The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand. The valiant lie plunderedThis phrase speaks to the ultimate futility of human strength and valor when it stands against the divine will. The Hebrew word for "valiant" here is "אַבִּירִים" (abirim), which often refers to mighty or strong ones, typically warriors or heroes. In the context of ancient Israel, these would be the formidable soldiers or champions of enemy nations. The imagery of them lying "plundered" suggests not only defeat but also humiliation and loss. Historically, this reflects the numerous instances where God delivered Israel from seemingly insurmountable foes, emphasizing that true power and victory belong to God alone. they sleep their last sleep
The phrase "sleep their last sleep" is a poetic way of describing death. In Hebrew, "יָשְׁנוּ" (yashnu) is used for sleep, often metaphorically representing death, a common biblical motif. This imagery underscores the finality and inescapability of death, even for the mighty. It serves as a reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of earthly power. In the biblical narrative, this can be seen in the fate of the Assyrian army in 2 Kings 19:35, where a single angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 soldiers, illustrating that no human force can withstand God's judgment. no men of might
The term "men of might" translates from the Hebrew "אַנְשֵׁי-חַיִל" (anshei-chayil), which denotes men of valor or strength. This phrase highlights the contrast between human might and divine power. Throughout scripture, God often chooses the weak and the humble to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the accounts of David and Goliath or Gideon and the Midianites. This serves as a theological assertion that reliance on human strength is ultimately futile without God's favor and intervention. can lift a hand
The inability to "lift a hand" signifies complete powerlessness and defeat. In Hebrew, "יָדָם" (yadam) refers to the hand, often symbolizing action, power, or ability. The imagery here is of warriors rendered utterly helpless, unable to defend themselves or retaliate. This reflects the biblical theme that God is the ultimate arbiter of victory and defeat. In the broader scriptural context, it serves as a call to humility and trust in God rather than in one's own strength or abilities. Persons / Places / Events 1. The ValiantRefers to the mighty warriors or soldiers who are typically strong and courageous in battle. In this context, they are rendered powerless and defeated. 2. PlunderedThis term indicates that the valiant have been stripped of their possessions and strength, symbolizing total defeat. 3. Sleep their last sleepA poetic way of describing death, emphasizing the finality and helplessness of the situation for these warriors. 4. Men of MightRepresents those who are typically powerful and influential, yet in this scenario, they are unable to act or defend themselves. 5. Divine JudgmentThe overarching event in this passage is the demonstration of God's power and judgment over human strength and pride. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human StrengthHuman power and might are ultimately futile against the sovereignty of God. We must recognize that true strength and victory come from Him alone. The Finality of God's JudgmentThe imagery of "sleeping their last sleep" serves as a reminder of the finality of God's judgment. It calls us to live with an awareness of our mortality and the eternal consequences of our actions. Dependence on God for VictoryJust as the valiant are rendered powerless, we must learn to depend on God rather than our own abilities or resources. Our trust should be in His power and provision. Humility Before GodThe inability of the "men of might" to lift a hand teaches us the importance of humility. We should not boast in our strength but acknowledge our need for God's grace and intervention. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "sleeping their last sleep" in Psalm 76:5 challenge our understanding of human strength and mortality? 2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over human might in our daily lives? 3. How does the defeat of the valiant in Psalm 76:5 relate to the account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our dependence is on God rather than our own abilities or resources? 5. How can the themes of Psalm 76:5 encourage us to live with humility and an awareness of God's ultimate authority? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37:36This verse recounts the angel of the Lord striking down the Assyrian camp, illustrating God's power to defeat even the mightiest armies without human intervention. 1 Samuel 17:45-47David's confrontation with Goliath highlights the theme that true strength and victory come from the Lord, not from human might or weaponry. Psalm 33:16-17These verses emphasize that a king is not saved by a large army, nor a warrior by great strength, reinforcing the message of Psalm 76:5. People Asaph, Jacob, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bereft, Feeble, Hands, Heart, Lie, Lift, Mighty, None, Overcome, Plundered, Sank, Sense, Sleep, Slept, Spoil, Spoiled, Stouthearted, Stout-hearted, Stripped, Strong, Themselves, Unable, Valiant, War, Warriors, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 76:5 5535 sleep, and death
8650 hands, lifting up Library Letter Xlviii to Magister Walter De Chaumont.
