Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 76

Verses 1-12

PSALM 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.

Verses 2

2. Salem—(Ge 14:18) is Jerusalem.

Verses 3

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).

Verses 4

4. Thou—God.

mountains of prey—great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isa 41:15; Eze 38:11, 12; Zec 4:7).

Verses 5

5. slept their sleep—died (Ps 13:3).

none … found … hands—are powerless.

Verses 6

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

Verses 7

7. may … sight—contend with Thee (De 9:4; Jos 7:12).

Verses 8

8, 9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Ps 9:12; 10:7).

Verses 9-10

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.

Verses 11

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).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.