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76:title–12 This corporate praise psalm is associated with the songs of Zion (Pss 46; 48; 84; 87; 122). (Zion is the name of the temple mount in Jerusalem.) In this psalm, which is specifically called a song, the psalmist depicts God’s greatness by recalling a time when He rescued Israel. Psalm 76 divides into four segments, each composed of three verses. The psalmist opens by focusing on God’s reputation, which He defended by establishing and protecting His worship site and His people in Jerusalem (vv. 1–3). The psalmist describes enemy soldiers experiencing debilitating fear in the face of God’s power (vv. 4–6). He then recalls God’s role as divine king, judge, helper of His people (vv. 7–9). The psalmist concludes by responding once more to God’s greatness (vv. 10–12). |
76:title music director See note on 4:title.
stringed instruments See note on 4:title.
of Asaph See note on 73:title.
76:1–3 God establishing His name in Jerusalem means establishing His worship site and His people’s worship of Him. God protects His reputation by defending His temple and His people. |
76:1 in Judah The territory surrounding Jerusalem.
Judah HBD
Judah HIBD
Israel Likely refers to the unified nation of Israel—which Judah was a part of.
76:2 Salem Another name for Jerusalem.
Salem EDB
his lair in Zion Refers to the temple. See 97:8 and note.
76:3 There he broke the flames of the bow It is unclear what episode the psalmist is referring to. The ot depicts several sieges of Jerusalem, at least one of which included miraculous deliverance (2 Kgs 19:32–37).
Siege EDB
76:4–6 In this passage, the psalmist describes God’s enemies’ fearful response to God’s displays of power (Ps 76:5–6). |
76:6 O God of Jacob A reference to the God of Israel, Yahweh. See note on 75:9.
both rider and horse slumber Indicates that God’s rebuke stopped them in their footsteps. This may be an allusion to God’s rescue of Israel at the Red Sea (Exod 14:27, 28; 15:21).
76:7–9 God rouses Himself to help His people (Ps 76:9). The psalmist depicts God as a cosmic ruler who acts on behalf of the needy. |
76:7 indeed, are to be feared The Hebrew word used here, nora, refers to something being fearsome or awesome. God’s imposing power is a prevalent theme in Psa 76. See 90:11 and note.
76:8 you proclaimed judgment The word din (“judgment” or “cause”) usually refers to a decision made in a legal dispute. God judged against the foreign invaders and also punished them when they attacked Israel.
76:9 when God rose for justice God is enforcing justice against the foreign invaders.
Justice Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
Justice, of God ZDBT
all the afflicted of the land The Hebrew word used here, erets, may refer to all land or to the land of Israel (the promised land) specifically. While the psalmist seems to refer to the people of Israel, the reference to “the kings of the earth” (v. 12) seems to refer to the wider world.
Land Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
76:10–12 The psalmist asserts that all people will eventually praise Yahweh (v. 10) and exhorts the faithful to worship Him to their greatest capacity (v. 11). He concludes by emphasizing that all rulers and kings should fear Yahweh (v. 12). |
76:11 Make vows In the ancient Near East, people would make vows and act on them to appeal to a terrifying deity for help. See 116:14 and note.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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