Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 76

A.W. Tozer once said, “No one can know the true grace of God, who has not known the fear of God. Psalm 76 is a psalm that speaks, not only of the this fear, but is a reminder of why God is worthy of that type of respect from us. Why should we fear God?

Psalm 76:1-3

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

History is important, and the history of Israel is filled with stories of the power and might of God. It’s likely that the background of this psalm is how God defeated the Assyrian army when it came against Israel in 722 BC. Read the story in 2 Kings, chapters 18 & 19.

Psalm 76:4-6
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.

The words of the psalmist explain the majesty and the power of God.

Psalm 76:7-9
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

This psalm not only looks back at the judgment of God, but it also looks forward to the of judgment to come.

Psalm 76:10-12
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.

There are only two choices in life; live by faith in Christ acknowledging yourself as a sinner in need of His grace or stand against God in rebellion. If you choose the latter, expect one day the hammer of justice will fall upon you.

Choose carefully. I suggest you listen to the psalmist. Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared.

Revelation 19:11-16
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

We live on the precipice of war. No, not with N. Korea. With God, Almighty. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Fear God. Fear him so much that you understand your only hope is to be behind the covering of the one who will come on the white horse. He is called faithful and true. He is called Jesus.