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76. Psalm 76

¹ God is renowned in Judah;
   in Israel his name is great.
² His tent is in Salem,
   his dwelling place in Zion.
³ There he broke the flashing arrows,
   the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 9.

    ⁴ You are radiant with light,
   more majestic than mountains rich with game.
⁵ The valiant lie plundered,
   they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors
   can lift his hands.
⁶ At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
   both horse and chariot lie still.

    ⁷ It is you alone who are to be feared.
   Who can stand before you when you are angry?
⁸ From heaven you pronounced judgment,
   and the land feared and was quiet—
⁹ when you, God, rose up to judge,
   to save all the afflicted of the land.
¹⁰ Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
   and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. Or Surely the wrath of mankind brings you praise, / and with the remainder of wrath you arm yourself

    ¹¹ Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them;
   let all the neighboring lands
   bring gifts to the One to be feared.
¹² He breaks the spirit of rulers;
   he is feared by the kings of the earth.

9. When God arose to judgment. The great object which God had in view in executing this judgment is now declared; which was, that he might furnish a proof of his fatherly love towards all his people. He is, therefore, introduced as speaking, not with his mouth, but with his hand, that he may show to all how precious in his sight is the salvation of all who fear and love him. Under the word arise, there is a reference to the inactivity and indolency ascribed by wicked men to God, an opinion which had led them to take so much liberty to themselves. God is then said to ascend into his judgment-seat, when he plainly indicates that he exercises a special care over his Church. The design of the passage is to show that it is as impossible for God to forsake the afflicted and innocent, as it is impossible for him to deny himself. It is to be observed that he is termed Judge, because he affords succor to the poor who are unrighteously oppressed. The appellation of the meek or humble of the earth is applied to the faithful, who, subdued by afflictions, seek not high things, but, with humble groaning, patiently bear the burden of the cross. The best fruit of afflictions is, when thereby we are brought to purge our minds from all arrogance, and to bend them to meekness and modesty. When such is the effect, we may conclude with certainty that we are under the guardianship and protection of God, and that he is ready to extend his aid and favor towards us.