PSALM 76
God establishes residence of Israel verse 1- 3
In Judah is God known – HIS name is great in Israel
in Salem also is HIS tabernacle
HIS dwelling place in Zion
there brake HE the arrows of the
bow – shield – sword – battle
SELAH
God protects the residence of Israel verse 4- 6
YOU are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey
the stout-hearted are spoiled – they have slept their sleep
and none of the men of might have found their hands
At YOUR rebuke – O God of Jacob
both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep
God protects the oppressed verse 7- 9
YOU – even YOU – are to be FEARED
and who may stand in YOUR sight
when once YOU are angry?
YOU did cause judgment to be heard from heaven
the earth FEARED – and was still
when God arose to judgment
to save all the meek of the earth
SELAH
Wrath of man verse 10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise YOU
the remainder of wrath shall YOU restrain
Warning to keep our promises to God verse 11- 12
VOW – and pay to the LORD your God
let all that be round about HIM
bring presents unto HIM that ought
to be FEARED
HE shall cut off the spirit of princes
HE is TERRIBLE [feared] to the kings of the earth
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 “In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion.” The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). (Dwelling – 4585 מְעֹנָה [mâʿownah, mâʿonah /meh·o·naw/] n f. From 4583; TWOT 1581b; GK 5104; Nine occurrences; AV translates as “den” five times, “place” once, “dwelling place” once, “refuge” once, and “habitation” once. 1 dwelling, habitation, refuge. 1A den, lair (of animals). 1B dwelling-place (of God) (fig.). (James Strong, Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2001).
DEVOTION: In the Old Testament, Jerusalem was the place of His Temple and the glory of God dwelt there. The imagery used in verse two is of a mighty warrior lying in wait for their enemies. The words for “lair/covert” (סך) and “den” (מענה) are frequently treated figuratively as “abode/tabernacle/dwelling” and “dwelling place” (note KJV and RSV). However, in this psalm the imagery seems to be more that of a lair or covert for lions or other wild beasts (note Jer. 25:38; Amos 3:4; Job 38:40; Pss 10:9; 104:21–22). The imagery of God in v 2 is that of a leonine warrior who takes a powerful position in Jerusalem on Mount Zion and defeats all attackers. (Marvin E. Tate, Psalms 51–100, vol. 20, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1998), 261.)
While it is true that in the Old Testament God’s presence and power resided in Jerusalem, in the New Testament the residence of God is in the believer! This picture of God, here as resident in Jerusalem, is true of the Holy Spirit resident in the believer. (John 1:14; Rom. 8:9; 2 Cor.12:9; Col.3:16; 2 Tim.1:5) This indwelling Spirit Jesus promised in John 14:16-17; 16:17. It is promised to be forever 14:16. As the city of Jerusalem was pictured as the den or dwelling place so our bodies are the dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. May we realize what dwells within us!
CHALLENGE: The power of God is real but often overlooked because we see the outward man instead of the indwelling Spirit. Review the truth that God, the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer! 1 Cor. 6:19. (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 4 “You are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.” (“Glorious,” 117 אַדִּיר [ʾaddiyr ] 27 occurrences; AV translates as “nobles” seven times, “excellent” four times, “mighty” five times, “ principal” three times, “famous” twice, “gallant” once, “glorious” once, “goodly” once, “lordly” once, “noble one” once, and “worthies” once. 1 great, majestic. 1a of waters of sea. 1b of a tree. 1c of kings, nations, gods. 2 great one, majestic one. 2a of nobles, chieftains, servants [Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software]).
DEVOTION: This is another declarative psalm of praise to God. This psalm highlights God’s attribute of being glorious or excellent. It is talking about His being far above anything in the created universe. He is glorious both for His character and for His actions. He shows His majesty by His forgiveness of our sins.
Not only is He glorious, but we are to elevate His glory in describing Him to others. His Word is full of passages where people are directed to declare God’s glory in word and song. People should know from our words that we worship a glorious God. Not only does this psalm show us that God’s glory is manifested in His creation, but it also shows us that His glory is to be declared by His people.
