Psalms 76

Psalms 76:1

Psalm 76: The Wrath of Man Praising GodIn 701 B.C. the Assyrian army under Sennacherib threatened to destroy Jerusalem. But before they could even get near the city, the Angel of the Lord visited their encampment by night and slew 185,000 troops. This Assyrian disaster is memorialized in Byron’s epic poem, “The Destruction of Sennacherib,” which is quoted in full at the commentary on Isa_37:36. If we see Psalms 76 against this historical backdrop, it will come alive in a new and exciting way. It is well worth reading along with this psalm. 76:1 God is famous in Judah because of His spectacular overthrow of the army that threatened the city and the sanctuary. His name is illustrious in Israel for this unforgettable chapter in the history of the nation. 76:2-4 He designated Jerusalem, the city of peace, as His capital, the hill of Zion as His dwelling place. And that is where He smashed the armaments of the foethe glistening arrows, the shield, and sword of battle, and all the other weapons. This city set upon a hill is more majestic than the mountains of prey, that is, than the great Gentile governments that have plundered her. And by metonymy this means that the God of Jerusalem is more glorious than any power that might lift its hand against Judah. 76:5, 6 This is seen in what happened to the Assyrian army. The stouthearted warriors suddenly dropped their weapons. In a moment they became powerless. One word from the God of Jacob and both riders and horses sank into the sleep of death. 76:7-9 What a God He is! And how greatly He should be feared! All opposition is futile when once His anger has been ignited. As soon as He pronounces judgment to come from heaven, the earth trembles and becomes stilllike the lull before the storm. Then God steps forth to make right the wrongs of earth and to deliver its oppressed people. 76:10 He has a wonderful way of making the wrath of man to praise Him. And what won’t praise Him, He girds on Him like a sword of a conquered general. The wrath of men shall praise Thee, The rest shalt Thou restrain, And out of earth’s disasters Will bring eternal gain. The purpose of man’s evil heart Works out Thy sovereign will. Our God is still upon the throne, Therefore, believe, be still. Be still and know that I am God, This banishes our fears, While passing through this scene of strife, Of sorrow and of tears. The One who rules the heavenly hosts Holds all within His hand, And none can say, “What doest Thou?” Or can His arm withstand. Author unknown76:11a In view of the inexpressible greatness and glory of the Lord, the people of Judah are exhorted to make vows to the LORD their God, and to pay them. 76:11b, 12 Then the Gentile nations surrounding Israel are counseled to bring presents as tribute to the Supreme Rulerthis Mighty One who can reduce earth’s princes to size and cause awesome things to happen to the most powerful rulers.