His people.

Context

The superscription, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph," provides crucial details. Asaph was a prominent Levite musician and seer in King David's time, responsible for leading worship and composing psalms for temple services (1 Chronicles 16:5). "Neginoth" indicates that the psalm was to be accompanied by stringed instruments. The psalm itself (Psalms 76:1-12) is believed by many scholars to commemorate a specific, decisive victory by God on behalf of Jerusalem, possibly the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35 and Isaiah 37:36. This event would have profoundly demonstrated God's power and presence, making Him "known" and His "name great" among His covenant people.

Key Themes

  • God's Revelation and Presence: The core message is that God is not a distant deity but one who actively reveals Himself and dwells among His people. "In Judah is God known" speaks to His specific manifestation and recognition within the covenant community, highlighting God's unique closeness to Israel.
  • God's Greatness and Glory: "His name is great in Israel" emphasizes God's exalted reputation, power, and character. His actions prove His majesty, leading His people to acknowledge His supreme authority. This theme resonates with Psalm 8:1, "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: While not explicit in verse 1, the broader psalm celebrates God as a mighty warrior who defends His people, making His power known through acts of salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The word "known" (Hebrew: yada') implies more than mere intellectual understanding. It signifies an experiential and intimate knowledge, a recognition born from God's mighty acts and His dwelling among His people. It suggests that God's character and power were not just theoretical concepts but were demonstrably evident through His intervention. Similarly, "great" (Hebrew: gadol) refers to magnitude, importance, and power, affirming the unrivaled supremacy of God's reputation and authority.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 76:1 reminds us that God continues to make Himself known in the world and in our lives. Just as He was known in Judah and His name was great in Israel through His mighty deeds, so too does He reveal His character through His Word, His Spirit, and His providential care. We are called to recognize His active presence and to declare His greatness to a world that often does not know Him. Our lives should reflect the God we serve, demonstrating His power and love so that His name may be made great among all people, fulfilling the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 29:10

    ¶ Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:12

    Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

  • Daniel 3:29

    Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

  • Acts 17:23

    For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

  • Daniel 4:1

    ¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

  • Daniel 4:2

    I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

  • Psalms 48:1

    ¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.
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