Bible Commentaries
Psalms 76

Introduction

BOOK II.— PSS. XLII.– LXXII.

Psalms 42-83 are Elohistic, i.e. they use the word God (Elohim) and avoid the proper name Yahweh, probably from motives of reverence. Here and there, however, the name Yahweh has crept into the text by a natural slip of the scribes.

Verses 1-12

LXXVI. The Majesty of God in Zion: Homage of the Nations.

Psalms 76:2 . Salem: a poetical name for Jerusalem ( Genesis 14:18 *).

Psalms 76:3 . lightnings of the bow ( mg.) , i.e. arrows.

Psalms 76:4 . Read, “ from the eternal mountains” (LXX) or rather “ mountain,” i.e. Zion.

Psalms 76:7 . Read, “ because of the strength of thine anger.”

Psalms 76:9 . The Divine sentence is given from heaven: the earth trembles and is still, persecuting the meek of the land no more.

Psalms 76:10 . For “ wrath” in each case read “ nations,” and for “ shalt thou gird upon thee,” read “ shall keep feast,” i.e. at Zion. By “ the residue of nations” the poet means those who are left after the judgment. All mankind are to acknowledge the God of Israel.