Psalms 76:12

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: [he is] terrible to the kings of the earth.

He shall cut off {H1219}{H8799)} the spirit {H7307} of princes {H5057}: he is terrible {H3372}{H8737)} to the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776}.

He curbs the spirit of princes; he is fearsome to the kings of the earth.

He breaks the spirits of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

He will cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth.

Psalms 76:12 (KJV) declares God's absolute supremacy over all earthly powers, a powerful statement of divine authority and judgment.

Context

Psalm 76 is a psalm of triumph and praise, often believed to commemorate a great deliverance of Jerusalem from an overwhelming enemy, possibly the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib (as recounted in 2 Kings 19:35 and Isaiah 37:36). The preceding verses describe God's powerful intervention, where He broke the weapons of war and put armies to sleep. This verse serves as a climactic summary of His terrifying power over those who oppose Him and His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Unchallengeable Sovereignty: The primary message is that no earthly ruler or military might can stand against the Lord. He is the ultimate authority, and their power is fleeting compared to His eternal reign.
  • Divine Judgment on Arrogance: God "cuts off the spirit" of princes, signifying His ability to strip them of their courage, plans, and very will to resist. This highlights His judgment against those who proudly oppose Him.
  • God's Awe-Inspiring Power: The term "terrible" emphasizes God's dreadful and awe-inspiring nature, not in the sense of being evil, but in His immense power that evokes profound reverence and fear. He is a God to be feared and respected by all, especially those in authority.
  • Protection for His People: Implicit in God's judgment of His enemies is His unwavering protection of His chosen people and His holy city, Zion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut off the spirit" (Hebrew: יִבְצֹר רוּחַ - yivtzor ruach) is particularly potent. Yivtzor means to cut off, prune, or restrain, while ruach can mean spirit, breath, or wind. Together, it conveys the idea that God can either take away the very breath of life from rulers, or more commonly, strip them of their courage, their will, their schemes, and their ability to act. It's a complete dismantling of their inner strength and external power. The word "terrible" (נוֹרָא - nora) is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's majesty and power, signifying that He is to be held in reverent awe due to His mighty deeds and ultimate authority, as seen in Psalms 68:35.

Practical Application

For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. In a world where powerful leaders and nations often seem overwhelming, Psalms 76:12 reminds us that God is ultimately in control. No human power can thwart His divine purposes or overcome His people when He acts. It encourages us to put our trust in God alone, knowing that He can humble the proud and protect the vulnerable. It also serves as a warning to all in positions of authority to acknowledge God's sovereignty and rule justly, for He is the true King of kings, as affirmed in Revelation 19:16.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zephaniah 3:6

    I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

  • Isaiah 13:6

    ¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

  • Isaiah 13:8

    And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:21

    And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

  • Psalms 68:12

    Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

  • Psalms 48:4

    For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

  • Psalms 48:6

    Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

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