Psalms 76:4

KJV

Thou [art] more glorious [and] excellent than the mountains of prey.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou art more glorious {H215}{H8737)} and excellent {H117} than the mountains {H2042} of prey {H2964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are glorious, majestic, more so than mountains of prey.

Berean Standard Bible

You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains filled with game.

American Standard Version

Glorious art thou and excellent, From the mountains of prey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 76:4 powerfully declares the incomparable majesty and might of God, asserting His supreme glory and excellence over all earthly powers and formidable forces, metaphorically represented as "mountains of prey." This verse serves as a triumphant affirmation of divine sovereignty, highlighting God's absolute superiority to any human or national strength that seeks to dominate or plunder. It encapsulates the psalm's central message of God's decisive victory and protective presence for His people, contrasting His righteous power with the destructive and temporary nature of worldly might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 76 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving, likely composed for liturgical use, celebrating God's powerful and decisive intervention on behalf of His people. The preceding verses, [Psalms 76:1-3](/psalms/76-1-3 "Psalms 76:1-3 - God's Presence in Judah"), establish God's dwelling place in Judah and Jerusalem, specifically in "Salem" (Jerusalem) and "Zion," where His name is known and His tabernacle is established. This sets the theological stage for the demonstration of His formidable power. [Verse 3](/psalms/76-3 "Psalms 76:3 - God Breaks Weapons of War") explicitly states that God "broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war," signaling a decisive divine victory over an invading enemy. [Verse 4](/psalms/76-4 "Psalms 76:4 - God's Glory Over Mountains of Prey") then flows directly from this display of God's destructive power against the enemy, elevating His nature and character far above the defeated earthly forces. The subsequent verses, [Psalms 76:5-12](/psalms/76-5-12 "Psalms 76:5-12 - God's Judgment and Awe-Inspiring Power"), continue to describe the awe-inspiring effects of God's judgment, silencing the proud and striking terror into the hearts of kings and princes, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of His ultimate authority and justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific event is not explicitly named in the psalm, the historical backdrop most commonly associated with Psalms 76 is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the formidable Assyrian army under King Sennacherib. This pivotal event is vividly recounted in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35-36 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Camp") and [Isaiah 37:36-37](/isaiah/37-36-37 "Isaiah 37:36-37 - Isaiah's Account of Sennacherib's Defeat"). In this account, God's angel decimated 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, representing a profound demonstration of divine power against a seemingly invincible earthly empire. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, mountains often symbolized strength, permanence, and the seat of power for gods or kings, or even fortified strongholds. The concept of "prey" (Hebrew: _ṭereph_) evokes images of wild beasts tearing apart their victims, a common and terrifying metaphor for predatory nations or empires that conquer and plunder others for their sustenance and expansion. Thus, "mountains of prey" would have been understood by the original audience as powerful, oppressive nations or their impenetrable strongholds, characterized by their violent and exploitative nature, making God's triumph over them all the more significant and awe-inspiring.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalms 76 and the broader Psalter. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Supreme Majesty and Sovereignty**. He is not merely powerful, but incomparably so, transcending all earthly might and human limitations. This directly relates to the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Protection**, as God's superior power is exercised specifically to rescue His people from seemingly insurmountable threats, as powerfully articulated in [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"). The psalm also emphasizes **God's Righteous Judgment**, as His power is wielded not for arbitrary plunder but for justice against those who oppress His people and defy His authority. Finally, it highlights the stark **Contrast between Divine and Human Strength**, demonstrating unequivocally that the most formidable human strongholds and military prowess are ultimately futile and transient before the eternal and irresistible power of the Lord, a profound truth echoed in [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket") which describes nations as a mere drop in a bucket.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glorious (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_ H215):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be luminous" or "to make light," this word speaks to God's inherent radiance, splendor, and the awe-inspiring quality of His presence. It conveys His self-existent brightness and the magnificent, shining nature of His being, making Him worthy of all praise and adoration.
* **Excellent (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_ H117):** Originating from a root meaning "wide" or "large," this term figuratively describes God as powerful, majestic, noble, and preeminent. It emphasizes His immense greatness, His elevated status, and His commanding authority, signifying that He is superior in every conceivable way, far surpassing all others in might and dignity.
* **Prey (Hebrew, _ṭereph'_ H2964):** This word refers to something torn, plundered, or hunted, typically by a wild animal. In this context, it vividly describes the destructive and rapacious nature of the "mountains" (nations/empires). It highlights their violent means of sustenance, their predatory actions, and their reliance on conquest and exploitation, painting a picture of a destructive force that consumes and devours.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou [art] more glorious [and] excellent":** This opening clause serves as an unequivocal declaration of God's absolute and qualitative superiority. The comparative "more" indicates that God does not merely possess a greater degree of glory and excellence than the object of comparison, but that His very nature is fundamentally distinct and infinitely superior. "Glorious" (radiant, splendid) and "excellent" (majestic, powerful, preeminent) together describe God's intrinsic majesty, His inherent splendor, and His active, irresistible power. This is a statement of divine transcendence, affirming that God's being and attributes are beyond any earthly measure.
* **"than the mountains of prey":** This phrase identifies the object of comparison, which God so infinitely surpasses. As discussed, "mountains of prey" is a powerful metaphor symbolizing mighty, predatory nations, empires, or their fortified strongholds that sustain themselves through violence, conquest, and exploitation. By stating that God is "more glorious and excellent" than these, the psalmist emphasizes that even the most formidable, seemingly unconquerable, and destructive earthly powers are utterly eclipsed by God's divine nature and irresistible might. Their strength is temporary, their nature is destructive, and their dominion is ultimately futile against His eternal sovereignty and righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 76:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine supremacy. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the evocative phrase "mountains of prey." Mountains, typically symbols of enduring stability, strength, and even divine dwelling, are here strikingly imbued with the predatory, rapacious nature of wild beasts. This creates a vivid and unsettling image of powerful, plundering nations or strongholds that dominate and exploit others, effectively communicating the destructive and violent character of worldly power. **Hyperbole** is also clearly present, as the psalmist uses an exaggerated comparison to emphasize God's infinite superiority. To declare God "more glorious and excellent" than even the most imposing and destructive earthly forces underscores His unparalleled nature and boundless might. This hyperbole serves to elevate God far beyond any conceivable human or natural power, inspiring awe and worship. Furthermore, the verse utilizes stark **Contrast**, setting God's inherent glory, righteous power, and delivering nature against the violent, plundering, and transient nature of the "mountains of prey." This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between divine sovereignty, which brings justice, peace, and deliverance, and human dominion, which often leads to oppression, destruction, and chaos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 76:4 profoundly declares God's transcendence and His active sovereignty over all creation, particularly over human powers and principalities. It asserts that God's glory and might are not merely greater in degree but fundamentally different in kind from any earthly strength. He is not a participant in the "game" of worldly power, but the ultimate arbiter who stands above it, capable of dismantling even the most formidable "mountains of prey." This truth provides immense comfort and a compelling call to worship, reminding believers that their ultimate security rests not in human alliances, military might, or economic stability, but in the all-sufficient, unshakeable power of the Lord, who is both majestic in His being and irresistible in His action. His power is always exercised with righteousness and for the deliverance of His people, contrasting sharply with the predatory and self-serving nature of earthly empires.

