Ps 76:1-12. On Neginoth--(See on Ps 4:1, title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's deliverance of His people by a signal interposition of power against their enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated in 2Ki 19:35 Isa 37:1-28. (Compare Ps 46:1-11).
1, 2. These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them.
2. Salem--(Ge 14:18) is Jerusalem. 3. brake . . . the arrows--literally, "thunderbolts" (Ps 78:48), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Ps 18:14 Eph 6:16). the battle--for arms (Ho 2:18). 4. Thou--God. mountains of prey--great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isa 41:15 Eze 38:11,12 Zec 4:7). 5. slept their sleep--died (Ps 13:3). none . . . found . . . hands--are powerless.
6. chariot and horse--for those fighting on them (compare Ps 68:17).
7. may . . . sight--contend with Thee (De 9:4 Jos 7:12). 8, 9. God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Ps 9:12 10:7). 10. Man's wrath praises God by its futility before His power. restrain--or, "gird"; that is, Thyself, as with a sword, with which to destroy, or as an ornament to Thy praise. 11, 12. Invite homage to such a God (2Ch 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (Da 5:23).
