Psalm 76

The deliverance of Jerusalem and the deliverance through the Messiah
.
Text
Explanation
A psalm that responds to the victory over Sennacherib, leader of the Assyrians
1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph.>> In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. 
.2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
 3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
  God known Compare ps00916, ps4803. On His name ps00717.
  Salem The old name for the location points to the God of Israel who has defended His true people throughout the ages. ge1418.
  Zion See on ps04802.
  Arrows Literally "flames" probably describing their flight.
  Battle Notice that it, too, was broken ps04609.
 4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
.5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
.6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
  Thou art more glorious God on Mount Zion is better than His enemies, the bandits from the other mountains.
  Stouthearted Their bravery did not help them gain the victory.
  Sleep A Bible metaphor for death ps01303.
  Found their hands The Assyrians were helpless before the God of Israel is3736.
  God of Jacob We saw the power of Jacob's God in ps04607.
  Chariot and horse A picture of how God dealt with the Egyptians ex1501.
 7 ¶ Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? The people of Canaan had heard of the deliverance of the Hebrews and were afraid jos0209.
 8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
 9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
  Earth ... was still No argument ps11403ff.
  Meek Those who do not attempt to conquer in their own strength.
  Wrath ... shall praise God will work in a miraculous way for His people and the wicked will see their helplessness ex0916, ex1811.
  Shalt thou restrain Literally "You will dress yourself." His glory – His robe of righteousness – is seen brighter because of the darkness of human anger.
 11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. 
 12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.
  Bring presents Weaker nations brought presents to powerful kings apparently to win their friendship 1ch1806.
__________________________________
..
Previous
Next
Another psalm
Commentary home
Contact & more info