Psalms 76

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 76

1¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph. In Judah [is] God known: his name [is] great in Israel.

2In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

3There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

4Thou [art] more glorious [and] excellent than the mountains of prey.

5The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

6At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

7¶ Thou, [even] thou, [art] to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

8Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,

9When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

10Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

11Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

12He shall cut off the spirit of princes: [he is] terrible to the kings of the earth.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Psalms 76 extols God's greatness and power, particularly as revealed in Judah and Zion where He defeats His enemies. It declares that God is to be feared, for He executes judgment from heaven, saving the meek and humbling the proud. The psalm concludes by urging people to honor God with vows and presents, acknowledging His terrifying power over earthly rulers.

Medium Summary

Psalms 76 begins by proclaiming God's renown in Judah and Israel, establishing His dwelling place in Salem and Zion. It recounts how God miraculously broke the weapons of war there, demonstrating His supreme power over opposing forces. The psalm asserts God's unparalleled glory, describing how the mightiest enemies are utterly defeated and rendered powerless by His rebuke. It emphasizes that God alone is to be feared, for His judgment from heaven causes the earth to stand in awe, arising to save the humble. Furthermore, it states that even the wrath of man will ultimately serve God's purpose, with any excess being restrained by Him. The psalm concludes with an exhortation to vow and pay unto the Lord, acknowledging His terrifying authority over princes and kings.

Long Summary

Psalms 76, attributed to Asaph, commences by declaring God's manifest presence and great name within Judah and Israel, specifically locating His tabernacle and dwelling in Salem and Zion. The psalmist then vividly describes God's decisive intervention, where He supernaturally shattered the weapons of war—arrows, shields, and swords—rendering the battle useless. This divine victory establishes God's glory as far surpassing that of any earthly power or "mountains of prey." The psalm details the complete overthrow of the "stouthearted" enemies, who are depicted as having "slept their sleep," utterly vanquished and unable to wield their strength. At God's mere rebuke, even the formidable chariots and horses of the enemy are cast into a deep, immobile sleep, signifying their total incapacitation. The psalmist emphatically states that God alone is truly to be feared, questioning who can stand before His wrath. It recounts how God's judgment resounds from heaven, causing the entire earth to fear and remain still in His presence. This divine intervention is specifically for the purpose of saving "all the meek of the earth." A profound theological statement is made regarding human wrath, asserting that it will ultimately serve to praise God, with any remainder being restrained by His sovereign will. The psalm then issues a direct command for all to "vow, and pay unto the LORD your God," urging those around Him to bring presents to the One who is to be feared. The concluding verse powerfully reiterates God's absolute dominion, stating He "shall cut off the spirit of princes" and is "terrible to the kings of the earth," underscoring His ultimate authority over all earthly rulers.

Core Concepts

  • God's Dwelling in ZionGod's presence and power are specifically manifested in Jerusalem (Salem) and Zion, where His tabernacle is established. This signifies His chosen place for His people and His divine protection over it.
  • Divine Victory over EnemiesThe psalm highlights God's supernatural ability to break the weapons and defeat the mightiest armies of His adversaries. This demonstrates His supreme power and invincibility in battle.
  • God's Fearful JudgmentGod is portrayed as a terrifying judge whose anger none can withstand, causing the earth to fear and be still. His judgment is executed from heaven to save the meek.
  • Humbling of Earthly PowersGod's power extends to cutting off the spirit of princes and being terrible to kings, illustrating His ultimate authority over all human rulers. This emphasizes the transient nature of earthly might compared to divine sovereignty.
  • Wrath of Man Subservient to GodThe psalm asserts that even the wrath of man will ultimately praise God, and any excess will be restrained by Him. This concept underscores God's sovereignty over human actions and His ability to use all things for His glory.
  • Call to Vows and ReverenceThe psalm exhorts people to make and fulfill vows to the LORD and to bring presents to Him who is to be feared. This emphasizes the proper response of worship and obedience to God's awesome power.