Feared by the Kings of the Earth – Psalm 76

It has been nearly impossible for any nation to avoid war with other nations.  Survival as a people moves us to engage in the ugliest of human activities, the destruction of human lives in brutal combat.  God is not insulated from this endeavor, but is actively involved in His people’s battles.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.

In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.  His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.  There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah

Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey.  The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands.  At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.

But you, you are to be feared!  Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?  From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.  Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared, who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.  (Psalm 76 ESV)

God has given great deliverances from enemy armies who came against Jerusalem (e.g., 2 Kings 19:35).  He chose to dwell in Zion or (Jeru)Salem because He loves His people and made covenant with them.  God has made the same kind of covenant with the church and we are His temple.  He has delivered the church from persecution for two thousand years.  He is to be feared by all.