Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 76

Is God known. See Ps. 9:16; 48:3. Name. See on Ps. 5:11; 17:7. Israel. The synonymous parallelism of the two clauses of this verse indicates that “Israel” is synonymous with “Judah.” The names evidently do not here refer to the two divisions of the nation, which divisions most likely were effected after the time the psalm was composed (see GC 23). In v. 1–3 Jerusalem is celebrated as the abode of God, whence He displays His power. 762. Salem. The shorter and older name for Jerusalem; the “peaceful” place, where God’s presence abode (see on Gen. 14:18; see also PP 703). Zion. See on Ps. 48:2.

There. In Zion, whence God’s power was displayed. Arrows of the bow. Literally, “flames of the bow,” probably describing arrows flying with the speed of lightning. Battle. The idea is that the enemies’ devices were completely upset by the power of God (see Ps. 46:9). Selah. See p. 629.

More glorious. Verses 4–6 describe the sudden destruction of the invaders. Mountains of prey. Perhaps thus designated because they are considered as the stronghold of robbers, from which these bandits went forth to plunder. God, who made the mountains, is superior to them in power and glory. The LXX reads, “everlasting mountains.”

The stouthearted. The invaders, boasting of their strength. Have slept their sleep. They are dead (see on Ps. 13:3). Found their hands. The mighty men are paralyzed, unable to use their hands to resist.

At thy rebuke. When God spoke, they were discomfited. The chariot and horse. Charioteers and horsemen (by the figure of metonymy; cf. Isa. 43:17).

Thou, even thou. Emphatic repetition. Verses 7–9 describe the destruction of the enemy as an act of judgment that teaches a lesson to all the world. Art to be feared. Or, “art to be reverenced,” because His power has overthrown the enemy. When once. Better, “from the time.” If such invading armies have been overcome by God’s sudden display of power, who could possibly resist God with any hope of success?

Judgment. The overthrow of the enemy was regarded as a judgment from heaven.

Was still. The earth appeared to be silent, reverently listening to the voice of God pronouncing judgment (see Ps. 114:3–7).

When God arose. See Ps. 3:7; 7:6; 44:26; 68:1. Selah. See p. 629.

Shall praise thee. The wickedness of man gives occasion for great deeds on God’s part. Man’s hostility to God gives opportunity for the display of God’s power that brings praise to Him (see Ex. 9:16; 18:11). Restrain. Literally, “thou wilt gird.” The parallelism of the two clauses in the verse indicates that God puts on, as an ornament, the last powerless efforts of feeble man to assert his own strength, clothing Himself thus to His own glory. The experience of Daniel is a notable example of the operation of this principle (see PK 543, 544).

Vow. The poet addresses God’s people (see Ps. 22:25). Bring presents. Our measure of gratitude is sometimes shown in our gifts.

He shall cut off. God will cut down their pride, referring to what He had done as celebrated in this psalm. “Cut off” suggests the work of a vinedresser, pruning the vines or cutting off the clusters of grapes (see Isa. 18:5). Spirit. Heb. ruach, literally, “wind” (see on Eccl. 12:7). Kings. God defeats the plans of kings as well as of princes when His good pleasure dictates. The psalm closes with an expression of the finality of God’s dealing with evil men. Compare Rev. 6:15–17; 19:17–21.