In addition, God wants us to obey Him in a way that He alone will receive glory. This is evident from the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13). We should be living in such a manner that only God will receive the glory (Psalm 115:1). By seeking to advance His kingdom by winning, building, and sending men, we are making His glory greater in the world.
CHALLENGE: How important is God’s glory to you? Are you living your life so that everything you do is causing more glory to be given to God? If you are living for the praise of others, then you need to start giving God the glory! (Dr. Marc Wooten – board member)
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: 5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands. (3820 “stouthearted” [leb] means one’s inner self, inclination, disposition, determination, the locus of a person’s thoughts (mind), volition, emotions, and knowledge of right from wrong (conscience) understood as the heart or inner man)
DEVOTION: It is thought that this is speaking of the battle of the children of Israel against Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. He invaded Judah and encircled Jerusalem. Hezekiah took a letter from him to the temple and put it in front of God.
Hezekiah prayed and the LORD answered with a victory over this enemy. So we need to realize that the LORD is stronger than any enemy we face in our life.
We just have to believe in HIS ability to defeat any enemy that HE allows to challenge us in this life. HE has the ability and we have to be like Hezekiah and other leaders of Israel who took their battles first to the LORD and then went out and fought their battles with the knowledge that the LORD was going to fight with them.
HE wants to give us victories in our life over whatever enemy we face if we will only bring the enemy before HIM in prayer and allow HIM to work.
Too often we don’t go to HIM first but try to fight the battle ourselves and lose and then we think we should go to the LORD and ask for help. We need to ask for help ALL THE TIME!!
HE wants us to trust in HIM to be our deliverer and savior. HE wants us to realize that we can’t do it in our own strength but only in the strength that HE can give us to face every battle HE allows in our lives.
CHALLENGE: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding!!!
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah (6035 “meek” [‘anav] means humble, poor, lowly, a person characterized by humility, bowed, afflicted, gentle, or one who understands himself.)
DEVOTION: It is interesting that the LORD saves ALL the humble and not all of any other group. HE wants us to have a proper attitude toward ourselves and the world. HE wants us to realize that HE is the one who is going to give us victory that it is not in our nature to gain victory on our own.
It is in our nature to walk away from the LORD and HIS commands rather than obey them on a regular basis. It is in our nature to sin because we see what others are doing and we want to do the same. We have a tendency to look around at what other Christians are doing and want to do the same because they claim to be believers just like we do.
It is wrong to look at others and try to live our lives the way they do if they are not totally dependent on the LORD for HIS guidance and strength.
There are too many Christians trying to live in the world and do the things that the world is doing and still claim to be genuine followers of HIM.
Our standard has to come from the Word of God and those believers that seem to be genuinely following the LORD each day. HE wants us to be humble in our attitude toward others and that doesn’t come easy but it is what HE wants to see in all those who are genuine believers.
CHALLENGE: Are you humble? Do others think you are humble? Ask the LORD to show you ways that you can be humbler this week.
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: 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise YOU: the remainder of wrath shall YOU restrain. (2534 “wrath” [chema] means heat, anger, poison, hot displeasure, indignation, rage, or furious.)
DEVOTION: The historic background of this psalm is found in Isaiah 36-37, when Sennacherib tried to defeat Jerusalem. The fear of the LORD [4 times] is a theme in this psalm. Remember the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
This psalm emphasizes the fact that God protects HIS people. HE had an angel kill 185,000 soldiers to protect Jerusalem from invasion. HE has a plan and is working HIS plan.
When the nations went against the children of Israel they were angry for one reason or another. They wanted the Promised Land for themselves. However, God always protected HIS people when they were humble before HIM. Nations tried to defeat God’s people but God brought glory to HIMSELF when large armies were defeated by the small armies of Israel. Sometimes they were defeated without Israel even fighting.
In the New Testament we see an angry group of religious leaders encouraging a crowd to yell out to the Roman judge to crucify Jesus. It was an angry mob and Pilate was afraid of them. He sent Jesus Christ to the cross. Here we have an example of the anger of man glorifying God. Through the death of Jesus Christ, those who are believers can be saved and witness to the world the change that glorifies God.
