PSALM 76

Ps 76:1-12. On Neginoth-(See on [611]Ps 4:1, title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's deliverance of His people by a signal interposition of power against their enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated in 2Ki 19:35; Isa 37:1-28. (Compare Ps 46:1-11).

1, 2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them.

2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

2. Salem-(Ge 14:18) is Jerusalem.

3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

3. brake . the arrows-literally, "thunderbolts" (Ps 78:48), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Ps 18:14; Eph 6:16).

the battle-for arms (Ho 2:18).

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

4. Thou-God.

mountains of prey-great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isa 41:15; Eze 38:11, 12; Zec 4:7).

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

5. slept their sleep-died (Ps 13:3).

none . found . hands-are powerless.

6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

6. chariot and horse-for those fighting on them (compare Ps 68:17).

7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

7. may . sight-contend with Thee (De 9:4; Jos 7:12).

8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,

8, 9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Ps 9:12; 10:7).

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.

10. Man's wrath praises God by its futility before His power.

restrain-or, "gird"; that is, Thyself, as with a sword, with which to destroy, or as an ornament to Thy praise.

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.

11, 12. Invite homage to such a God (2Ch 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (Da 5:23).

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