Psalms
Chapter 76
God Manifests Himself in Judah
God is now famous in Judah, in Israel his name is great.
Salem is indeed his tent; he has made Zion his dwelling place.
There, he broke the flashing arrow, the shield and sword, the spear and bow.
You are glorious and majestic, enthroned on everlasting mountains.
The stouthearted lie despoiled, sleeping their last sleep, not one able to lift a hand.
At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.
But you—how terrible you are! Who can oppose the fury of your onslaught?
You thundered judgment from the heavens; while the earth trembled and lay still,
as you, O God, arose to judge, to save all the humble of the earth.
Pagan nations will bring you praise; their survivors will celebrate your name.
Make vows to the Lord, your God, and fulfill them; let the people bring offerings to the Fearsome One,
who breaks the spirit of rulers, and is formidable to the kings of the earth.
Commentaries
76
The immense power of God is wielded with infinite delicacy. It rushes to crush anything opposing it but leaves those who understand its weakness untouched. For them, divine omnipotence is not frightening because it fights on their side; their weakness becomes God’s opportunity to show his strength. ‘My great strength is revealed in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9). God never demonstrates his power to impress but always to save. The incarnate Word used his power solely for the sick and hungry because he felt compassion for them. He walked on the lake only to calm his frightened disciples. If the psalmist delights in God the Warrior, we can hardly blame him: it’s merely a child boasting of his Father’s strength.
God has defeated the kings who were attacking Jerusalem, the Holy City. This victory foreshadows another, when, in the end, the humble will be set free.