We also know that God doesn’t give HIS people his full wrath. HE chastens us into obedience or premature death. Remember that all those who are angry with God are one day going to have to bow down before HIM.
We should thank HIM for the hard times. Thank HIM for HIS daily protection even in hard times. When the enemy is close, we need to realize that HE can receive glory.
CHALLENGE: Our responsibility is to fear the LORD. Our responsibility is to pay our vows to the LORD that we utter in times of great stress. Our God is awesome!!!
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Pay vows to the LORD verse 11
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Tabernacle verse 2
God’s dwelling place in Zion verse 2
Praise verse 10
Vow and pay vows verse 11
Bring presents to HIM verse 11
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign) verse 1, 5, 9, 11
Dwelling place in Zion verse 2
God brakes the arrows, shields and sword verse 3
Glorious verse 4
Excellent verse 4
Rebuke sinners verse 6
God of Jacob verse 6
Fear of the LORD verse 7
Anger of the LORD verse 7
Judgment of the LORD heard from heaven verse 8, 9
Praise verse 10
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 11
LORD your God verse 11
Ought to be feared verse 11
Terrible verse 12
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Stouthearted are spoiled verse 5
Men of might verse 5
Earth feared judgment of God verse 8
Wrath of men verse 10
Spirit of princes verse 12
Kings of the earth verse 12
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Feared verse 8
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Know God verse 1
Fear of the LORD verse 7, 8, 11
Save verse 9
Meek verse 9
Praise verse 10
Pay vows verse 11
Bring presents verse 11
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Psalm of Asaph to the chief musician on Neginoth
Judah verse 1
Israel verse 1
Salem (Peace) – short for Jerusalem verse 2
Tabernacle verse 2
Zion – another name for Jerusalem verse 2
God of Jacob verse 6
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Slept their sleep verse 5
Cast into a dead sleep verse 6
Heaven verse 8
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QUOTES regarding passage
: 3 Without leaving HIS tranquil abode, HE sent forth HIS word and snapped the arrows of HIS enemies before they could shoot them. The idea is sublime, and marks the ease, completeness, and rapidity of the divine action. (p. 401, The Treasury of David vol. III by C.H. Spurgeon)
: 6 The Israelites always had a special fear of horses and scythed chariots; and, therefore, the sudden stillness of the entire force of the enemy in this department is made the theme of special rejoicing. (p. 401, The Treasury of David vol. III by C.H. Spurgeon)
: 10 Man with his breath of threatening is but blowing the trumpet of the Lord’s eternal fame. Furious winds often drive vessels the more swiftly into port. The devil blows the fire and melts the iron, and then the Lord fashions it for his own purposes. Let men and devils rage as they may, they cannot do otherwise than subserve the divine purposes. …. The verse clearly teaches that evne the most rampant evil is under the control of the Lord, and will in the end be overruled for his praise. (p. 402, The Treasury of David vol. III by C.H. Spurgeon)
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This is a song of praise for the power of the God of Jacob. The psalmist declared that
God made Himself known in Jerusalem by executing judgment. Describing how God
destroyed the wicked and delivered the righteous led Asaph to exhort the leaders to
pledge their allegiance to God. (Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 849). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Psalm 76 is a psalm of praise with a strong focus on the fear of God. The psalm has four movements: (1) a celebration of the center of worship in Jerusalem (vv. 1–3); (2) a celebration of the victories of God against His enemies (vv. 4–6); (3) a description of the fear of the earth at the anger of God (vv. 7–10); (4) an exhortation to the righteous to worship the Lord (vv. 11, 12).
76:7 The repetition of pronouns You, Yourself is for emphasis: Only the Almighty is to be feared. For the righteous, the fear of God is a response of awe, wonder, adoration, and worship. For the wicked, the fear of God is terror, for there is no escape from Him (14:5).
76:8–10 judgment to be heard: In God’s victories over the enemies of His people, word of God’s glory and justice would spread to the entire world. Even the wrath of men will praise God because any anger against God is utterly futile. As Paul writes, “For who has resisted His will?” (Rom. 9:19). A person’s futile hostility to God will only result in a demonstration of God’s power and a subsequent glorification of His name. See the Lord’s response to Pharaoh (Ex. 11:9).
