Psalm 76 ~ 16 MARCH 2008

By Asaph – the Levite

Back to Basics

The background of this psalm is probably God’s judgement on the Assyrian army’s attempted invasion of Judah as recorded in Isaiah 37-38 and 2 Kings 18-19 during the reign of King Hezekiah. Through the spectacular victory over the Assyrians, Asaph shares with us four basic truths about our Jehovah God.

1. God wants us to know Him, v1-3: The people of Judah knew of God’s greatness. When the Assyrian army threatened to attack Jerusalem, the angel of the Lord visited the camp and wiped out 185,000 soldiers.

2. God wants us to trust Him, v4-6: Despite the difficult challenges that King Hezekiah and his prophets faced, they chose to put their faith in God and His Word.

3. God wants us to fear Him, v7-9: When the wrath of God came, the siege over the Assyrian army was over within seconds. God is not only a God of love, but also a consuming fire.

4. God wants us obey Him, v10-12: Having seen the victory that the Lord had given Judah, nations around should be motivated to come and worship the Lord.

Application: Which of these four basic truths do you struggle with? Come back to the Lord today and renew your covenant before Him.