Psalms 76 God's Victory Over the Nations

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).