Psalms 76:5

KJV

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

The stouthearted {H47}{H3820} are spoiled {H7997}{H8709)}, they have slept {H5123}{H8804)} their sleep {H8142}: and none of the men {H582} of might {H2428} have found {H4672}{H8804)} their hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The bravest have been stripped of their spoil and now are sleeping their final sleep; not one of these courageous men finds strength to raise his hands.

Berean Standard Bible

The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand.

American Standard Version

The stouthearted are made a spoil, They have slept their sleep; And none of the men of might have found their hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 76:5 delivers a striking declaration of divine judgment, vividly portraying the sudden and absolute incapacitation of the proud and powerful who oppose God. It asserts that those confident in their own strength—the "stouthearted" and "men of might"—are swiftly brought to ruin, their boasts and capabilities rendered utterly useless in the face of the Lord's intervention, thereby underscoring His supreme sovereignty as the ultimate judge and deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 76 is a magnificent psalm of praise and thanksgiving, likely composed in the aftermath of a monumental military victory where God miraculously delivered His people. The psalm opens by proclaiming God's glorious presence and renown in Judah and His established dwelling in Zion (verses 1-2). Verses 3-4 set the stage for the dramatic scene in verse 5, describing God's decisive shattering of the enemy's weapons and His overwhelming majesty. Following this climactic depiction of the enemy's downfall, the psalm continues to contrast God's terrifying power and majesty with the utter impotence of human might (verses 6-9), culminating in a resounding call for all nations to fear and bring tribute to the Lord, the one who humbles the proud and cuts off the spirit of princes (verses 10-12). Thus, verse 5 functions as the powerful centerpiece, illustrating the direct and devastating consequence of God's intervention previously celebrated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop most commonly associated with Psalm 76 is the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib, who besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah around 701 BC. The Assyrian Empire was the preeminent military power of the ancient Near East, renowned for its formidable army, brutal tactics, and seemingly unstoppable conquest. Their siege of Jerusalem represented an existential threat to the kingdom of Judah. The biblical accounts in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army") and [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - Isaiah's Prophecy Fulfilled") recount how an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, forcing Sennacherib's humiliating retreat. This unprecedented event served as a profound demonstration of God's protective hand over Zion and His sovereign judgment against those who defied Him, providing a vivid and powerful context for the psalmist's words. The psalm's celebration of God's victory in Jerusalem (Salem) and Zion directly reflects this historical deliverance, emphasizing God's unique covenantal relationship with His chosen city and people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several profound themes within Psalm 76 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, where God's absolute authority is powerfully demonstrated through His ability to humble the proud and mighty oppressors, bringing swift and unexpected defeat. It underscores divine justice, revealing that God is known by the judgment He executes, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice"). Closely related is the theme of **Human Impotence** when confronted by divine power; the verse starkly contrasts the boastful strength of the "stouthearted" and "men of might" with their ultimate helplessness before God. Their plans are thwarted, and their physical prowess is rendered useless, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Can Avail Against the Lord"). Finally, the decisive defeat of the enemy underscores God's role as the **Protector and Deliverer of His People**, a fierce defender of His chosen city and those who trust in Him, providing security and deliverance when all human efforts fail. This resonates deeply with the assurance that God is our [refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stouthearted (Hebrew, _'abbîyr'_):** This word (H47), derived from a root meaning "mighty," refers to those who are strong, powerful, or valiant. In this context, combined with H3820 (lêb, heart), "stouthearted" describes individuals characterized by a strong, often arrogant or defiant, spirit. It denotes those who are confident in their own might, courage, or resources, and who may disdain divine authority. The "spoiling" of the stouthearted signifies the complete and humiliating defeat of those who trust in their own strength rather than in God.
* **Might (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This term (H2428) is rich in meaning, encompassing "force," "strength," "valor," "wealth," or "an army." When paired with "men" (H582, 'ĕnôwsh), "men of might" refers to valiant warriors, capable soldiers, or powerful leaders—the elite forces of an army. The phrase emphasizes their physical prowess, military capability, and formidable resources. Their inability to "find their hands" underscores the utter nullification of all their boasted strength and strategic advantage.
* **Found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This verb (H4672) means "to come forth to," "appear," "exist," "attain," or "acquire." In the idiomatic phrase "have found their hands," it signifies the ability to utilize or access their strength, skill, or resources. The negative "none... have found their hands" therefore implies that they were utterly unable to access or employ their customary abilities, rendering them completely helpless and disoriented.
