Psalms 76 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 76

Who Can Stand Before You?

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.

76:1   In Judah God is known;
    his name is great in Israel.
2   His abode has been established in Salem,
    his dwelling place in Zion.
3   There he broke the flashing arrows,
    the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah
4   Glorious are you, more majestic
    than the mountains full of prey.
5   The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;
    they sank into sleep;
  all the men of war
    were unable to use their hands.
6   At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
    both rider and horse lay stunned.
7   But you, you are to be feared!
    Who can stand before you
    when once your anger is roused?
8   From the heavens you uttered judgment;
    the earth feared and was still,
9   when God arose to establish judgment,
    to save all the humble of the earth. Selah
10   Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
    the remnant¹ of wrath you will put on like a belt.
11   Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;
    let all around him bring gifts
    to him who is to be feared,
12   who cuts off the spirit of princes,
    who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

Footnotes

[1] 76:10 Or extremity

Commentary

The greatness and majesty of God.

v1-3: His Name is great, whatever the opinion of unbelievers (Ps 74.10, 18). God has made Himself known; and has a dwelling place, and a people, upon the earth; He has tabernacled with men (John 1.14). It was in Jerusalem that the weapons of war were stilled.

v4: God of power and majesty; more resplendent, more glorious, more majestic (excellent), more awesome (Ps 68.35).

v5-6: Powerful enemies defeated.

v7: Proper respect towards God; we are not to be frivolous with the things of God.

v8-9: God's judgment, to separate between godly and ungodly.

v10: There are two readings of this verse; some versions refer to the wrath of man, others to God's wrath against man; either way, there is praise to God, for His righteous character will be demonstrated. We are confident that everything will ultimately bring glory to God.

v11-12: Since God is great, He is to be feared. Some Jews made 'vows' to God. This was not an additional legalism. Rather it is a sign of devotion and commitment to God. Examples include the servant (Ex 21.5) and the Nazirities (Num 6).