Psalm 76

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Psalm 76

¹ To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.

² His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

³ There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah

⁴ Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains of prey.

⁵ The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands.

⁶ At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.

⁷ But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?

⁸ From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still,

⁹ when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

¹⁰ Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.

¹¹ Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared,

¹² who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

Verse one makes reference to God being known in Judah and His name being made great in Israel. How has God made Himself known to them? How is he known to you?
This Psalm speaks of God’s abode as a lion’s lair. How does this comparison of God with a lion help you see Him for who He truly is? Can you think of other similes used for God in the Bible? Do you find them comforting or troubling?
Can you recount a time when you felt God was especially close to you because he delivered you? Explain.
The memory of God’s deliverance of Israel in the Exodus encouraged a new generation. What are you prone to forget about God? How could you forget less easily?
Which comes more naturally for you, fearing God or fearing other people? Explain.

Pray that we would remember God’s faithful and mighty acts on our behalf and that we would fear Him.