Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 76:9

Verse 9 9.When God arose to judgment. The great object which God had in view in executing this judgment is now declared; which was, that he might furnish a proof of his fatherly love towards all his people. He is, therefore, introduced as speaking, not with his mouth, but with his hand, that he may show to all how precious in his sight is the salvation of all who fear and love him. Under the word arise, there is a reference to the inactivity and indolency ascribed by wicked men to God, an... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 76:10

Verse 10 10.Surely the wrath of men shall praise thee. Some understand these words as denoting, that after these enemies shall have submitted to God, they will yield to him the praise of the victory; being constrained to acknowledge that they have been subdued by his mighty hand. Others elicit a more refined sense, That when God stirs up the wicked, and impels their fury, he in this way affords a most illustrious display of his own glory; even as he is said to have stirred up the heart of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 76:11

Verse 11 11.Vow and pay to Jehovah your God. The faithful are now exhorted to the exercise of gratitude. As under the law the custom prevailed among the Jews of vowing sacrifices for singular blessings which God had conferred upon them, by which they solemnly acknowledged that their safety depended solely upon him, and that to him they were entirely indebted for it, they are called anew to engage in this exercise of religion; and by the word pay it is intended to inculcate steadfastness, — to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 76:12

Verse 12 12.He will cut off (285) the spirit of princes. As the Hebrew word בצר, batsar, occasionally signifies to strengthen, some think it should be so translated in this passage. But as in the two clauses of the verse the same sentiment is repeated, I have no doubt that by the first clause is meant that understanding and wisdom are taken away from princes; and that by the second, God is represented in general as terrible to them, because he will cast them down headlong from their loftiness.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 76:1-12

The triumphs of God. There can be little doubt that this psalm is one of several others whose main theme is God's deliverance of his people from Sennacherib, King of Assyria. Then, in Judah, God was known, and his Name was great in Israel. But we may fitly use the psalm as telling of those great and blessed spiritual deliverances which the soul of God's servants have often known and rejoiced in—these triumphs of God over a deadlier foe than ever any Assyrian king could be to Israel.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 76:1-12

A psalm of triumph. This is one of several psalms supposed to have been written in celebration of the sudden overthrow of Sennacherib's army in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem, and suggests the following truths— I. THAT THE CHURCH IS GOD 'S PECULIAR ABODE , WHERE THE MOST GLORIOUS REVELATIONS OF HIS POWER AND GRACE ARE SEEN . ( Psalms 76:3 .) The gospel is most emphatically the "power of God unto salvation." II. THAT GOD 'S GREATEST ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 76:2

In Salem; i.e. Jerusalem. "Salem" was probably a shortened form of the full and complete name, like "Peer" for "Baalpeor," "Maachah" for "Aram-Maa-chah," "El Kuds" for "Beit-el-Kuds," and the like. (So Professor Cheyne.) "Salem" is the peaceful place, the place where God's presence breathed peace and tranquillity. It is only used here and in Genesis 14:11 . Is his tabernacle; literally, his tent (comp. Psalms 15:1 ; Psalms 27:5 , Psalms 27:6 ; Psalms 61:4 ). The temple is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 76:2

The localization of God. "In Salem also is his covert, and his dwelling place in Zion" (comp. Jeremiah 25:38 , "He hath forsaken his covert as the lion"). The poetical figure is the likening of God to a lion—the Lion of the tribe of Judah"—who leaves his covert in Salem, and his lair in Zion, to spoil the enemy. There is now evidence that the holy city was known as Salem long before the time of Joshua, but the special Divine association with it dates from the time when David brought back... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 76:3

There brake he the arrows of the bow . The expression "there" seems certainly to show that the deliverance celebrated took place at, or very near to, Jerusalem. This would sufficiently suit the destruction of Sennacherib's army, which certainly occurred in the neighbourhood, though not very close to the city (see 2 Kings 19:32 , 38). The word translated "arrows" ( רשׁפי ) means properly "lightnings" (comp. Psalms 78:48 ), and expresses the swift flight of the arrow, not actual "fiery... read more

Group of Brands