76:11, 12 The psalmist instructs the righteous in the true worship of the sovereign Lord of creation. Make vows: These are vows of praise, sacrifice, and faithful living (61:5, 8; 66:13; Heb. 13:15). As one might bring presents to a king (72:10), so the righteous should bring their gifts to God—the ultimate gift being the dedication of their lives to the service of God (Rom. 12:1). (Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 76). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.)
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76:1–12 This psalm teaches that God is willing to use His great power for His people. Some commentators, including the editors of the LXX, have suggested that this psalm was written to celebrate the destruction of Sennacherib’s Assyrian army in 701 b.c., as well as the subsequent assassination of Sennacherib himself (vv. 5, 6; cf. 2Ki 18, 19; Is 36, 37). The psalm also includes eschatological overtones (especially vv. 8–12), when Jehovah will defeat His enemies and bring them into judgment. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ps 76:1–12). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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When God Repents
“And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” (1 Samuel 15:29)
There are a number of Scriptures that speak of God repenting. For example, in the days before the great Flood, “it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth” (Genesis 6:6). In the same chapter containing our text, God said: “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments” (1 Samuel 15:11). Yet, the Scriptures plainly teach that God changes not. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent” (Numbers 23:19). Bible critics have made much of this apparent “contradiction” in the Bible.
There is no contradiction, of course. The words translated “repent” in both Old and New Testaments are used of actions that indicate outwardly that a “change of mind” has occurred inwardly. It is precisely because God does not repent concerning evil that His actions will change toward man when man truly repents (this human “repentance” can go either way, changing from good to evil, or vice versa), and God will respond accordingly, since He cannot change His own mind toward evil.
Thus, He said concerning national repentance: “If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them” (Jeremiah 18:8). That is, if the nation truly repents, then God will change His own projected course of action. He seems outwardly to “repent” specifically because He cannot repent in His inward attitude toward good and evil.
God has greatly blessed America in the past, but America’s people have drastically changed in recent years. Can the time be long coming when God must say: “It repenteth me that I have so favored this apostate nation?” (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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The righteous prosper as they delight in the Lord, while the wicked perish.
INSIGHT
In Jerusalem, each gate is named for the destination of the road leading away from it. There is the Joppa Gate, leading to Joppa; there is the Damascus Gate, leading to Damascus. Some of these gates are very close together, but their destinations are very far apart. Life is like that. The psalmist says there are basically two gates in life: the “wicked gate” and the “righteous gate.” Your destination in life depends upon which gate you choose. The “righteous gate” begins at the Word of God and leads to trees, water, and fruit. The “wicked gate” starts with man’s counsel and leads to wind and chaff. (Daily Walk)
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“WITHOUT DOUBTING”
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1 Timothy 2:8
The third condition about prayer is described as “without doubting,” or if you prefer it, “without disputing.” The reference is not to disputing with others, but to disputing with oneself. It denotes a state of wavering and uncertainty or perhaps even a state of actual intellectual rebellion.
The doubt may express itself in many different ways. It may be doubt with respect to the very being of God, doubt, to use the words of the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, as to whether “he [God] is.” Then there is often doubt with respect to what we may call the power or the possibility of prayer, as to whether anything can happen or even does happen, in a word whether there is any point in our praying at all.
As a result of these doubts, it often comes to pass that prayer is nothing but some desperate adventure or doubtful experiment in which we engage. We find ourselves in a difficult position or face to face with some dire need. We more or less “cry out in the dark,” on the possible chance that it may succeed and we may be delivered.
Unless we observe this third condition, prayer is useless. We must approach God believing “that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). The men whose prayers have been answered have always been those who knew God, those who have trusted Him most thoroughly, those who have been most ready to say at all times and in all circumstances, “Thy will be done,” assured as they were of His holy and loving purpose. There must be no doubt, no disputing, no desperate experiments, but rather a calm and unhurried resting upon and in God and His perfect will.
A Thought to Ponder: The men whose prayers have been answered have always been those who knew God. (From Why Does God Allow War? pp. 30-32, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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