* [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket")
* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord is Slow to Anger but Great in Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often dominated by powerful, oppressive systems, economic giants, or political strongholds that seem to act like "mountains of prey," Psalms 76:4 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It calls us to shift our gaze from the formidable nature of earthly challenges to the infinitely greater glory and excellence of God. When we face situations where we feel overwhelmed by forces beyond our control—whether personal struggles, societal injustices, global conflicts, or even the pervasive influence of sin—this verse reminds us that there is a God who is supremely majestic, inherently glorious, and powerfully active on behalf of His people. Our trust and hope should not be placed in the fleeting strength of human institutions, the promises of worldly leaders, or our own limited abilities, but in the One who effortlessly transcends and ultimately judges all "mountains of prey." This truth encourages us to pray with unwavering confidence, to stand firm in faith even amidst adversity, and to live with an eternal perspective that anticipates God's ultimate triumph over all evil, knowing that His power is always exercised in righteousness and for the good of His people and the glory of His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains of prey" in your personal life, community, or the wider world today seem most formidable, and how does this verse challenge your perspective on them?**
* **How does understanding God as "more glorious and excellent" than all earthly powers impact your sense of security, peace, and trust in Him during times of uncertainty or threat?**
* **In what specific ways might you be tempted to place your ultimate trust in human strength, political systems, or financial security rather than in God's supreme and incomparable might?**
* **How can the truth of God's incomparable glory and excellence motivate you to worship Him more fully, live more courageously for His kingdom, and advocate for justice in the face of oppression?**

