Psalm 76: The Greatness of God

Forest Hills Bible Chapel

25 May 2008

The Book of Psalms is “an anthology of anthologies” or a “collection of collections” of the psalms.

The Book of Psalms shows us that we can take every emotion – anger, joy, doubt, confusion, love, etc. – into the presence of God.

Background to Psalm 76Background to Psalm 76Most likely, the historical background is

2 Kings 18:17-25, 28-36; 19:32-37.

History of Israel and JudahHistory of Israel and JudahKingdom of Israel divides into Israel and

Judah in 931 B.C.Assyrian Captivity of Israel takes place

in 722 B.C.Babylonian Captivity of Judah takes

place in 586 B.C.In 700 B.C., Assyria laid siege to the city

of Jerusalem, having devastated the Judean countryside.

Background to Psalm 76Background to Psalm 76

Background to Psalm 76Background to Psalm 76Around 700 B.C. is one of the lowest

periods in the history of Judah – Isaiah 1; 36-39; 2 Kings 18-19.

Assyrian Captivity of the Northern Kingdom in 722 B.C. Israel becomes a client state of Assyria and is never restored from this captivity.

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1 In Judah God is known;

his name is great in Israel. 2 His tent is in Salem,

his dwelling place in Zion. 3 There he broke the flashing arrows,

the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.     Selah

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4 You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.

5 Valiant men lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands.

6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,

both horse and chariot lie still.

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7 You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?

8 From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet— 9 when you, O God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Selah

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10 Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.

12 He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

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1. No matter what happens, God is in control and dwells on His throne, ruling over His people – vv. 1-3.

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2008 is an Election Year!

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2. Our hope for the future is firmly rooted in the power of God – vv. 4-10.

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3. Let us be a people who make vows, and bring gifts, to God – vv. 11-12.

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The Law of Moses provided for a wide variety of “offerings” – guilt, sin, burnt offerings, and…

Fellowship Offerings – Leviticus 7:11-18.

Some thoughts on “gifts” – Romans 12:3-8.