God Is Resplendent with Majesty: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 76

Executive Summary

Psalm 76, a powerful hymn of triumph and divine majesty, proclaims God’s sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies. This psalm resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox tradition, highlighting God’s active involvement in the world and His unwavering protection for those who trust in Him. From His sanctuary in Salem (Jerusalem), God displays His might, shattering the weapons of war and striking terror into the hearts of the wicked. The psalm calls us to reverence and fear God, not in a spirit of dread, but in awe of His holiness and power. It also reminds us that even earthly rulers are ultimately subject to God’s judgment. The ultimate message of Psalm 76 is one of hope and assurance: God Is Resplendent with Majesty and He will ultimately prevail over all evil.

This commentary aims to unlock the profound spiritual truths embedded within Psalm 76, connecting them to the rich tapestry of Coptic Orthodox theology, Patristic wisdom, and practical applications for our daily lives. Through careful examination of each verse, we will explore how this ancient psalm continues to speak to the challenges and triumphs of the modern believer. Let us delve into the depths of this sacred text and discover anew the unwavering power and glory of our God.

Commentary Sections

Verse 1: Known Is God in Judah

Hebrew: לַמְנַצֵּחַ בִּנְגִינֹת מִזְמֹור לְאָסָף שִׁיר׃ נוֹדָע בִּיהוּדָה אֱלֹהִים בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל גָּדֹול שְׁמֹו׃ (Lamnatzeach binginot mizmor l’Asaf shir. Noda biYehudah Elohim, b’Yisrael gadol shmo.)

KJV: In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.

NKJV: In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.

This opening verse establishes the geographical and spiritual context of the psalm. “Judah” and “Israel” refer to the chosen people of God, the descendants of Jacob. It emphasizes that God’s presence and power are particularly evident among those who acknowledge and worship Him. God’s name is “great” – filled with glory, majesty, and power. His character and attributes are revealed through His actions among His people. This isn’t merely a statement of fact, but an invitation to acknowledge and experience God’s presence in our own lives.

*Spiritual Application:* We should strive to create spaces in our lives, both personal and communal, where God’s presence is palpable. This involves prayer, worship, and acts of service that reflect His love and compassion. Let us use do host services to build God’s presence.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria states, “God is not known to the Egyptians, but only to the Israelites…This is not by accident, but by grace and divine adoption.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on the Psalms*, PG 69:1121, Translated by author). He highlights the unique relationship God has with His chosen people, a relationship founded on covenant and divine favor.

Verse 2: In Salem also is his tabernacle

Hebrew: וַיְהִי בְשָׁלֵם סֻכֹּו וּמְעֹונָתֹו בְצִיֹּון׃ (Vayehi v’Shalem sukko u’m’onató b’Tziyon.)

KJV: In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

NKJV: In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion.

Here, the psalm identifies “Salem” (an ancient name for Jerusalem) and “Zion” as the earthly locations where God’s presence is most manifest. The “tabernacle” and “dwelling place” are symbolic representations of God’s sanctuary, His holy place where He is worshipped and approached. This verse connects God’s universal power to a specific location, grounding His presence in the history and traditions of His people.

*Spiritual Application:* While God is omnipresent, we, too, need specific places dedicated to prayer and reflection. These can be physical spaces like our church or home altar, or even mental spaces we create through mindful contemplation.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine connects this verse to the Church: “What is Salem but peace? What is Zion but a watchtower? The Church is both – a place of peace and a place of vigilance, where we watch for the coming of our Lord.” (Augustine, *Expositions of the Psalms*, Psalm 75 (76), section 5)

Verse 3: There brake he the arrows of the bow

Hebrew: שָׁמָּה שִׁבַּר רִשְׁפֵי־קֶשֶׁת מָגֵן וְחֶרֶב וּמִלְחָמָה סֶלָה׃ (Shamma shibber rishfei-keshet, magen v’cherev u’milchamah selah.)

KJV: There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

NKJV: There He broke the arrows of the bow, The shield and sword of battle. Selah

This verse dramatically illustrates God’s power to overcome all opposition. The “arrows of the bow,” “shield,” and “sword” represent the weapons of war, the instruments of human conflict. By “breaking” them, God demonstrates His ability to disarm His enemies and bring an end to violence. The word “Selah” is a musical interlude, suggesting a moment of reflection on the overwhelming power of God.

*Spiritual Application:* We face many battles in life, both internal and external. This verse reminds us that God is our ultimate protector and defender. We should trust in Him to overcome the challenges we face, knowing that He is stronger than any obstacle.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius writes, “The Lord breaks the weapons of the enemy…He nullifies the schemes of the devil through the power of the Cross.” (Athanasius, *Letters*, Letter 4, section 3, Translated by author). Athanasius connects the breaking of weapons to the power of the Cross to defeat evil.

Verse 4: Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey

Hebrew: נָאוֹר אַתָּה אַדִּיר מֵהַרְרֵי־טָרֶף׃ (Na’or attah addir meharrei-táref.)

KJV: Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.