To Magister [75] Walter de Chaumont. He exhorts him to flee from the world, advising him to prefer the cause and the interests of his soul to those of parents. MY DEAR WALTER, I often grieve my heart about you whenever the most pleasant remembrance of you comes back to me, seeing how you consume in vain occupations the flower of your youth, the sharpness of your intellect, the store of your learning and skill, and also, what is more excellent in a Christian than all of these gifts, the pure and innocent …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of ClairvauxEpistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
To Rechared, King of the Visigoths [82] . Gregory to Rechared, &c. I cannot express in words, most excellent son, how much I am delighted with thy work and thy life. For on hearing of the power of a new miracle in our days, to wit that the whole nation of the Goths has through thy Excellency been brought over from the error of Arian heresy to the firmness of a right faith, one is disposed to exclaim with the prophet, This is the change wrought by the right hand of the Most High (Ps. lxxvi. 11 [83] …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a Sedition in Cyrene, and was a False Accuser [Of the Innocent].
1. And now did the madness of the Sicarii, like a disease, reach as far as the cities of Cyrene; for one Jonathan, a vile person, and by trade a weaver, came thither and prevailed with no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him; he also led them into the desert, upon promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions. And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed his knavery from them, and put tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed Catullus, …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Jerusalem
The first name of this city was Shalem, Genesis 14:18, Psalm 76:2, and it is still retained in the writing, however it is read Jerushalaim. "The name of that place is Jehovah-jireh. Abraham called the place Jireh; Shem called it Shalem. Saith God, If I shall call it Jireh, it will displease Shem the Just; if I shall call it Shalem, it will displease Abraham the Just. I will therefore put that name upon it which was put upon it by both, Jireh, Shalem,--Jerusalem."--"We do not, therefore, put Jod between …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations," …
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
OR, GOOD NEWS FOR THE VILEST OF MEN; BEING A HELP FOR DESPAIRING SOULS, SHOWING THAT JESUS CHRIST WOULD HAVE MERCY IN THE FIRST PLACE OFFERED TO THE BIGGEST SINNERS. THE THIRD EDITION, IN WHICH IS ADDED, AN ANSWER TO THOSE GRAND OBJECTIONS THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF THE THEM THAT WOULD BELIEVE: FOR THE COMFORT OF THEM THAT FEAR THEY HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST. BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. London: Printed for Elizabeth Smith, at the Hand and Bible, on London Bridge, 1691. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Question Lxxxii of Devotion
I. Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Meaning of the Term "Devotion" S. Augustine, Confessions, XIII. viii. 2 II. Is Devotion an Act of the Virtue of Religion? III. Is Contemplation, that is Meditation, the Cause of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Causes of Devotion " " On the Devotion of Women IV. Is Joy an Effect of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On Melancholy S. Augustine, Confessions, II. x. I Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? It is by our acts that we merit. But …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion
I. Does the Virtue of Religion Direct a Man To God Alone? S. Augustine, sermon, cccxxxiv. 3 " on Psalm lxxvi. 32 sermon, cccxi. 14-15 II. Is Religion a Virtue? III. Is Religion One Virtue? IV. Is Religion a Special Virtue Distinct From Others? V. Is Religion One of the Theological Virtues? VI. Is Religion To Be Preferred To the Other Moral Virtues? VII. Has Religion, Or Latria, Any External Acts? S. Augustine, of Care for the Dead, V. VIII. Is Religion the Same As Sanctity? Cardinal Cajetan, …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 76:5 NIVPsalm 76:5 NLTPsalm 76:5 ESVPsalm 76:5 NASBPsalm 76:5 KJV
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