Psalm 76

Tidbits from Believer's Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald:

The historical backdrop of Psalm 76 is the threat against Jerusalem by Sennacherib and the Assyrian army.  The first verse praises God for His spectacular overthrow of the enemy.  His angel came and slew 185,000 of the Assyrians as they slept. 

In verses 2-4, we see God designating Jerusalem, the city of peace, as His capital, and the hill of Zion as the place where He dwells.  Here He smashed the weapons of the enemy--arrows, shields, swords, and all the other weapons they had.  Jerusalem's God is greater and more glorious than any power that might lift up a hand against Judah.

Verses 5-6 describe what happened to the Assyrian army.  "The stouthearted warriors suddenly dropped their weapons.  In a moment they became powerless.  One word from the God of Jacob and both riders and horses sank into the sleep of death."  (p. 664)

In verses 7-9 we see how great God is, how greatly He should be feared, and how futile it is to oppose Him when He is angry.  He pronounces judgment from heaven, earth trembles and becomes still, and He steps in to right the wrongs of earth, delivering the oppressed people.

Verse 10 tells how God makes the wrath of man praise Him.  This poem comes next:

The wrath of men shall praise Thee,

The rest shalt Thou restrain,

And out of earth's disasters

Will bring eternal gain.

The purpose of man's evil heart

Works out Thy sovereign will.

Our God is still upon the throne,

Therefore, believe, be still.

Be still and know that I am God,

This banishes our fears,

While passing through this scene of strife,

Of sorrow and of tears.

The One who rules the heavenly hosts

Holds all within His hand,

And none can say, "What doest Thou?"

Or can His arm withstand.

~Author unknown

(from pages 664-665)

Verses 11-12:  "In view of the inexpressible greatness and glory of the Lord, the people of Judah are exhorted to make vows to the Lord their God, and to pay them.  Then the Gentile nations surrounding Israel are counseled to bring presents as tribute to the Supreme Ruler--this Mighty One who can reduce earth's princes to size and cause awesome things to happen to the most powerful rulers."  (p. 665)