NKJV: You are more glorious and excellent Than the mountains of prey.

This verse compares God’s glory and excellence to the “mountains of prey,” which represent places of danger, violence, and oppression. Even the most formidable and imposing strongholds on Earth pale in comparison to the majesty of God. He is infinitely more glorious and powerful than anything this world has to offer.

*Spiritual Application:* We should not be intimidated by the forces of evil or the apparent power of the world. God’s glory surpasses all earthly power. We should fix our gaze on Him, knowing that He is our ultimate source of strength and protection.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa speaks of God’s transcendence: “He transcends all comprehension and definition…His glory is unapproachable and His majesty beyond compare.” (Gregory of Nyssa, *Against Eunomius*, Book 1, section 21, Translated by author). This highlights the immeasurable nature of God’s glory.

Verses 5-6: The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep

Hebrew: אֶשְׁתּוֹלְלוּ אַבִּירֵי לֵב נָמוּ שְׁנָתָם וְלֹא־מָצְאוּ כָל־אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל יְדֵיהֶם׃ מִגַּעֲרָתְךָ אֱלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב נִרְדָּם וְרֶכֶב וָסוס׃ (Eshtolelu abbirei lev namu shnatam v’lo-matzu kol-anshei-chayil yedeihem. Migga’aratkha Elohei Ya’akov nirdam v’rekhev vasos.)

KJV: The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands. At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

NKJV: The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands. At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

These verses describe the sudden and utter defeat of the proud and powerful. The “stouthearted” (those who rely on their own strength) are “spoiled” (plundered and defeated). They “have slept their sleep” – a metaphor for death and oblivion. The “chariot and horse” (symbols of military might) are rendered powerless by God’s rebuke. This vividly illustrates the futility of trusting in human strength and the ultimate power of God’s judgment.

*Spiritual Application:* Pride is a dangerous sin that can lead to our downfall. We should cultivate humility and recognize that all our abilities and accomplishments come from God.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom warns against relying on earthly power: “Do not trust in riches, do not trust in power, do not trust in friends, for all these things are fleeting.” (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, Homily 28, section 3, Translated by author). He emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and influence.

Verse 7: Thou, even thou, art to be feared

Hebrew: אַתָּה נֹורָא אַתָּה וּמִי־יַעֲמֹד לְפָנֶיךָ מֵאָז אַפֶּךָ׃ (Attah nora attah umi-ya’amod l’fanekha me’az appecha.)

KJV: Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?

NKJV: You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry?

This verse highlights the appropriate response to God’s power and majesty: “fear.” This is not a craven fear of punishment, but a reverential awe and respect for His holiness and justice. The question “who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?” underscores the seriousness of sin and the consequences of defying God’s will. It implies the absolute sovereignty and unchallengeable authority of God.

*Spiritual Application:* We should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, not in a spirit of dread, but in a spirit of reverence and obedience. This fear should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great defines the fear of the Lord as “the beginning of wisdom…a fear that leads to righteousness.” (Basil the Great, *Homilies on the Psalms*, Homily 33, section 2, Translated by author). He clarifies that the fear of the Lord is not an end in itself, but a pathway to a virtuous life.

Verses 8-9: Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven

Hebrew: מִשָּׁמַיִם הִשְׁמַעְתָּ דִּין אֶרֶץ יָרְאָה וְשָׁקָטָה׃ בְּקוּם־לַמִּשְׁפָּט אֱלֹהִים לְהוֹשִׁיעַ כָּל־עַנְוֵי־אֶרֶץ סֶלָה׃ (MiShamayim hishma’ta din eretz yare’ah v’shaqata. B’qum-lamishpat Elohim lehoshi’a kol-anvei-eretz selah.)

KJV: Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

NKJV: You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, When God arose to judgment, To save all the humble of the earth. Selah.

These verses describe God’s intervention in the world to execute judgment and deliver the oppressed. The “earth feared and was still” in the face of God’s awesome power. The phrase “to save all the meek of the earth” highlights God’s special care for those who are humble, vulnerable, and defenseless. This reinforces the theme of God as the protector of the downtrodden.

*Spiritual Application:* We should trust that God will ultimately bring justice to the world, even when we see injustice prevailing. We should also strive to be “meek” (humble and gentle) in our own lives, following the example of Christ.

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus writes of God’s justice and mercy: “His justice is inseparable from His mercy, and His mercy from His justice…He judges righteously and saves those who call upon Him in truth.” (Irenaeus, *Against Heresies*, Book 4, chapter 39, section 1, Translated by author). This balances the seemingly opposing attributes of God’s judgment and salvation.

Verse 10: Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee

Hebrew: כִּי־חֲמַת אָדָם תּוֹדֶךָּ שְׁאֵרִית חֵמֹת תַּחְגֹּר׃ (Ki-chamat adam todeka she’erit chemot tachgor.)

KJV: Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

NKJV: Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.

This is a complex and profound verse. It suggests that even the “wrath of man” can ultimately serve God’s purposes. God can use even the negative actions and intentions of people to bring about His will. The “remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain” indicates that God sets limits on human evil, preventing it from completely destroying His creation.

