Psalms 76:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 76:1 serves as a powerful superscription and introductory declaration, setting the stage for a hymn of triumphant praise. It identifies the psalm's authorship and musical instructions before proclaiming a foundational theological truth: God's active presence and character are intimately known within Judah, and His reputation for power and majesty is supremely great throughout Israel. This verse establishes the core premise of the psalm, which will proceed to celebrate God's decisive intervention and sovereign judgment, showcasing His unparalleled might and faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 76 is part of the collection of "Psalms of Asaph" (Psalms 73-83), a prominent Levite musician and seer appointed by King David to lead worship and compose sacred songs for temple services, as seen in [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - Asaph's Role in Worship"). These psalms are characterized by a strong emphasis on God's justice, His covenant faithfulness, and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation and nations. Psalm 76 itself functions as a hymn of thanksgiving and praise, likely composed to commemorate a specific, momentous act of divine deliverance that unequivocally demonstrated God's protective power over Jerusalem. Its placement within the Psalter, often following psalms of lament or petition, marks a shift to confident adoration and recognition of God's mighty deeds, reinforcing themes of divine security and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription does not explicitly name the historical event, a strong scholarly consensus links Psalm 76 to the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib, an event vividly narrated in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the Lord Defeats the Assyrians") and [Isaiah 37:36-37](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36-37 - The Destruction of Sennacherib's Army"). During the reign of King Hezekiah, Jerusalem faced imminent destruction by the overwhelming Assyrian forces. However, in a single night, the Lord intervened, decimating the enemy army and sparing the city. Such a profound and undeniable act of divine intervention would have cemented the belief in Yahweh as the unique defender of Zion and the unparalleled protector of His people. This historical reality made God's power undeniably "known" and His "name great" in a tangible, historical, and deeply impactful way, shaping Israel's cultural and theological understanding of God's active involvement in their national destiny and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 76:1 introduces several profound theological themes that resonate throughout the entire psalm and indeed, much of biblical theology. First, it highlights the theme of **God's Revelation and Presence**. The declaration "In Judah is God known" speaks to God's specific, tangible, and active manifestation within His covenant community, emphasizing His unique intimacy and accessibility to Israel, a privilege celebrated in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:7](/deuteronomy/4-7 "Deuteronomy 4:7 - God's Nearness to Israel"). Second, the verse underscores **God's Greatness and Glory**. The assertion "his name is great in Israel" proclaims God's exalted reputation, supreme power, and majestic character, consistently affirmed by His mighty deeds. This resonates deeply with the praise found in [Psalm 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - The Excellence of God's Name"), which declares, "O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" Finally, while not explicitly stated in verse 1, the broader psalm celebrates the theme of **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, portraying God as a mighty warrior who defends His people, making His power known through acts of salvation and judgment against their adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This term signifies far more than mere intellectual apprehension or factual awareness. It denotes an intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often acquired through direct encounter and observation of God's actions. When God is "known" in Judah, it implies that His character, power, and faithfulness have been demonstrably revealed and personally apprehended by His people through His mighty deeds, particularly acts of salvation and judgment. This knowledge is born of participation in His redemptive history and is a profound recognition of His active presence.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective describes something of immense size, magnitude, importance, or power. Applied to God's "name," it refers to the unrivaled supremacy, majesty, and authority of His reputation and character. It implies that God's actions have proven Him to be incomparable, awe-inspiring, and worthy of ultimate reverence and praise among His people, far surpassing any other deity, power, or human achievement.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God of Israel. While it can denote gods in a general sense, its specific use here, particularly in the context of Yahweh's actions, refers to the one true, sovereign God. The use of this majestic plural emphasizes His divine power, authority, and comprehensive nature, highlighting His position as the ultimate ruler and source of all power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph."**: This opening phrase is the superscription, providing vital information regarding the psalm's intended performance and authorship. "To the chief Musician" indicates that the psalm was entrusted to the leader of the temple choir or orchestra, suggesting its liturgical and public use. "Neginoth" specifies that the psalm was to be accompanied by stringed instruments, such as lyres or harps, underscoring its musical nature. "A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph" identifies Asaph, a prominent Levite musician and prophet, as its composer, lending it divine inspiration and poetic authority within Israel's worship tradition.
* **"In Judah [is] God known:"**: This clause asserts a profound theological truth: God's presence, character, and power are tangibly revealed and experientially recognized within Judah, the geographical and spiritual heartland of His covenant people. Judah, the tribe from which the Davidic kings came and where Jerusalem (Zion) was located, represents the locus of God's special revelation and redemptive activity. This implies that God's mighty acts, particularly His acts of deliverance and judgment, have made His nature undeniable and intimately apprehended by those who dwell there.
* **"his name [is] great in Israel."**: This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the preceding statement. "His name" is a powerful Hebrew idiom representing God's entire character, reputation, authority, and essence. To declare that His "name is great" means that His power, majesty, and glory are universally acknowledged, celebrated, and held in high esteem throughout the entire nation of Israel, encompassing all the tribes and extending beyond the specific confines of Judah. This greatness is not merely an abstract concept but is demonstrably proven through His powerful interventions on behalf of His people, inspiring awe, reverence, and worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 76:1 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two main clauses: "In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel." This is a form of synonymous parallelism, where the second clause echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first, reinforcing the central message of God's revelation and renown. The pairing of "Judah" and "Israel" can be understood as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related parts (the specific tribal/geographical center and the broader national entity) are used to represent the whole of God's covenant people. This device underscores the comprehensive nature of God's recognition across the entire nation. Furthermore, the phrase "his name" is an example of **Metonymy**, a figure of speech where a word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated. Here, "name" stands in for God's entire being, character, reputation, and authority. It is not merely the literal sound of His name that is great, but all that His name represents about His divine nature and powerful actions. The superscription itself, while factual, also serves as a form of **Heading** or **Title**, immediately setting the tone and context for the psalm that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 76:1 establishes a foundational theological truth: God is not an abstract or distant deity but a living, active, and self-revealing God who makes Himself known through His mighty deeds in history. His presence is not confined to a distant heaven but is tangibly experienced among His people, particularly in the place He has chosen to dwell. The greatness of His name signifies His incomparable power, sovereignty, and faithfulness, which compel recognition and worship from all who witness His mighty acts. This verse serves as the theological premise for the rest of the psalm, which details the specific acts of divine judgment and salvation that demonstrably prove this inherent greatness and make Him known. It reminds us that God's revelation is both particular (in Judah, His chosen dwelling place) and universal in its implications (His name great in Israel, encompassing His entire people), inviting all to acknowledge His supreme authority and respond in awe and reverence.