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to the "hand," which is used extensively, literally and figuratively, to denote "power," "means," "direction," "ability," or "dominion." In the idiom "found their hands," it specifically represents their capacity for action, their strength, their skill, and their ability to wield weapons or execute plans. The inability to "find their hands" means they were completely paralyzed and disarmed, stripped of all means to resist or defend themselves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The stouthearted are spoiled":** This opening clause declares the immediate and devastating consequence for the proud and powerful enemies. The verb "spoiled" (H7997, _shâlal_) means to plunder, strip, or lay waste. It signifies not merely defeat, but a complete undoing and stripping away of their power, possessions, and very essence. Those who were mighty and arrogant in their own eyes are now utterly broken, plundered, and brought low by God's decisive judgment.
* **"they have slept their sleep":** This powerful and poignant euphemism immediately follows, clarifying the nature of their "spoiling"—it is a death, a final and irreversible slumber. The verb "slept" (H5123, _nûwm_) implies a deep, profound sleep from which there is no awakening in this life. The addition of "their sleep" (H8142, _shênâh_) emphasizes the finality and personal nature of their demise. This phrase conveys the suddenness and completeness of their death, often implying a divinely orchestrated, unexpected judgment that brings about their end, as in the historical account of the Assyrian army.
* **"and none of the men of might have found their hands":** This final clause powerfully reinforces the absolute incapacitation and helplessness of the enemy. "Men of might" (H582, _'ĕnôwsh_ and H2428, _chayil_) refers to valiant warriors, skilled soldiers, or formidable leaders. The idiom "have found their hands" (H4672, _mâtsâʼ_ and H3027, _yâd_) means they were utterly unable to use their strength, skill, weapons, or any means of defense or offense. They were rendered completely powerless, unable to defend themselves or mount any resistance. Their boasted strength, military prowess, and strategic acumen proved utterly useless against the overwhelming intervention of God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 76:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, particularly in the phrase "they have slept their sleep," which serves as a gentle yet chilling way to refer to death. This softens the directness of death while emphasizing its finality and the suddenness of the divine judgment, as if they simply drifted into an eternal, inescapable slumber. Closely related is **Idiom**, seen vividly in "none of the men of might have found their hands," which powerfully communicates their complete incapacitation and inability to act. This is not a literal search for their hands, but a figurative expression of their utter helplessness, paralysis, and loss of all power and agency. Furthermore, the verse uses stark **Contrast** by juxtaposing the initial "stouthearted" and "men of might"—terms implying great strength and confidence—with their ultimate state of being "spoiled," having "slept their sleep," and being unable to "find their hands." This highlights the vast chasm between human arrogance and divine omnipotence. There is also an element of **Irony**, as those who were most mighty and self-assured are precisely the ones rendered utterly powerless and brought to nothing, demonstrating the futility of human pride against God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 76:5 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all human power and pride. It unequivocally demonstrates that no earthly force, no matter how formidable, arrogant, or self-assured, can ultimately stand against the will and might of the Almighty. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, revealing His character as both a righteous judge who brings down the arrogant and a faithful protector who defends His people. It is a powerful affirmation that ultimate security, victory, and deliverance reside solely in the Lord, not in human strength, military prowess, strategic alliances, or self-reliance. It calls all humanity to recognize and submit to God's supreme authority.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 10:12-19](/isaiah/10-12-19 "Isaiah 10:12-19 - God's Judgment on Arrogant Assyria")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 76:5 offers both a comforting assurance and a sobering warning for believers and indeed all humanity today. It profoundly reassures us that no earthly power, no matter how intimidating, oppressive, or seemingly insurmountable, can ultimately thwart God's sovereign purposes or prevail against His people when He chooses to act. In moments of fear, anxiety, or when facing overwhelming obstacles—whether personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual battles—this verse calls us to shift our gaze from the apparent strength of our adversaries to the unchallengeable omnipotence of God. It reminds us that our ultimate security, hope, and deliverance are found not in human might, political systems, economic stability, or personal achievements, but in the Lord, who can bring down the proudest and most powerful with a single breath. Conversely, it serves as a stern warning against pride, self-reliance, and arrogance. To be "stouthearted" in a way that excludes or defies God is to invite His righteous judgment. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility, recognizing that all true strength, wisdom, and success come from Him, and that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled, while those who humble themselves under God's mighty hand will be exalted in due time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the challenges I face do I tend to rely on my own "stoutheartedness" or perceived strength rather than on God's omnipotence?**
* **How does the sudden and complete defeat of the "men of might" in this verse challenge my understanding of true power and security in the world today?**
* **What current "giants" or overwhelming challenges am I facing, and how can the truth of God's decisive victory in Psalm 76:5 encourage me to trust Him more fully and release my anxieties?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing God's sovereignty over all human endeavors and avoiding the pride that inevitably leads to a fall?**