*Spiritual Application:* Even in the midst of suffering and injustice, we can trust that God is in control and that He can bring good out of evil. We should not despair, but continue to hope in His providence.

Patristic Insight: St. Maximus the Confessor speaks of God’s transformative power: “God uses even the passions of the soul to lead us to virtue…He turns our weaknesses into strengths.” (Maximus the Confessor, *Various Texts on Theology*, Century 1, section 37, Translated by author). This suggests that God can redeem even our fallen nature.

Verses 11-12: Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God

Hebrew: נִדְרוּ וְשַׁלְּמוּ לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם כָּל־סְבִיבָיו יֹובִילוּ־שַׁי לַמּוֹרָא׃ יִבְצֹר רוּחַ נְגִידִים נֹורָא לְמַלְכֵי־אֶרֶץ׃ (Nidru v’shallemu laYahweh Eloheichem kol-sevivav yovilu-shay lamora. Yivtzor ruach negidim nora l’malchei-eretz.)

KJV: Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

NKJV: Make vows to the LORD your God, and pay them; Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. He shall cut off the spirit of princes; He is awesome to the kings of the earth.

These final verses call for faithful obedience and worship. “Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God” emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our promises to God. “Let all that be round about him bring presents” suggests that everyone, regardless of their status, should offer their devotion and service to God. “He shall cut off the spirit of princes” and “He is awesome to the kings of the earth” reiterate God’s ultimate authority over all earthly rulers.

*Spiritual Application:* We should be careful to keep our promises to God. We should also offer our lives as a living sacrifice to Him, dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His service.

Patristic Insight: St. Clement of Alexandria stresses the importance of good works: “Faith without works is dead…We must show our love for God through our actions.” (Clement of Alexandria, *Stromata*, Book 2, chapter 6, section 1, Translated by author). He emphasizes the need for tangible expressions of our faith.

Subtopic Sections

Let’s delve deeper into some key reflections and teachings from Psalm 76:

• ✨ The Sovereignty of God: Psalm 76 powerfully affirms God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human affairs. He is not a passive observer, but an active participant in the world, intervening to bring about His purposes.
• 💡 The Protection of the Meek: The psalm emphasizes God’s special care for the “meek” or “humble.” He defends those who are vulnerable and oppressed, offering them refuge and strength.
• 📖 The Futility of Human Pride: The downfall of the “stouthearted” serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the futility of trusting in human strength and pride. True strength comes from relying on God.
• 📜 The Reverence Due to God: The psalm calls us to “fear” God, not in a spirit of dread, but in a spirit of reverential awe and respect for His holiness and justice.
• 🕊️ The Promise of Justice: The psalm assures us that God will ultimately bring justice to the world, even when we see injustice prevailing. We should trust in His perfect timing and ultimate plan.
• ✨ Transformative Power of God: He can even utilize the negative actions of humans to fulfill His will.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 76:

• Q: What is the historical context of Psalm 76?

  A: While the specific historical event inspiring Psalm 76 is not explicitly mentioned, it is believed to have been composed after a significant military victory, perhaps the defeat of the Assyrian army during the reign of Hezekiah. This victory was seen as a clear demonstration of God’s power and protection.

• Q: What does it mean to “fear” God, as mentioned in Psalm 76?

  A: The “fear of the Lord” is not a fearful dread but a profound respect and reverence for God’s holiness, power, and justice. It involves acknowledging His authority and striving to live in accordance with His will.

• Q: How does Psalm 76 relate to the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

  A: Psalm 76 resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on God’s active involvement in the world, His protection of His people, and the importance of reverence and worship. Its themes of divine sovereignty and justice are central to Coptic Orthodox theology. The Coptic Church utilizes Psalms during prayers and liturgy.

• Q: What practical applications can we draw from Psalm 76 for our lives today?

  A: Psalm 76 encourages us to trust in God’s power and protection, to cultivate humility, to reverence His holiness, and to hope in His justice. It also reminds us to keep our promises to God and to offer our lives as a living sacrifice to Him.

Conclusion

Psalm 76, a testament to God’s resplendent majesty, leaves an indelible mark on the soul. It is a reminder that in the face of worldly challenges, God Is Resplendent with Majesty, and His power surpasses all earthly might. This psalm implores us to cultivate a reverential fear of God, not in a spirit of dread, but in awe of His holiness and justice. It is a call to humble ourselves before Him, recognizing that true strength lies not in our own abilities but in His unwavering grace. Let us internalize the lessons of Psalm 76, allowing it to transform our lives into a reflection of His glory and majesty. Furthermore, let’s make sure we continue to pray with the words of the Psalms in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, as they have done for centuries, so we may always stay in His divine love.

Tags

Psalm 76, God’s Majesty, Divine Power, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Patristic Theology, Sovereignty of God, Reverence, Humility, Justice

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Explore a Coptic Orthodox commentary on Psalm 76: God Is Resplendent with Majesty! Discover its spiritual depth, Patristic insights, and practical applications for modern life.