PSALM 76

Psalms 76:1-12 . 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 2 Kings 19:35 , Isaiah 37:1-28 . (Compare Psalms 46:1-11 ).

1, 2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them.

2. Salem--( Genesis 14:18 ) is Jerusalem.

3. brake . . . the arrows--literally, "thunderbolts" ( Psalms 78:48 ), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Psalms 18:14 , Ephesians 6:16 ).
the battle--for arms ( Hosea 2:18 ).

4. Thou--God.
mountains of prey--great victorious nations, as Assyria ( Isaiah 41:15 , Ezekiel 38:11 Ezekiel 38:12 , Zechariah 4:7 ).

5. slept their sleep--died ( Psalms 13:3 ).
none . . . found . . . hands--are powerless.

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

7. may . . . sight--contend with Thee ( Deuteronomy 9:4 , Joshua 7:12 ).

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

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.

11, 12. Invite homage to such a God ( 2 Chronicles 32:23 ), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills ( Daniel 5:23 ).