Psalm 76

A Psalm of Asaph Praising God’s Power and Protection for His People

The title of this psalm (A Psalm of Asaph) tells us that it was written by the great singer and musician of David and Solomon’s era (1 Chronicles 15:17-19, 16:5-7, 25:6).           - David Guzik

1 Chronicles 25:1 - David and the officers of the army also set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals.

In this psalm of declarative praise, Asaph praised God for His power. He had destroyed the wicked and delivered the godly. Therefore the leaders of His people should follow Him faithfully. The psalm is in the form of a victory hymn, though it may not refer to one particular victory in Israel’s history.          - Thomas Constable

This psalm of Asaph offers praise to God for His defense and deliverance in some unspecified attack against Jerusalem.  Asaph, the same worship leader whose lyrics include “Did I purify my heart…for nothing?” (73:13) and “Why have you rejected us forever, God?” (74:1) penned this confident declaration of God’s power and protection.  His lyrics reveal seasons and songs of both fear and faith.  

God Is Known in Judah

Vs. 1-2 - God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.  His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

Commentators note an emphasis that God had revealed Himself to men, but specifically to His chosen people in His chosen city.  And it was there that Asaph offered praise for His demonstration of power.

You Are to Be Feared

Vs. 7 - And you—you are to be feared.

He Shatters The Weapons of War

Vs. 3 - There he shatters the bow’s flaming arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.

Vs. 5-6 - None of the warriors was able to lift a hand. At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both chariot and horse lay still.

God had defended His people in an unspecified battle and proved that no enemy of Israel could prevail when He fought for them. 

Even Wrath Will Praise Him

Vs. 7 - When you are angry, who can stand before you?

Vs. 10 (NLT) - Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise

The NIV translation of Psalms 76:10, "Your wrath against men brings you praise," was probably the writer’s thought rather than the NASB’s, "The wrath of man shall praise Thee." Both ideas are true, but the former appears to be in view here.                   - Thomas Constable

From Asaph’s perspective, God had moved in righteous anger to defend His people, and He should receive praise as a result.  

He Humbles the Spirit of Leaders

Vs. 12 - He humbles the spirit of leaders; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Asaph’s view that God is sovereign over all human kings and kingdoms is a continual theme in scripture. 

Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Daniel 4:32 - The Most High is ruler over human kingdoms, and he gives them to anyone he wants.

Make And Keep Your Vows

Vs. 11 - Make and keep your vows to the Lord your God; let all who are around him bring tribute to the awe-inspiring one.

Since God will be glorified whether people submit or rebel, they will do well to bring glory to him willingly by offering true and humble worship.              - Don Fleming

If such should have been the gratitude and devotion of Israelites, for a temporary deliverance from the fury of an earthly tyrant, how much higher ought that of Christians to rise, for eternal redemption from the great oppressor!      - Horne