Psalm 76
For the director of music. A psalm of Asaph. A song to be played on stringed instruments.
1In the land of Judah, God is well known.
In Israel, his name is great.
2His tent is in Jerusalem.
The place where he lives is on Mount Zion.
3There he broke the deadly arrows of his enemies.
He broke their shields and swords.
He broke their weapons of war.
4God, you shine like a very bright light.
You are more majestic than mountains full of wild animals.
5Brave soldiers have been robbed of everything they had.
Now they lie there, sleeping in death.
Not one of them can even lift his hands.
6God of Jacob, at your command
both horse and chariot lie still.
7People should have respect for you alone.
Who can stand in front of you when you are angry?
8From heaven you handed down your sentence.
The land was afraid and became quiet.
9God, that happened when you rose up to judge.
It happened when you came to save all your suffering people in the land.
10Your anger against sinners brings you praise.
Those who live through your anger gather to worship you.
11Make promises to the Lord your God and keep them.
Let all the neighboring nations
bring gifts to the God who should be respected.
12He breaks the proud spirit of rulers.
The kings of the earth have respect for him.
Psalm 76In Hebrew texts 76:1-12 is numbered 76:2-13.
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1God is renowned in Judah;
in Israel his name is great.
2His tent is in Salem,
his dwelling-place in Zion.
3There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.76:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 9.
4You are radiant with light,
more majestic than mountains rich with game.
5The valiant lie plundered,
they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors
can lift his hands.
6At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
both horse and chariot lie still.
7It is you alone who are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
8From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet –
9when you, God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.
10Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.76:10 Or Surely the wrath of mankind brings you praise, / and with the remainder of wrath you arm yourself
11Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfil them;
let all the neighbouring lands
bring gifts to the One to be feared.
12He breaks the spirit of rulers;
he is feared by the kings of the earth.
