76 1 This Psalm setteth forth the power of God, and care for the defense of his people in Jerusalem, in the destruction of the army of Sennacherib: 11 and exhorteth the faithful to be thankful for the same.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalm, or song committed to Asaph.

God is [a]known in Judah: his Name is great in Israel.

For in [b]Salem is his Tabernacle, and his dwelling in Zion.

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

Thou art more bright and puissant, than [c]the mountains of prey.

The stouthearted are spoiled: they have slept their sleep, and all the men of strength have not [d]found their hands.

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast asleep.

Thou, even thou art to be feared; and who shall stand in thy [e]sight, when thou art angry!

Thou didst cause thy judgment to be heard from heaven; therefore the earth feared, and was still,

When thou, O God, arose to judgment, to [f]help all the meek of the earth. Selah.

10 Surely the [g]rage of man shall turn to thy praise; the remnant of the rage shalt thou restrain.

11 Vow and perform unto the Lord your God, all ye that be [h]round about him; let them bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

12 He shall [i]cut off the spirit of princes; he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 76:1 He declareth that God’s power is evidently seen in preserving his people and destroying his enemies.
  2. Psalm 76:2 Which afterward was called Jerusalem.
  3. Psalm 76:4 He compareth the kingdoms full of extortion and rapine to the mountains that are full of ravening beasts.
  4. Psalm 76:5 God hath taken their spirits and strength from them as though their hands were cut off.
  5. Psalm 76:7 God with a look is able to destroy all the power and activity of the enemies, were they never so many, or mighty.
  6. Psalm 76:9 To revenge the wrongs done to thy Church.
  7. Psalm 76:10 For the end shall show that the enemy was able to bring nothing to pass: also thou shalt bridle their rage that they shall not compass their purpose.
  8. Psalm 76:11 To wit, the Levites, that dwell about the Tabernacle, or the people among whom he doth dwell.
  9. Psalm 76:12 The Hebrew word signifieth to vintage, or gather grapes: meaning, that he shall make the counsels and enterprises of wicked tyrants foolish and vain.

Psalm 76[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

God is renowned in Judah;
    in Israel his name is great.(A)
His tent is in Salem,(B)
    his dwelling place in Zion.(C)
There he broke the flashing arrows,(D)
    the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.[b](E)

You are radiant with light,(F)
    more majestic than mountains rich with game.
The valiant(G) lie plundered,
    they sleep their last sleep;(H)
not one of the warriors
    can lift his hands.
At your rebuke,(I) God of Jacob,
    both horse and chariot(J) lie still.

It is you alone who are to be feared.(K)
    Who can stand(L) before you when you are angry?(M)
From heaven you pronounced judgment,
    and the land feared(N) and was quiet—
when you, God, rose up to judge,(O)
    to save all the afflicted(P) of the land.
10 Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,(Q)
    and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.[c]

11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;(R)
    let all the neighboring lands
    bring gifts(S) to the One to be feared.
12 He breaks the spirit of rulers;
    he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 76:1 In Hebrew texts 76:1-12 is numbered 76:2-13.
  2. Psalm 76:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 9.
  3. Psalm 76:10 Or Surely the wrath of mankind brings you praise, / and with the remainder of wrath you arm yourself