1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Neginoth. A Psalm. Of Asaph. A Song.> In Judah is the knowledge of God; his name is great in Israel,
2 In Salem is his tent, his resting-place in Zion.
3 There were the arrows of the bow broken, there he put an end to body-cover, sword, and fight. (Selah.)
4 You are shining and full of glory, more than the eternal mountains.
5 Gone is the wealth of the strong, their last sleep has overcome them; the men of war have become feeble.
6 At the voice of your wrath, O God of Jacob, deep sleep has overcome carriage and horse.
7 You, you are to be feared; who may keep his place before you in the time of your wrath?
8 From heaven you gave your decision; the earth, in its fear, gave no sound,
9 When God took his place as judge, for the salvation of the poor on the earth. (Selah.)
10 The ... will give you praise; the rest of ...
11 Give to the Lord your God what is his by right; let all who are round him give offerings to him who is to be feared.
12 He puts an end to the wrath of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.
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Commentary on Psalms 76 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 76
Ps 76:1-12. On Neginoth—(See on 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. Salem—(Ge 14:18) is Jerusalem.
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—God.
mountains of prey—great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isa 41:15; Eze 38:11, 12; Zec 4:7).
5. slept their sleep—died (Ps 13:3).
none … found … hands—are powerless.
6. chariot and horse—for those fighting on them (compare Ps 68:17).
7. may … sight—contend with Thee (De 9:4; Jos 7:12).
8, 9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Ps 9:12; 10:7).
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, 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).