1. The manifestation of God’s judgment 76:1-3God made His great name known in Israel by defeating an enemy of His people. Salem is Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1-2). Evidently Asaph composed this song after an enemy attacked Jerusalem unsuccessfully. Perhaps the miraculous defeat of the Assyrians in 701 B.C. is the background (2 Kings 18-19; Isaiah 36-37). read more
Psalms 76In this psalm of declarative praise, Asaph praised God for His power. He had destroyed the wicked and delivered the godly. Therefore the leaders of His people should follow Him faithfully. The psalm is in the form of a victory hymn, though it may not refer to one particular victory in Israel’s history. read more
The description of God as resplendent pictures Him as radiating light. He illuminates and glorifies by His presence. He is also more majestic than the mountains of Israel that contained an abundance of wild game animals. God’s defeat of Israel’s enemies was so overwhelming that they appeared anesthetized (cf. Isaiah 37:36). read more
2. The justice of God’s judgment 76:4-10 read more
No one is able to resist or oppose God when He decides to judge an enemy. Even the earth itself is quiet when He utters His judgments. Perhaps the psalmist referred here to the calm before a storm that represents God executing judgment. God’s judgments cause the righteous to praise Him and the wicked to think twice before opposing Him.The NIV translation of Psalms 76:10, "Your wrath against men brings you praise," was probably the writer’s thought rather than the NASB’s, "The wrath of man shall... read more
3. The fearful character of God’s judgments 76:11-12Since God is such a fearful Judge, His people should be careful to pay the gifts they vow to give Him. Leaders should fear Him and submit to His authority rather than rebelling against Him.An appreciation of God’s power can and should produce submission and worship in those who can benefit or suffer from His judgment. read more
Like the previous Ps. this is a song of national deliverance, which may have been called forth, as the title in LXX suggests, by the overthrow of Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21; Isaiah 37:36). In Psalms 76:1-6 God is described as returning to His dwelling-place in Zion from the mountains where He has overthrown His adversaries. In Psalms 76:7-9 another figure is introduced which represents God as uttering sentence from heaven upon His enemies, while the earth is hushed in... read more
LXXVI.The LXX. (followed by the Vulgate) have added to the Hebrew inscription of this psalm the words “to the Assyrian,” indicating that at an early period it was, as it is still by many modern scholars, connected with the overthrow of Sennacherib. Certainly the Psalms 76:5-6 are most suitable to that event. On the other hand, the phrase in Psalms 76:9, “all the afflicted of the land,” breathes of a time of national oppression, and suggests a later date. Psalms 76:8-9 compared with Psalms... read more
(1) Judah . . . Israel.—A comparison with Psalms 114:1-2, leads to the conclusion that these names are introduced here in this order, simply for the rhythm. (Comp. “Salem” and “Sion” in the next verse, and notice that the four names offer an instance of introversion, the more restricted terms, Judah, Sion, occupying the first and last clauses, the more general Israel, Salem, the middle ones.) read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:11
11, 12. Invite homage to such a God (2 Chronicles 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (2 Chronicles 32:23- :). read more