Psalm 76 "Unable to use their hands"

Psalm for Today = 76:5-6 
   "The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; 
        all the men of war were unable to use their hands. 
   At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned."

Comment: 

Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash

I was prompted to use these verses from Psalm 76 today as I took a little Father's Day nap and woke up with both arms asleep. It was a very uncomfortable feeling to not be able to use my hands effectively. It reminded me of how feeble our efforts are when we choose to stand against God. At some point, we may find ourselves "stunned".

There comes a time when even the boldest, strongest, most well-trained, and even the most self-sufficient people will come to the end of themselves in their war against God and his people.

This psalm describes a time past (and may hint at a time still in the future) when Yahweh delivered his people from the attack of an enemy army. Since there are no specific event details in this song, scholars are divided as to which event it refers. However, it should be noted that it would be natural for the "rider and horse" terminology to allude to the deliverance from the Egyptian army in the waters of the Red Sea. In Exodus 15, Moses (v.1) and Miriam (v. 21) praise God for throwing down the mounted soldiers of the enemy,
   “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
    the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”

In verses 8-9, when God arises to "establish judgment" it should be noted that this judgment is really a blessing, a mercy, and an expression of covenant-keeping love for his people, as the Lord comes "to save all the humble of the earth."

Ironically, the Lord will even turn the wrath of his enemies into praise and wear it like a belt.
   "Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
       the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt." (v.10)

Sometimes the bad things people say about you are actually a compliment! For many years I purchased books for a growing library. As I read reviews of any given book, sometimes it was the haters, the 1-star or 2-star reviews that made the sale. The many 5-star reviews are subject to the author's confirmation bias, their in-group. I would read the 1-star reviews because I really wanted to know why someone didn't like it. Depending on the reason, sometimes that means it was just what I was looking for!

If it is the wicked and unjust oppressors that are mad, then that is a good thing. The Lord always topples our petty idolatries before the onslaught of his loving kindness. So let's take time to notice the victorious goodness of God, together!