Psalm Chapter 76 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
Psalms Chapter 76 (Old Testament)
6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
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.
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.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 76:1
Verse: לַיהוָה מְכוֹנָה בְּיַעֲקֹב
Transliteration: La-Adonai mekhonah b’Yaakov
English: “In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.”
Focus Word: מְכוֹנָה (Mekhonah)
- Root: כ-ו-נ (Kaf-Vav-Nun)
- Meaning: “Habitation,” “dwelling place,” “established place.”
- Deeper Insight: Mekhonah conveys stability and enduring presence, emphasizing God’s established rule and recognition among His people.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 76 |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Binning (University of Glasgow, 1627–1653) | Sermons on the Psalms | The Psalm proclaims God’s power to subdue nations and instills confidence in His protection. |
| William Lowth (University of Oxford, 1660–1732) | Commentary on the Psalms | Emphasizes the awe-inspiring justice of God against the wicked and the comfort it brings to the faithful. |
| Johann Albrecht Bengel (University of Tübingen, 1687–1752) | Gnomon Novi Testamenti | Declares that God’s majesty manifests through both historical victories and moral governance. |
| Philip Doddridge (Northampton Academy, 1702–1751) | Family Expositor | God’s supremacy over all earthly powers encourages devotion and trust. |
| James Durham (St Andrews / Edinburgh, 1622–1658) | Commentary on the Psalms | The Psalm inspires both reverence for God’s authority and hope for His deliverance. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| John Calvin – Commentary on the Psalms | Calvin sees the psalm as celebrating God’s victory over proud enemies. Zion becomes the place where His power is revealed. Fear of God is the fruit of His deliverance. |
| Matthew Henry – Exposition on the Psalms | Henry interprets the psalm as a thanksgiving for divine intervention in battle. God breaks the weapons of war. His judgments bring awe to the earth. |
| Albert Barnes – Notes on the Psalms | Barnes views the psalm as extolling God’s majesty in delivering His people. His power terrifies kings. Worship is the fitting response. |
| John Morison – Practical Exposition of the Psalms | Morison sees God’s victory as sudden and decisive. The proud are humbled. Zion rejoices in His greatness. |
| William Walford – Commentary on the Psalms | Walford interprets the psalm as a national hymn of triumph. God’s strength protects His people. Fear and worship follow His acts. |
| Andrew A. Bonar – Christ and His Church in the Psalms | Bonar views the psalm as Christ-defended Zion victorious over her foes. The divine warrior breaks the arrows of the enemy. The earth stands in awe. |
| Joseph Parker – People’s Bible Notes | Parker reads the psalm as a celebration of divine supremacy. God humbles human pride. His name is exalted in Zion. |
| Thomas Dale – Exposition of the Psalms | Dale sees God as the conqueror whose judgments inspire reverence. Human strength collapses before Him. Worship confirms His rule. |
| Horatius Bonar – Psalm Meditations | Bonar sees the psalm as portraying God’s victory over all hostile powers. His judgments awaken fear. Zion rejoices in the divine presence. |
| Christopher Wordsworth – Commentary on the Psalms | Wordsworth interprets God’s triumph as both historical and prophetic. God is terrible to His enemies and gracious to His people. Worship fulfills the psalm. |
