Psalms 76

Ps 76:1-12. 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).