Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 76

In Judah is God known – That is, He has made Himself known there in a special manner; He has demonstrated His watchful care over the city, so as to demand proper acknowledgment; He has manifested Himself there as He has not elsewhere. It is true that God is known, or makes Himself known, everywhere; but it is also true that He does this in some places, and at some times, in a more marked and striking manner than He does in other places and at other times. The most clear and impressive displays of His character are among His own people - in the church. His name is great in Israel. Among the people of Israel; or, among His own people.

The meaning here is that, by some act referred to in the psalm, He had so displayed His power and His mercy in favor of that people, as to make it proper that His name should be exalted or praised.

In Salem also - This was the ancient name for Jerusalem, and is evidently so used here. It continued to be given to the town until the time of David, when it was called “Jerusalem.” See the notes at Isaiah 1:1. The word properly means “peace,” and is so rendered here by the Septuagint, ἐν εἰρήνῃ ὁ τόπος αύτοῦ en eirēnē ho topos autou - “his place is in peace.” There may have been an allusion here to that ancient signification of the name, as being more poetical, and as suggesting the fact that God had restored peace to the city and nation when invaded.

Is his tabernacle - The tent, or sacred place where he is worshipped. Salem or Jerusalem was made the place of public worship, and the ark removed there by David (2 Samuel 6:17).

And his dwelling-place in Zion - That is, on Mount Zion - the portion of Jerusalem in which David built his own palace, and which he made the place of public worship. This remained so until the temple was built on Mount Moriah; see the notes at Psalm 2:6; compare to Psalm 9:11, Psalms 48:12, and Psalm 65:1.

There brake He the arrows of the bow – That is, in Salem, or near Salem. The language is such as would be used in reference to invaders, or to armies that came up to storm the city. The occasion is unknown; but the meaning is that God drove the invading army back and showed His power in defending the city.

The phrase “the arrows of the bow,” is literally, “the lightnings of the bow,” the word rendered “arrows” meaning properly “flame;” and then, “lightning.” The idea is that the arrows sped from the bow with the rapidity of lightning.

The shield – Used for defense in war. See Psalms 5:12; Psalms 33:20; compare the notes at Ephesians 6:16.

And the sword – That is, He disarmed His enemies, or made them as powerless as if their swords were broken.

And the battle – He broke the force of the battle, the strength of the armies drawn up for conflict.

You are more glorious and excellent - The word rendered glorious - נאור na'ôr - is from the verb which means “to shine,” to give light, and the word would properly refer to a luminous or “shining” object - as the sun, the source of light. Hence, it means “shining,” splendid, glorious; and it is thus applied to the Divine Being with reference to his perfections, being like light. (Compare 1 John 1:5). The word rendered “excellent,” means exalted, noble, great. These words are applied here to God from the manifestation of his perfections in the case referred to.

Than the mountains of prey - The word “prey” as employed here - טרף ṭereph - means that which is obtained by hunting, and then, plunder. It is usually applied to the food of wild beasts, beasts of prey. Here it refers to the “mountains” considered as the abode or stronghold of robbers and banditti, from where they sally forth in search of plunder. These mountains, in their heights, their rocks, their fastnesses, furnished safe places of retreat for robbers, and hence, they became emblems of power. It is not improbable that the hordes referred to in the psalm had their abodes in such mountains, and hence, the psalmist says that God who made those mountains and hills was superior to them in strength and power.

The stout-hearted are spoiled - The valiant men, the men who came so confidently to the invasion. The word "spoiled" here, as elsewhere in the Scriptures, means "plundered," not (as the word is now used) "corrupted." See the notes at (Colossians 2:8).

They have slept their sleep - They are dead; they have slept their last sleep. Death, in the Scriptures, as in all other writings, is often compared with sleep.

And none of the men of might - The men who came forward for purposes of war and conquest.

Have found their hands - The Septuagint renders this, "Have found nothing in their hands;" that is, they have obtained no plunder. Luther renders it, "And all warriors must suffer their hands to fall." De Wette, "Have lost their hands?" The idea seems to be, that they had lost the use of their hands; that is, that they had no use for them, or did not find them of any use. They could not employ them for the purpose for which they were intended, but were suddenly struck down.