Psalm 76- God Still Reigns
By Dorothy Brooks
General Bible Study Instructions
Pray for insight and God’s perspective on Bible passages you read.
Read the passage several times. Slowly. Quickly. Underline.
Look up words that seem to jump out at you.
Ask God for relevance to your life GENERALLY
Ask the Lord how the passage is relevant to specifically help you PRAY, VOTE and be ENGAGED.
Introduction
When the laws of God were given, the first two demonstrate the importance to God of honor and respect (Exodus 20:1-17.)
I am the Lord thy God! Thou shalt have no other Gods but me! (Verse 3)
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain! (Verse 7)
In both the Old and New Testaments, we see the blessings and favor that follow those who fear the Lord and respect His name. In the New Testament, Paul acknowledged this:
“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1: 17)
We want the favor of God and blessings on family and country. This requires fear of God; honor and glory to His name; and engagement in what concerns Him.
We also see how nations became vulnerable to attacks and judgment because they no longer feared the Lord. Read these announcements of the “Hour of Judgment.”
“And he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.’” (Revelation 14:7)
The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” (John 5:22-23)
Though often falsely accused of trying to build a theocracy, Christians must honor God above all else. The BLESSING and FAVOR from God to America will flow when His people fear, honor and respect His name.
Psalm 76 was written after an obvious demonstration of God’s favor. The situation did NOT favor God’s people, but because of His name and power, the enemies of God’s people were defeated. Let’s look at the nuggets that can be discovered out of this Psalm that begins with declarations of honor to the name of the Lord. In this Psalm, God’s name is lifted high. His mighty acts, on behalf of His people and righteous nations that honor Him, are extolled.
RESPECT: Name and Power
1 In Judah God is known;
His name is great in Israel.
2 In Salem also is His tabernacle,
And His dwelling place in Zion.
3 There He broke the arrows of the bow,
The shield and sword of battle. Selah (Verses 1-3)
The name of God is praised for specific victories and due to definitive actions. God defeated an enemy of His people. Salem is Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1-2) Evidently Asaph composed this song after an enemy attacked Jerusalem unsuccessfully. Perhaps the miraculous defeat of the Assyrians in 701 B.C. is the background (2 Kings 18-19; Isaiah 36-37).
After defining some of the names in verses 1-3, we can reread the passage with deeper understanding
Judah: means Praise
Israel: means God Contended
Salem: peaceful, safe, complete, perfect; refers to Jerusalem
Zion: Heaven; the heavenly city. A place or religious community regarded as sacredly devoted to God.
GLORY, MAJESTY and POWER
4 You are more glorious and excellent
Than the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted were plundered;
They have sunk into their sleep;
And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands.
6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep. (Verses 4-6)
In these verses God’s glory (high renown or honor) is revealed by the certain rebuke of His enemies. These enemies should be pitied and their future dreaded. Mighty men, kings, princes, and those of renown who walk around stouthearted (courageous, fearless, haughty and ignorant of God’s presence) will be brought low. These great men will be rendered powerless by the excellence of our God.
Feared by whole world
7 You, Yourself, are to be feared;
And who may stand in Your presence
When once You are angry?
8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven;
The earth feared and was still earth,
9 When God arose to judgment,
To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise You (Verses 7-10)
As a result of God’s actions against the oppressors, men will know fear. It will be felt by the whole earth. The world will feel WRATH and that very emotion is a praise to God. Often in our distress, we view our circumstances as needing the might of God but may feel unable to access it.
This Psalm reminds us that God’s might is awesome, and His power unmatched. When He arises to judgment, all the oppressed of the earth will be delivered.
In verses 11-12, we see that God’s acts of deliverance will elicit a response from His people. Out of a heart of gratitude, we GIVE our thanks and praise. How? We can compose a special song of praise that creatively extolls the significance of God’s act and how it impacted our lives. We can also pay vows of special offerings because of what God has done.
Vows should come to God as a result of His deliverance
11 Make vows to the Lord your God and pay them;
Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes. (Verses 11-12)
We can read of the reactions of those who truly feared God in the book of Jonah.
Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows. (Jonah 1:16)
What kind of Vows?
“The vows that my lips promised, and my mouth spoke in my distress.” (Psalm 66:14)
Our presents to our Lord are praises and the sacrifices of a contrite heart; pure worship that flows from a grateful heart. Here is an example of a gift of praise that just flows from gratitude for God’s protection, even during trying circumstances.
Praise you for your protection and grace.
Praise from all who seek your face.
Oh that men would fear you
Who broke the shield and sword.
Oh that men would fear you
And honor your name on high.
Oh that men would fear you.
Who plundered the stouthearted
Oh that men would fear you
And seek you until you are found.
I sought you in my distress.
I feared you and honored your name.
I bowed low in deep contrition.
And declared the might and glory of your fame.
Oh that men would fear you.
And speak in our distress
To cry out for sure deliverance
And accept Shalom and rest.
God still reigns and IS all powerful.
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