* [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Name Proclaimed")
* [Psalm 48:1-3](/psalms/48-1-3 "Psalm 48:1-3 - God's Greatness in Zion")
* [Isaiah 12:4](/isaiah/12-4 "Isaiah 12:4 - Proclaiming God's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 76:1 challenges us to deeply consider how God is known in our personal lives and in the broader world today. Just as God powerfully revealed His character and delivered His people through specific acts in ancient Judah and Israel, so too does He continue to make Himself known through the enduring truth of His Word, the empowering presence of His Spirit, His faithful providential care, and the ongoing redemptive work of His church. For believers, this verse is a profound reminder that our faith is not built upon abstract concepts or philosophical musings, but upon the demonstrable reality of a God who actively intervenes, protects, and reveals His very self. We are called to cultivate an intimate, experiential knowledge of God, allowing His character and power to be made manifest in our daily lives and circumstances. Moreover, we are commissioned to be instruments through whom His name is made great in the world, living lives of integrity, love, and witness that testify to His power and grace, so that others may come to know Him and acknowledge His supreme authority. Our worship, our service, and our collective witness should consistently declare that God is known and His name is great, inspiring awe and drawing others into His glorious kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific, tangible ways have you personally experienced God making Himself "known" in your life, demonstrating His character or power?**
* **How does the "greatness" of God's name, as described in this verse, impact your perspective on personal challenges and global events?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live in a way that helps make God's name "great" and known to those around you, both inside and outside the church?**
* **How does the corporate worship and community life of the church contribute to God being "known" and His "name great" in our contemporary society?**

### FAQ

**Who was Asaph, and what was his role?**

Answer: Asaph was a prominent Levite musician, singer, and prophet during the time of King David. He was appointed by David to lead the temple worship with music and song, and he was responsible for composing psalms that were used in the liturgical services. His role was crucial in organizing and leading the musical praise in the tabernacle and later the temple, making him a key figure in Israel's worship life, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - Asaph's Leadership in Worship") and [2 Chronicles 29:30](/2_chronicles/29-30 "2 Chronicles 29:30 - Asaph's Prophetic Songs").

**What is the significance of "Neginoth" in the superscription?**

Answer: "Neginoth" is a musical term found in the superscriptions of several psalms (e.g., Psalms 4, 6, 54, 55, 67, 76). It indicates that the psalm was intended to be accompanied by stringed instruments, such as the lyre or harp. This detail provides insight into the musical setting and performance style of the psalm, suggesting it was a melodic piece meant to be sung with instrumental accompaniment in temple worship.

**Why are Judah and Israel mentioned specifically in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "Judah" and "Israel" is significant for several reasons. "Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, the tribal territory where Jerusalem (Zion) was located, which became the spiritual and political center of the nation after the division of the kingdom. It represents the specific place where God's presence was most tangibly manifested through the Temple and His covenant with David. "Israel," in this context, can refer to the entire nation, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms, or it can be used as a broader, inclusive term for the covenant people of God. The pairing emphasizes that God's revelation and greatness were not confined to a single location but were recognized throughout His entire chosen people, highlighting His universal sovereignty over them, as seen in [Psalm 48:1-3](/psalms/48-1-3 "Psalm 48:1-3 - God's Greatness in Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 76:1's declaration that "In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While God revealed Himself through mighty acts of deliverance and His tangible presence in the temple in Old Testament Judah, the fullest, most perfect, and definitive revelation of God's character and power is found in Jesus. As the Word made flesh, Jesus is the very means through whom God is truly "known," for He is the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Through Christ's incarnate life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, God's boundless love, unwavering justice, and redemptive power were made known in a way that transcends any previous historical event. Furthermore, the "greatness" of God's name, once recognized in Israel through acts of national deliverance, is supremely demonstrated in the name of Jesus, which is now "above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-10 - The Exaltation of Jesus' Name")). The spiritual "Israel," the global church, now knows God intimately through Christ, and His name is made great as believers proclaim the good news of His salvation to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission given in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") and bearing witness to the One in whom God is fully revealed and glorified.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.