Psalm 76

Our mighty warrior.
In this first half of the psalm, Asaph points to God, who won the battles for his people. "The present Psalm is a most jubilant war song, a paean to the King of kings, the hymn of a theocratic nation in its divine power:' His might is greater than the greatest military force against Israel (v. 3). His strength is not found in weapons but in his word of rebuke, which defeats his enemies (v. 6). God's power is not guided by his nature (v. 4). He is "glorious in holiness, and his terrible deeds are done in justice for the defense of the weak and the deliverance of the enslaved." He continues to fight on our behalf through our mighty warrior Jesus Christ, who defeated the strongest opponent, Satan, on the cross. Having defeated the devil, we can live victoriously and tell others confidently of God's greatness (v. 1).

Responding to God's victory.

 In this second half of the psalm, Asaph's comments now extend beyond Israel to the surrounding territories and rulers (vv. 11-12). How should they, and we, respond to battles clearly won by Almighty God? First, seeing his wrath, we should solemnly fear God (v. 7). Second, we should praise God's majestic nature, which his wrath reveals. The "most rampant evil is under the control of the Lord, and will in the end be overruled for his praise" (v. 10 ). Finally, we should live faithfully before the Lord for he has been faithful to us (vv. 11-12). "He keeps his promises, let not his people fail in theirs. He is their faithful God and deserves to have a faithful people." We do so with grateful praise and obedience to the Lord.

Used by Permission “The Psalms of every day living”- David McKinley

3 Month Reading Plan - Psalm 72