Psalm 76 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

76:1-2

Psalm 76:1-12. On Neginoth - (See on Psalm 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 2 Kings 19:35; Isaiah 37:1-28. (Compare Psalm 46:1-11).

These well-known terms denote God‘s people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them.

76:2

Salem — (Genesis 14:18) is Jerusalem.

76:3 the arrows — literally, “thunderbolts” (Psalm 78:48), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Psalm 18:14; Ephesians 6:16).

the battle — for arms (Hosea 2:18).

76:4

Thou — God.

mountains of prey — great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isaiah 41:15; Ezekiel 38:11, Ezekiel 38:12; Zechariah 4:7).

76:5

slept their sleep — died (Psalm 13:3).

none found hands — are powerless.

76:6

chariot and horse — for those fighting on them (compare Psalm 68:17).

76:7 sight — contend with Thee (Deuteronomy 9:4; Joshua 7:12).76:8-9

God‘s judgment on the wicked is His people‘s deliverance (Psalm 9:12; Psalm 10:7).

76:10

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.

76:11-12

Invite homage to such a God (2 Chronicles 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (Daniel 5:23).