Psalm 76

Written on 06/01/2024

Verses 1-6

  • God is greater in beauty than anything on earth, and He is greater in power than anything on earth. In fact, His presence causes even the strongest of men to be drained of all their strength.

  • And how great is it that this same God is known, as He was in Israel, in the church today? Remember that, as believers, we have the privilege to come to know God, as His Spirit dwells in us.

    • Zion is a picture of the church and the kingdom of heaven in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:22-24). 

 

Verses 7-10

  • God is to be feared, in part, because of His anger. His anger is against those practicing sin, as their sin oppresses His creation. Sin is injustice done against His kingdom. 

  • So God is worthy of fear and worship because of His own anger. However, in contrast to God's anger, the psalmist speaks of man's anger, saying that even man's anger praises God in the end (verse 10). How so? 

    • Even the unrighteous anger of sinful people will fulfill God's purpose. For example, the crucifixion of Christ, though perpetrated by malicious men, was predetermined by God to bring about His great plan (see Acts 2:23).

      • Do not fear the anger or oppression of man, as God is in control of how He will use these things for His purpose. Also rest assured in knowing that any act that would work against His plan He restrains (verse 10b KJV). 

    • So fear God for His own anger, praise Him for His wise use of man's anger, as He allows what works for Him, and He restrains what does not.

 

Verses 11-12

  • Knowing all this, devote your life to God. Use all the gifts and resources that God has given you for purposes that honor and bring glory to Him. This is a great way for you to put your fear of God into action.

    • As a believer, you've made an ultimate vow to repent from sin and to believe in Christ and His Word. Continue to take action in these things, growing in the Word and turning away from sin.

  • No matter who you are, even a prince or king, God is greater, and He is worthy of your worship. Those who do not submit to God will one day be expelled to eternal condemnation.