Psalms 76 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 76 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This is described as "a psalm of Asaph." The most famous Asaph was a contemporary of king David (1 Chronicles 6:39). However, this song seems to perfectly describe a failed Assyrian invasion which happened centuries after David's life (2 Kings 18—19). If the song addresses that issue, then its association with Asaph would mean it is written in his style, or perhaps by a descendant with the same name. Like Psalms 4, 55, 67, and others, this is meant to be played with stringed instruments.

Mount Zion was originally a Jebusite fortress captured by David (2 Samuel 5:7). The same area was apparently called Salem (Genesis 14:18). David made this his capital city: Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:1). These terms became symbolic references to this "city of David" (2 Samuel 5:9). Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 1:2–4), and the name of the southern kingdom after the division of Israel (1 Kings 12:16–24). As the location of the temple (1 Kings 6:1), and for a while the location of the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 15:3), Jerusalem was seen as the symbolic home of God on earth (Psalm 76:1–2).

God is credited with entirely defeating an enemy's fighting ability. That these weapons are "broken" implies that they are ineffective. During the attempted Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, God sent an angel to kill thousands upon thousands of invading soldiers overnight. In the morning, the shattered army retreated (2 Kings 19:35–36). In a single action, God undid all the supposed power of these men of war. Without Israel sending a single soldier into combat (1 Kings 19:32–34), an enemy which seemed invincible was turned back (Psalm 76:3–6).

The psalmist then turns to praise the absolute power of the Lord God. As the Creator (Genesis 1:1), nothing in the universe can withstand God. His judgment terrifies the entire world into silence. Here, the "wrath of man" refers to the rage and anguish of those who suffer the Lord's judgment on sin. All the defiance and rage of those judged by God will only serve to prove His glory (Psalm 2:1). When human effort is exhausted, He has power to spare. In fact, the Lord will symbolically "wear" the shattered remnants of human defiance like a trophy (Psalm 76:7–10).

Because of this, God is to be honored. The concept of "fear" here certainly includes a sense of danger: God is unstoppable and all-powerful. Yet proper "fear" of God is not abject panic or terror (Proverbs 1:7). It means reverence and submissive respect. Living out that attitude includes fulfilling any vows made to God, rather than breaking them. It also means sacrifices of thanks. God's power and authority prune away the arrogance of any dynasty which thinks it can oppose him (Isaiah 18:5; 25:5). Even the greatest of human rulers ought to reverently "fear" the Lord (Psalm 76:11–12).

Psalm 76:1–3 extols God as the Lord of Judah and Israel. Terms such as Zion and Salem are references to the city of Jerusalem. The psalm likely refers to the miraculous defeat of Assyrian invaders during the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18—19). There, God's angel ravaged a massive army, overnight, leading to a retreat the next morning. All the Assyrian weapons were useless against the Lord, who was known by His people.

Psalm 76:4–10 continues a description of God's victory over the enemy. This probably speaks of the miraculous rout of Assyria which happened while Hezekiah was king (2 Kings 18—19). That victory reinforced the idea that God is glorious and to be feared. No one can withstand His wrath. When His wrath is set loose, the entire earth is awed into silence.

Psalm 76:11–12 closes the song by urging believers to properly honor the Lord God. This includes fulfilling vows they may have made. It also means bringing sacrifices and offerings to Him. God is sovereign over the entire world, including every king and dynasty.

Chapter Summary:

The psalmist celebrates the defeat of God's enemies by declaring that the people of Israel know their Lord. The psalm refers to soldiers, horses, and weapons being entirely neutralized. God's judgment is unstoppable. The entire earth is encouraged to honor the Lord, who has the power to overcome any earthly king. This psalm shares themes with Psalms 46 and 83, which also appear to address a miraculous defeat of the Assyrians (2 Kings 18—19).

Chapter Context:

This psalm seems related to the defeat of Assyrian forces who attempted to capture Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:32–37). In that incident, God sent an angel to eliminate thousands upon thousands of enemy troops overnight; the Assyrians retreated the next morning (2 Kings 19:35–36). Psalms 46 and 83 appear to be about this as well. Because the Asaph who knew David lived centuries before this event (1 Chronicles 6:39), this psalm "of Asaph" is probably written in his style, or by a descendant with the same name. Psalms 4, 6, 54, 55, 61, and 67 also refer to the use of stringed instruments.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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