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Psalm 76

For the worship leader. A song of Asaph accompanied by strings.

This song of Asaph praises Jerusalem as God’s earthly home and celebrates His victory there over enemies, where in the end “He squashes the arrogant spirit of the rulers.”

The One known in Judah is the True God;
    in Israel, His name is great.
He has made Salem[a] His home;
    indeed, He rests in Zion.
There He destroyed the instruments of war:
    flaming arrows, shields, and swords.

[pause][b]

You rise and shine like the dawn.
    You are more majestic than the mountains where game runs wild.
The strong-hearted enemies were plundered;
    they were buried in slumber.
Even the noble warriors
    could not raise a hand to stop You.
O True God of Jacob, with just Your rebuke
    both horse and rider fell into a deep sleep.

You are feared; yes, You.
    And who can stand before You when Your anger flares?
You decreed judgment from the heavens.
    The earth heard it and was petrified with fear, completely still,
When the True God arose for judgment
    to deliver all the meek of the earth.

[pause]

10 For the wrath of man will end in praise of You,
    and whatever wrath is left You will wrap around Yourself like a belt.
11 Make vows to the Eternal your God,
    and do all you promised;
Let all the nations around you bring gifts
    to the God who arouses fear and awe.
12 He squashes the arrogant spirit of the rulers
    and inspires fear in the hearts of the kings of the earth.

Footnotes

  1. 76:2 Jerusalem
  2. 76:3 Literally, selah, likely a musical direction from a Hebrew root meaning “to lift up”

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