### FAQ
**What does "mountains of prey" truly symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: "Mountains of prey" is a powerful and vivid metaphor symbolizing powerful, predatory nations, empires, or their fortified strongholds that sustain themselves through violence, conquest, and exploitation. In the ancient world, mountains were often seen as symbols of enduring strength, permanence, and the seat of power, often associated with gods or kings. The addition of "prey" (Hebrew: _ṭereph_) evokes the terrifying image of a wild beast tearing apart its victim, vividly portraying these nations as rapacious, destructive, and devouring. For instance, the Assyrian Empire, which likely serves as the historical backdrop for this psalm (see [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat")), was a quintessential "mountain of prey," known for its brutal military campaigns, widespread destruction, and plundering of conquered peoples. The verse contrasts God's righteous and glorious power with the destructive and temporary might of such earthly entities, emphasizing His absolute superiority and His ability to humble even the proudest and most formidable.

**How does Psalms 76:4 apply to challenges and "powers" in the modern world?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context was ancient empires, the principle of Psalms 76:4 remains profoundly relevant and timeless. In the modern world, "mountains of prey" can symbolize any seemingly insurmountable force, oppressive system, or dominant ideology that seeks to exploit, control, or overwhelm humanity or the church. This could include powerful political regimes, economic systems driven by unchecked greed, pervasive social injustices, corrupt institutions, or even the spiritual forces of evil that seek to devour and enslave. The verse reminds us that no matter how formidable, entrenched, or seemingly invincible these modern "mountains" appear, God is infinitely "more glorious and excellent" than them all. His sovereignty transcends all human power, and His justice will ultimately prevail. This truth encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, to not be intimidated by worldly might, and to place their ultimate hope and trust in God alone, knowing that He is capable of breaking even the most entrenched strongholds, as seen in the ultimate victory described in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Rider on the White Horse") where Christ triumphs over all opposing powers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 76:4, declaring God's supreme glory and excellence over all "mountains of prey," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm celebrates God's triumph over earthly oppressors and their military might, Christ's victory is far more comprehensive, extending to the spiritual "mountains of prey"—sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness. Through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them publicly ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the divine Son, the very radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, upholding the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). The "mountains of prey" that once held humanity captive—the condemnation of the law, the sting and dominion of death, and the enslaving power of Satan—have been decisively conquered by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His glory and excellence are not merely greater than earthly kings or empires, but they are the very essence of God's saving power, which ultimately establishes His eternal kingdom where all opposing forces are brought to nothing, and God is all in all ([1 Corinthians 15:24-28](/1_corinthians/15-24-28 "1 Corinthians 15:24-28 - Christ's Reign and Final Victory")). Thus, the psalmist's declaration foreshadows the ultimate, eternal triumph of Christ, who is indeed "more glorious and excellent" than every spiritual and earthly power that ever sought to plunder God's creation and His people.

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

Ezekiel 19:1

¶ Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Ezekiel 19:4

The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.

Daniel 7:17

These great beasts, which are four, [are] four kings, [which] shall arise out of the earth.

Daniel 7:28

Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Ezekiel 19:6

And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, [and] devoured men.

Daniel 7:4

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.