PSALM 76

. On Neginoth—(See on , 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 2 Kings 19:35; Isaiah 37:1-28. (Compare Isaiah 37:1-23).

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

2. Salem— () is Jerusalem.

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

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 ().
none . . . found . . . hands—are powerless.

6. chariot and horse—for those fighting on them (compare ).

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; Psalms 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 (2 Chronicles 32:23).