### FAQ

**Does "slept their sleep" literally mean they were sleeping when they died?**

Answer: While the exact historical circumstances often linked to this psalm (the Assyrian defeat) describe the soldiers being struck down in the night, the phrase "slept their sleep" is primarily a powerful biblical **euphemism** for death. It signifies a deep, irreversible slumber from which there is no awakening in this life, emphasizing the suddenness, completeness, and finality of their demise. It doesn't necessarily mean they were literally asleep in their tents at the precise moment of death, but rather that their end was as sudden and complete as falling into a profound, final sleep. This idiom is used elsewhere in scripture to refer to death, such as when [David "slept with his fathers"](/1_kings/2-10 "1 Kings 2:10 - David Sleeps with His Fathers"), meaning he died and was buried.

**What does "none of the men of might have found their hands" truly imply?**

Answer: This is a vivid **idiom** that conveys complete and utter incapacitation and helplessness. It means that the "men of might"—the strong, skilled, and valiant warriors—were rendered entirely powerless. They could not use their strength, their weapons, their strategic abilities, or any means of defense or offense. Their power was neutralized, their plans were thwarted, and they were left disoriented, paralyzed, and utterly vulnerable. It's a powerful way to describe a defeat so absolute that the very instruments of their strength (their hands, representing their ability to act) became useless to them, emphasizing the overwhelming and undeniable nature of God's intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 76:5, with its declaration of God's decisive victory over human might and pride, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "stouthearted" and "men of might" who are brought low by God's power foreshadow the spiritual principalities and powers that seemed to hold humanity captive under the dominion of sin and death. It was through Christ's death on the cross—a seemingly weak and humiliating defeat in human eyes—that God disarmed these spiritual forces and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "sleep" of death that overtakes the enemies in Psalm 76:5 is ultimately conquered by Christ, who Himself "slept" in the tomb but rose again on the third day, demonstrating His absolute victory over death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Furthermore, the inability of the "men of might" to "find their hands" speaks to the utter impotence of human effort, self-righteousness, and strength to achieve salvation or stand before a holy God. Only through Christ's perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection can humanity be reconciled to God, for our own works are like filthy rags in His sight ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteous Acts Are Like Filthy Rags")). Thus, Psalm 76:5 points forward to the definitive victory secured by the Lamb of God, who, through His humility, sacrifice, and resurrection, utterly defeated all the forces that oppose God, establishing His eternal kingdom and offering true deliverance and eternal life to all who believe ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse and His Victory")).

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

Psalms 13:3

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

Nahum 3:18

Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell [in the dust]: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth [them].

Isaiah 46:12

Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:

Jeremiah 51:39

In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.

Luke 1:51

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Ezekiel 30:21

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.