Psalms 76:1-12
1 In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.
The singer celebrates a great victory, recognizing it as the work of God. The song has three movements. In the first, God is seen as the defense of the people (verses Psa 76:1-3). In the second, His victory over their enemies is declared (verses Psa 76:4-9). In the third, the truth is summarized, and appeal is made to His people and the surrounding nations to change their attitude toward Him (verses Psa 76:10-12).
The national life gathers around Him. He is known by the nation; His dwelling place is in their city. The attack made upon them has been broken by the One who dwells in the midst of them. The issue of His judgment is manifest in the blotting out of the enemy. They have ceased to be, having been put to the sleep of death. God's judgments are purposeful, He arose to save the meek, and they are resistless; the enemies are no more. So perfect is His government that by judgment He compels evil to serve His purpose, making the wrath of men to praise Him. To such 'a God there should be allegiance sworn and rendered by His people, and the surrounding peoples should submit with gifts.
While the weapons of our warfare are spiritual, God is the same in might; and while He is in the midst our defense is sure. No weapon formed against the trusting people can prosper.