Psalm 76:10

Psalm 76:10

God's wrath brings Him praise

There are several explanations of this frankly, puzzling verse. The first view is that when God rises up and pours out His judgements on the wicked and the enemies of His people, His people praise Him. When Sennacherib, King of the Assyrians, was vanquished, I’m sure there were great celebrations across the land of Israel. In the same way, the Psalms often reflect on the deliverance of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt and the name of the Lord is glorified as the people remember how the Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea! However, the survivors are restrained in their praise because they are reminded of their own frailties and this God is not to be messed with!

A slightly different translation of this verse suggests that it should read that it is the wrath of mankind directed against smaller and weaker countries that brings God praise, because He rises up against the bullies and in His own wrath, He crushes them. This explanation also fits the historic context, Sennacherib, with the Assyrian army, came against little Israel and the Lord rose up and overcame the dominant forces. Consequently, Israel praised Him as their Deliverer. However, His wrath was restrained, it was not all used up! There is plenty of God’s wrath left for the hostile powers that are to come! Woe to all who think that they are greater than God or who think that they can do as they like with no accountability. 

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