FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Psalms 76:1
KJVIn Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. This collection gives prominent space to communal distress and worship, ending with the tension between the Davidic promise and the king's humiliation.
- 76:1 In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
- 76:2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
- 76:3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
- 76:4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
- 76:5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
- 76:6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 76:1–76:12): Hearers are instructed about God's victory and summoned to make and keep vows to Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? God’s Name Is Great in Israel. Read Psalms 76:1 through Psalms 76:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. This collection gives prominent space to communal distress and worship, ending with the tension between the Davidic promise and the king's humiliation. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The collection includes different periods and occasions. A specific date is not given for every psalm, and a date inferred for one poem must not be assigned to the whole collection. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The poems refer to homes, wilderness, sanctuary, Zion, exile, and the wider creation. A poetic scene is not automatically the place where the poet composed the psalm. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God’s Name Is Great in Israel (Psalms 76:1 to Psalms 76:6). Start reading at Psalms 76:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus and the apostles apply particular psalms to Christ. Those cited applications provide firm connections; they do not justify treating every first-person statement in every psalm as directly spoken by Jesus. See Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Bring lament, confession, thanksgiving, and praise honestly before God. Read petitions and descriptions in their poetic setting, and distinguish the psalm's speaker from the reader applying it. interpretation
Cited: Psalms 76:1, Psalms 76:6, Luke 24:44, Acts 2:25, Acts 2:30, Acts 2:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Neginoth Ps 4:1 Ps 54:1 Ps 61:1 Ps 67:1
- In Judah Ps 48:1-3 Ps 147:19-20 Deut 4:7-8,34-36 Acts 17:23 Rom 2:17-29 Rom 3:1-2
- his Ps 98:2-3 Ps 148:13-14 1 Chr 29:10-12 2 Chr 2:5-6 Dan 3:29 Dan 4:1-2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 76
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
“Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who…”
Psalms 76:7–10FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
“Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let…”
Psalms 76:11–12FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Psalms 1:1 Psalms 41:13 Psalms 150:6
Book I
Psalms 1:1–41:13FocusPrayer, the righteous, and the king
Book II
Psalms 42:1–72:20FocusDistress, kingship, and praise
FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Book IV
Psalms 90:1–106:48FocusThe LORD's reign and Israel's history
Book V
Psalms 107:1–150:6FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.