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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:3

There brake he the arrows of the bow - That is, in Salem, or near Salem. The language is such as would be used in reference to invaders, or to armies that came up to storm the city. The occasion is unknown; but the meaning is, that God drove the invading army back, and showed his power in defending the city. The phrase “the arrows of the bow,” is literally, “the lightnings of the bow,” the word rendered “arrows” meaning properly “flame;” and then, “lightning.” The idea is, that the arrows sped... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:4

Thou art more glorious and excellent - The word rendered glorious - נאור na'ôr - is from the verb which means “to shine,” to give light, and the word would properly refer to a luminous or “shining” object - as the sun, the source of light. Hence, it means “shining,” splendid, glorious; and it is thus applied to the Divine Being with reference to his perfections, being like light. Compare 1 John 1:5. The word rendered “excellent,” means exalted, noble, great. These words are applied here to God... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:5

The stout-hearted are spoiled - The valiant men, the men who came so confidently to the invasion. The word “spoiled” here, as elsewhere in the Scriptures, means “plundered,” not (as the word is now used) “corrupted.” See the notes at Colossians 2:8.They have slept their sleep - They are dead; they have slept their last sleep. Death, in the Scriptures, as in all other writings, is often compared with sleep.And none of the men of might - The men who came forth for purposes of war and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:6

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob - At thy word; thy bidding; or, when God rebuked them for their attempt to attack the city. The idea is, that they were discomfited by a word spoken by God.Both the chariot and horse ... - The Septuagint renders this, “They who are mounted on horses.” The word rendered “chariot” here - רכב rekeb - may mean “riders, cavalry,” as well as chariot. See the notes at Isaiah 21:7. Hence, there would be less incongruity in the Hebrew than in our translation, where it is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:7

Thou, even thou, art to be feared - To be had in reverence or veneration. The repetition of the word “thou” is emphatic, as if the mind paused at the mention of God, and remained in a state of reverence, repeating the thought. The particular “reason” suggested here why God should be had in reverence, was the display of his power in overthrowing by a word the mighty hosts that had come against the holy city.And who may stand in thy sight - Who can stand before thee? implying that no one had the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:8

Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heavens - It seemed to come from heaven; it was manifestly from thee. The overthrow of these enemies of thy people was a manifest judgment from thee, and should be so regarded.The earth feared - The world itself seemed to hear the voice of God, and to stand in awe.And was still - It seemed to be profoundly attentive to what God said, and as if it reverently listened to his voice. It is not uncommon in the Scriptures to represent the earth - the hills,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:9

When God arose to judgment - That is, when he came to overthrow and destroy the enemies of his people, as referred to in the former part of the psalm.To save all the meek of the earth - Of the land - to wit, the land of Judea; or, to save his people when in affliction. The word “meek,” which with us usually means those who are forbearing under injuries, means here the humble, the afflicted, the crushed, the oppressed. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee - It shall be the occasion of praise; or, honor shall accrue to thee from it, “as if” it were employed in thy praise, and “as if” it were voluntarily engaged in promoting thy glory. The deliverance of the people by the direct interposition of God in the case referred to in the psalm, the sudden and entire overthrow of the invading forces by his power, led to this reflection. The overruling power of God was displayed. The “wrath” of the invading host had... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:11

vow, and pay unto the Lord your God - That is, Pay your vows, or sacredly observe them. On the word “vow,” see the notes at Psalms 22:25. Compare Psalms 50:14; Psalms 56:12; Psalms 66:13. The word refers to a voluntary promise made to God.Let all that be round about him - All that worship him, or that profess to honor him.Bring presents - Bring gifts or offerings; things expressive of gratitude and homage. See the notes at Psalms 45:12. Compare Isaiah 16:1, note; Isaiah 18:7, note; Isaiah 60:5,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 76:12

He shall cut off the spirit of princes - That is, He will cut down their pride; he will break them down. Luther renders it, “He shall take away the wrath of princes.” The allusion is to what he had done as celebrated in this psalm. He had shown that he could rebuke the pride and self-confidence of kings, and could bring them low at his feet.He is terrible to the kings of the earth - When they are arrayed against him.(1) they are wholly under his control.(2) he can defeat their plans.(3) he can... read more

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