Psalms 76

Ps 76:1-12.

On Neginoth--(See on

Ps 4:1,

title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's

deliverance of His people by a signal interposition of power against

their enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated in

2Ki 19:35;

Isa 37:1-28.

(Compare

Ps 46:1-11).

1, 2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His

intimate and glorious relations to them.

2. Salem--

(Ge 14:18)

is Jerusalem.

3. brake . . . the arrows--literally, "thunderbolts"

(Ps 78:48),

from their rapid flight or ignition (compare

Ps 18:14;

Eph 6:16).

the battle--for arms

(Ho 2:18).

4. Thou--God.

mountains of prey--great victorious nations, as Assyria

(Isa 41:15;

Eze 38:11, 12;

Zec 4:7).

5. slept their sleep--died

(Ps 13:3).

none . . . found . . . hands--are powerless.

6. chariot and horse--for those fighting on them (compare

Ps 68:17).

7. may . . . sight--contend with Thee

(De 9:4;

Jos 7:12).

8, 9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance

(Ps 9:12; 10:7).

10. Man's wrath praises God by its futility before His power.

restrain--or, "gird"; that is, Thyself, as with a sword, with which

to destroy, or as an ornament to Thy praise.

11, 12. Invite homage to such a God

(2Ch 32:23),

who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills

(Da 5:23).