Psalms 76:12

Verse Psalms 76:12. He shall cut off the spirit of princes] Even in the midst of their conquests, he can fill them with terror and dismay, or cut them off in their career of victory.

He is terrible to the kings of the earth.] "He is the only Ruler of princes;" to him they must account. And a terrible account most of them will have to give to the great God; especially those who, instigated by the desire of dominion, have, in the lust of conquest which it generates, laid countries waste by fire and sword, making widows and orphans without number, and extending the empire of desolation and death.

Thus all are under his dominion, and are accountable to him. Even those whom man cannot bring to justice, God will; and to judge them is one grand use of a final judgment day.

ANALYSIS OF THE SEVENTY-SIXTH PSALM

In this Psalm there are three parts: -

I. The Prerogative of Judah and Israel, Psalms 76:1.

II. A narration of God's majesty in the Church, Psalms 76:3.

III. An exhortation to worship and serve God.

I. The prerogatives of the Jews above all other nations.

1. God was known among them: "In Judah is God known."

2. His name was great in Israel. Illustrious for his manifold deliverances.

3. At Salem was his tabernacle, - his seat of worship, his peculiar presence.

4. His dwelling in Zion, - his constant habitation.

II. A narration of God's power and majesty.

He was glorious among good men; more glorious than the mountains of prey - kingdoms acquired by violence, murder, and robbery.

And this glory was manifest in the following particulars: -

1. They who came to spoil were spoiled, Psalms 76:5.

2. They were slain: "They have slept their sleep," Psalms 76:5.

3. They could make no head against their destroyer, though they were both numerous and strong: "None of the men of might have found their hands," Psalms 76:5.

The cause of their consternation: -

1. The rebuke of God, Psalms 76:6.

2. He was terrible: "None could stand in his sight," Psalms 76:7.

3. He was determinate: "Judgment was heard from heaven," Psalms 76:8. Sennacherib and his host were destroyed.

The effects produced by this were,

1. Praise from the wicked: "They shall acknowledge this as the hand of God." Psalms 76:10.

2. Victory; though they rally, and return again to the battle, they shall be routed: "The remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain," Psalms 76:10. See the notes.

III. He exhorts all to praise him: - 1. "Vow, and pay." 2. "Fear and submit to him," Psalms 76:11.

This exhortation he founds on the following REASONS: -

1. "He shall cut off the spirit of princes;" take away from tyrants their prudence and courage.

2. "He is terrible to the kings of the earth." They also shall know that he is God.