1.

In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.

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

2.

In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

2. Salem— () is Jerusalem.

3.

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

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 art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.

4. Thou—God.
mountains of prey—great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isaiah 41:15; Ezekiel 38:11; Ezekiel 38:12; Zechariah 4:7).

5.

The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.

5. slept their sleep—died ().
none . . . found . . . hands—are powerless.

6.

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

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

7.

Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

7. may . . . sight—contend with Thee (Deuteronomy 9:4; Joshua 7:12).

8.

Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,

8, 9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Psalms 9:12; Psalms 10:7).

9.

When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

10.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

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.

Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

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).

12.

He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.