Berean Standard Bible · Public domain

Psalm 76

Israel’s prayers give language for praise, grief, repentance, and trust. Poetry uses imagery and parallel lines; each psalm should be read as a whole rather than as a detached promise.

Historical context & book outline

1For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A song. God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel.

2His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.

3There He shattered the flaming arrows, the shield and sword and weapons of war. Selah

4You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains filled with game.

5The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand.

6At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and rider lie stunned.

7You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?

8From heaven You pronounced judgment, and the earth feared and was still

9when God rose up to judge, to save all the lowly of the earth. Selah

10Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.

11Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.

12He breaks the spirits of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

Read closely

  1. What repeated words, contrasts, or actions stand out in this chapter?
  2. How does this chapter fit the surrounding chapters and the book’s purpose?
  3. What did it communicate to its first hearers, before applying it to your life?