Categories: Psalms

Psalm 76

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Who Can Stand Before You?

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.

76   In Judah God is known;
    his name is great in Israel.
  His abode has been established in Salem,
    his dwelling place in Zion.
  There he broke the flashing arrows,
    the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah
  Glorious are you, more majestic
    than the mountains full of prey.
  The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;
    they sank into sleep;
  all the men of war
    were unable to use their hands.
  At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
    both rider and horse lay stunned.
  But you, you are to be feared!
    Who can stand before you
    when once your anger is roused?
  From the heavens you uttered judgment;
    the earth feared and was still,
  when God arose to establish judgment,
    to save all the humble of the earth. Selah
  Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
    the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.
  Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;
    let all around him bring gifts
    to him who is to be feared,
  who cuts off the spirit of princes,
    who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

(ESV)

Psalm 76 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

God is faithful. His track record is perfect. He never fails and never shows up late. His power is unmatched and His grace is providential.

God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. 2 His tabernacle is in Salem; His dwelling place also is in Zion. 3 There He broke the flaming arrows, The shield and the sword and the weapons of war. Selah.

Psalms 76:1-3 NASB

The word tabernacle literally means “lair.” The word Salem represents a shortened version of Jerusalem. It could then be read, “His lair (or home) is in Jerusalem.” The imagery here is beautiful. My mind visualizes a ferocious lion stepping outside of his lair, or den, right in the heart of Jerusalem. He protects His territory and provides peace for those who reside with Him. Let’s take this illustration even further.

For us today, God’s lair resides in our hearts. Our bodies are the home of the Holy Spirit who protects His territory and provides peace for those who place their faith in Jesus. Just like Jerusalem was only made powerful by the presence of the lion, our heart, mind, and soul are made powerful by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

2 Timothy 1:7-11 NASB

We were not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline. Think about that for a moment. When the lion resides in your heart, the reaction is not the conquering of enemies as described under the old covenant. This is what the people of Jerusalem expected, but it was not God’s plan. The lion who drives out fear replaces it with power, love, and discipline. Power means strength for ministry. Love means we humbly serve others as our Savior served us. Discipline means we are cooperating with the Spirit to walk in the light and not stumble in the darkness of our past. Furthermore, discipline is the covering over power and love that allows us to utilize self-control with our spiritual gifts and use them effectively and appropriately for His glory.

So, as you think about the lion who resides in your heart, does this translate? Are you experiencing power, love, and discipline in your life?

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