The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 76
In brief
Psalm 76 is a song of Asaph that celebrates God, known in Judah, whose dwelling is in Salem, that is, Jerusalem. He has broken the enemy's weapons, and the bravest warriors have been left defenseless. Many see an echo of the city's deliverance from the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19), but the psalm does not say so. God, to be feared, rises up to bring justice and save the afflicted. The psalm invites us to make vows to him and to keep them.
The chapter in 4 parts
1In Judah, God is known. His name is great in Israel.
2His tabernacle is also in Salem; His dwelling place in Zion.
3There he broke the flaming arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the weapons of war.
4Glorious are you, and excellent, more than mountains of game.
5Valiant men lie plundered, they have slept their last sleep. None of the men of war can lift their hands.
6At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
7You, even you, are to be feared. Who can stand in your sight when you are angry?
8You pronounced judgment from heaven. The earth feared, and was silent,
9when God arose to judgment, to save all the afflicted ones of the earth.
10Surely the wrath of man praises you. The survivors of your wrath are restrained.
11Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill them! Let all of his neighbors bring presents to him who is to be feared.
12He will cut off the spirit of princes. He is feared by the kings of the earth.
Key verses
In Judah, God is known. His name is great in Israel. His tabernacle is also in Salem; His dwelling place in Zion.
God is known and his dwelling is in Salem, the old name for Jerusalem. The psalm begins with a presence, not with a battle.
You, even you, are to be feared. Who can stand in your sight when you are angry?
The psalmist notes the fear God inspires. This fear is not the dread of a tyrant, but the recognition of his holiness and his justice.
when God arose to judgment, to save all the afflicted ones of the earth.
God rises up to bring justice and save all the afflicted of the earth. His power is put to work for the oppressed.
Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill them! Let all of his neighbors bring presents to him who is to be feared.
The expected response to this deliverance is to make vows to the Lord and to keep them, that is, to keep our word before him.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 76
What does Psalm 76 mean?
Psalm 76 says that God is stronger than every army. He breaks the weapons of those who threaten his people, he brings justice and he saves the afflicted. The right response is to fear him, to make vows to him and to stay faithful to him.
Who wrote Psalm 76 and in what context?
The title attributes it to Asaph, a singer from the time of David. The psalm speaks of a great deliverance in Jerusalem. Several readers recognize the defeat of Sennacherib's army under Hezekiah (2 Kings 19), others an older victory. The text does not settle the question.
How can I pray Psalm 76 when facing a threat?
Read verses 1 to 3 to remind yourself that God is present. Then tell him the threat you are facing, taking up verse 7: who can stand against him? Finish by renewing a commitment to him, as verse 11 suggests.
Articles quoting Psalm 76
World English Bible translation — public domain.