Psalm 76 Study Notes

76:6 Jacob refers to the twelve tribes descended from the patriarch. God’s spoken word brings about miraculous events, causing waters to stand or divide (18:15; 104:7; Is 50:2) and people to perish (Ps 80:16). The rebuke of God, coupled with the mention of chariot and horse, alludes to the exodus event, a recurrent theme in the psalms of Asaph (Ex 15:1,4). The chariot and horse lay still, a term describing a comatose state or deep sleep. The metaphor for death (Ex 15:16) fits well with the imagery in Ps 76:5.

76:7 The repetition of you emphasizes the Lord. Fear of God is a combination of humility, obedience, awe, and respect. No creature that opposes God’s righteous anger can endure in his presence (147:17; Nah 1:6).

76:8-9 The Hebrew term shaqat never denotes a silence or quietness derived from terror. So this is a reverent fear that stems from a sense of security and comfort as a result of God’s correction of injustice and oppression. The Lord’s righteousness produces hope, trust, and peace (Is 30:15; 32:17).

76:10 God uses all things to fulfill his divine will and purpose. Even human wrath serves to exalt God, perhaps because it is powerless to defy God or overthrow his justice.

76:11 A vow is a solemn promise or oath. God’s people, encouraged to praise him for deliverance from their enemies, bring sacrifices and offerings in gratitude. The faithful surround God to willingly bring worship, an ironic contrast to v. 10, where human wrath encompassed God but, despite contrary intentions, only managed to glorify him.