Psalms 76 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 76 Psa 76:1-12 . On Neginoth--(See on Psa 4:1 , title). This Psalm 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 2Ki 19:35 ; Is 37:1-28 . (Compare Psa 46:1-11 ). 1-2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them.
3. brake ... the arrows-- literally, "thunderbolts" ( Psa 78:48 ), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Psa 18:14 ; Ep 6:16 ). the battle-- for arms ( Ho 2:18 ).
4. Thou-- God. mountains of prey-- great victorious nations, as Assyria ( Is 41:15 ; Eze 38:11 , 12 ; Zec 4:7 ).
5. slept their sleep-- died ( Psa 13:3 ). none ... found ... hands-- are powerless.
6. chariot and horse-- for those fighting on them (compare Psa 68:17 ).
7. may ... sight-- contend with Thee ( De 9:4 ; Jos 7:12 ).
8-9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance ( Psa 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 ( 2Ch 32:23 ), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills ( Da 5:23 ).