• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
DonateLOG IN(0)
Casual English Bible

Casual English Bible

By Stephen M. Miller

  • Home
  • About
    • About Stephen M. Miller
    • The Casual English Bible is Easier to Read
  • Bible
  • Map Search
    • Bible Book Guides & Maps
    • Maps for Publication
  • Map Store
    • Specialized Atlases, Guides
    • Bible Book Guides and Maps
    • Bible Maps as Art
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact

Psalm 76

Home » Psalms » Psalm 76

Psalm 76

Take God seriously

The end of war

Note to music leader: use stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph, and a song.[1]
1  God made himself known in Judah.[2]
Israel thinks he’s great.
2  His home is here in Jerusalem.
It’s a house with a view from Mount Zion.[3]
3  He destroyed flaming arrows of war,
The shield, the sword, and the armory.

Instruments[4]

God is breathtaking

4  You take our breath away.
There’s more majesty in you
Than in mountains rich in game.
5  Brave warriors were plundered and stripped.
And left lying asleep in their death.
There was no one raising a hand of objection.
6  At your command,
with just a strong word, God of Jacob,
Horses and riders drop dead.
7  You are someone to be taken seriously.
Who could withstand the force of your anger?
8  From heaven you called down judgment.
The earth froze silent with fear.
9  God stood to announce his decision,
To rescue the needy of the earth.

Instruments

Scariest people scared of God

10  When you dress yourself in anger,
Even the fiercest fear you with praise.
11  Promise your devotion to God and keep your promise.
Bring gifts to the one you take seriously.
12  He will break the will of rulers.
Kings all over the world
Will give him the respect he has earned.

Notes

Intro Notes for Psalms
Intro Notes for Book 3 of 5 in Psalms
176:1

The subtitle wasn’t part of the original psalm. And the possible byline “of Asaph,” isn’t necessarily a byline. The vague phrase could mean the song was written by Asaph, about Asaph, or was inspired by Asaph. Asaph led a musical family in the tribe of Levi, one of the 12 tribes that made up the original nation of Israel. Levite families worked as priests and worship leaders and worship assistants for the Jewish nation. Asaph was a leader of worship music during the time of King David (1 Chronicles 16:5). His family carried on the musical tradition, showing up five centuries later, when a Jewish man named Nehemiah, in the 500s BC, helped rebuild Jerusalem after  Babylonian invaders from what is now Iraq leveled Jerusalem in 586 BC.

276:1

Israel split in two after King Solomon died. The northern half became known as Israel. Most of the 12 tribes were in the northland. The southern half took the name of the dominate tribe, Judah. Jerusalem was their capital.

376:2

Jerusalem was built on a ridge sometimes called Mount Zion. “Zion” is a term of endearment, and another name for Jerusalem. It’s a bit like “The Big Apple” for New York City, “The City of Love” for Paris.

476:3

The word in the original language of Hebrew is selah. Bible scholars haven’t figured out what it means yet, so all we can do is guess. It could mean “pause for effect,” “instrumental interlude,” or “choir singing ‘Amen.’” We’re offering a guess instead of selah. Though selah might be the better way to go because it’s always correct, it’s also always incomprehensible. “Instruments” has a good chance of being wrong, but at least we convey the idea that the Hebrew word behind it probably has something to do with enhancing the song.

Discussion Questions

  • Sorry, there are currently no questions for this chapter.
Psalms atlas promo Casual English Bible

Psalms – Atlas

$4.00Add to cart

Casual English Bible Comprehensive Atlas

Casual English Bible Comprehensive Atlas, PDF, +500 maps

$51.00Add to cart

Maps/Guides

Map: Map of Israel and Judah
Israel and Judah
Map: David’s Jerusalem
David's Jerusalem

Videos

CROWD-FUNDING MAKES THE CASUAL ENGLISH BIBLE® POSSIBLE.

This is a Bible especially for Bible newcomers, non-Christians curious about the Bible, and Christians who have trouble understanding the Bible. It’s a mission funded by people like you who believe everyone deserves a Bible they can read and understand.

Patreon
Donate

Buy Bible Atlases & Leader’s Guides

Buy atlases and guides for an individual Bible book or a full set.

Instant PDF download, paperback, eBook.

Shop Now
  • Copyrights, credits, permissions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About the Casual English Bible
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2022 · Casual English Bible · All Rights Reserved · Website by Stormhill Media