@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).