God's Power in Victory

Introduction

When we examined psalm 74 we reviewed the psalmist grief over the unchecked actions of the wicked. Last week we discussed God’s promise of judgment upon wicked nations whom refuse to turn and repent. This evening we will see an example of what God’s judgment upon an arrogant and unrepentant nations looks like. This is why many commentators connect psalms 74 - 76.[1] Yahweh is extremely merciful and longsuffering. As we said last week, He gives ample opportunity to repent. Eventually the justice of God must be satisfied and that is what he have here today. What we will see here is ultimate victory comes by the hand of God and He alone is to receive the glory.

Background

There is no specific historical background mentioned in or alluded to in the psalm itself. Many commentators place the psalm in the context of the Assyrian invasion of Judah (2 Ki 18 - 19, Is 37 -38). This was also the view of the translators of the Septuagint. This is certainly possible although it is not required. Other unspecified battles could be in view. What is clear is that God moved mightily and the psalmist calls all the nations to respond with fear and worship. We can break this psalm up into 4 points:

God’s Power and Presence in Israel (vs. 1 - 3)

God’s defeat of the nation (vs. 4 - 7a)

God‘s judgment of the nations (7 b- 9)

God feared by all the nations (10 - 12)

Exposition

Verses 1 - 3: The psalmist begins by declaring the greatness of God’s name in the midst of His people. His power and might is well known among His people whom He redeemed unto Himself and has preserved. The God of Israel dwells with His people in the city and on the mountain He has chosen to place His name. This is likely Solomon’s temple. Today, the presence of God is not exclusively in a single city or building. The Lord dwells with his people everywhere via the Holy Spirit. Today the Lord is known to people from every tribe, creed, nation, and tongue via the person of the Son, Christ Jesus (John 1:14;18). Today all can know Him and worship Him because He word is readily available. It is incumbent upon us to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead. As we do this He will continue to make Himself known to more and more of humanity. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

It is from His dwelling place that the Lord defeated His enemies and brought victory to His people. We don’t know what specific battle is referred to. The psalmist indicates the victory was total. On the heels of psalm 75 where judgment was promised on the nations, this psalm seems like the fulfillment. If this is so, it gives us greater assurance that the Lord will execute justice on the earth and bring final victory to His people.

Verses 4 - 7a: God’s glory shines bright. His majesty is greater than the most beautiful mountain filled with the fairest animals you could behold. The mighty men of the nation(s) were nothing before the God of Jacob. These men were not slacks. Matthew Henry describes them this way: “men of great courage and resolution, flushed with their former victories, enraged against Israel, confident of success; they were men of might, robust and fit for service; they had chariots and horses, which were then greatly valued and trusted to in war...” [2] These were tough guys and yet they fell dead before Yahweh. The Lord rebuked their armies so that man and beast fell dead. The only appropriate response of the nation(s) is to fear the God of Israel and worship Him alone. Again citing Matthew Henry: “thy majesty is to be reverenced, thy sovereignty to be submitted to, and thy justice to be dreaded by those that have offended thee.” Let all the world learn by this event to stand in awe of the great God... Let all be afraid of his wrath against the daring impiety of sinners”. [3]

There is none that can stand before the king of kings and lord of lords. The power of man is nothing because the Lord of hosts. All who oppose the kingdom of God will be defeated. All those in Christ shall behold the victory and rejoice in their triumphant king.

Verses 7b - 9: None can stand in the presence of the Lord when He is angry. When He brought forth judgment, the earth responded with fear and trembling as Yahweh gave salvation to the afflicted. There are no more words to be uttered when God brings judgment.

Verses 10 - 12: Yahweh will be glorified in His judgment of defiant men. It shall be an adornment for which He shall receive praise. Having considered all this, the psalmist calls for all peoples to serve the Lord and bring tribute to Him. He alone is to be feared and removes all those who oppose Him.

Practical Application

What the end of all this? How are we to respond? We again note that God is given his final revelation of Himself via the Son (Heb. 1:1-3). He has defeated the final enemy of death. The Son now waits for His enemies to be put under His feet. The conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commandments (Eccl. 12:13 - 14).

Bibliography

[1] Boice, J. M. (2005). Psalms 42–106: An Expositional Commentary (p. 631). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

[2] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 853). Peabody: Hendrickson.

[3] ibid.