Psalm 76:6
At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and rider lie stunned.
At Your rebuke
The word "rebuke" in Hebrew is "גַּעֲרָה" (ga'arah), which signifies a strong reprimand or a forceful command. In the biblical context, God's rebuke is powerful and authoritative, often leading to immediate consequences. This phrase emphasizes God's supreme authority over creation. His word alone is sufficient to bring about change, demonstrating His sovereignty and the power of His voice, which can halt armies and silence chaos.

O God of Jacob
This title for God highlights His covenant relationship with the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel. It underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and His chosen people. Historically, Jacob's life was marked by divine encounters and transformation, symbolizing God's ongoing commitment to His people. This phrase reassures believers of God's enduring presence and His role as a protector and deliverer, rooted in the history of Israel.

both horse and rider
In ancient warfare, horses and riders were symbols of military strength and power. The Hebrew words "סוּס" (sus) for horse and "רֹכֵב" (rokeb) for rider convey the might of an army. By mentioning both, the verse illustrates the totality of God's dominion over human power. No matter how formidable the forces against God's people, they are rendered powerless before Him. This serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human strength instead of divine intervention.

lie stunned
The Hebrew root "תַּרְדֵּם" (tardem) suggests a deep, incapacitating sleep or stupor. This state of being stunned is not merely physical but also a spiritual and psychological paralysis. It reflects the overwhelming impact of God's intervention, leaving adversaries helpless and unable to continue their opposition. This phrase inspires awe and reverence for God's ability to protect His people and subdue their enemies, reinforcing the theme of divine justice and protection throughout the scriptures.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God of Jacob
This title emphasizes God's covenant relationship with the descendants of Jacob (Israel). It highlights His faithfulness and power in protecting and delivering His people.

2. Horse and Rider
Symbolic of military power and might. In ancient times, horses and chariots were often seen as formidable forces in battle.

3. Rebuke
This refers to God's authoritative command or reprimand, which demonstrates His supreme power over creation and human affairs.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
God's rebuke is powerful enough to render the mightiest forces powerless. We should trust in His sovereignty rather than human strength.

The Futility of Human Power
The imagery of stunned horses and riders serves as a reminder that human power and military might are insignificant before God. Our reliance should be on Him alone.

God's Faithfulness to His Covenant People
As the "God of Jacob," He remains faithful to His promises. Believers can find assurance in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people.

The Power of God's Word
God's rebuke, a mere word, is sufficient to accomplish His purposes. This emphasizes the authority and effectiveness of God's Word in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the title "God of Jacob" enhance our understanding of God's relationship with His people?

2. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on "horses and riders" (i.e., human strength) in our own lives, and how can we shift our trust to God?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's "rebuke" or intervention in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions?

4. How does the imagery of God's rebuke in Psalm 76:6 compare to other instances of God's power over nature and nations in the Bible?

5. Considering the connections to other scriptures, how does Psalm 76:6 encourage us to view current global events in light of God's sovereignty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:1-21
The song of Moses and Miriam celebrates God's triumph over the Egyptian army, where horses and riders were thrown into the sea. This connection underscores God's power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable forces.

Isaiah 31:1-3
Warns against relying on horses and chariots for security instead of trusting in the Holy One of Israel. This passage reinforces the futility of human strength against God's will.

Revelation 19:11-16
Describes Christ's return as a warrior on a white horse, symbolizing ultimate victory over evil. This connection highlights the theme of divine power and judgment.
The Power of the Lord's RebukeR. Tuck Psalm 76:6
A Psalm of TriumphC. Short Psalm 76:1-12
Glorious Aspects of the Divine CharacterA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.Psalm 76:1-12
The Triumphs of GodS. Conway Psalm 76:1-12
People
Asaph, Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Asleep, Carriage, Cast, Chariot, Dead, Deep, Fast, Horse, Horses, Jacob, Lay, Lie, O, Overcome, Rebuke, Rider, Riders, Sleep, Stunned, Voice, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 76:6

     1245   God of the fathers
     4657   horse

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 Clairvaux

Epistle 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 76:6 NIV
Psalm 76:6 NLT
Psalm 76:6 ESV
Psalm 76:6 NASB
Psalm 76:6 KJV

Psalm 76:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 76:5
Top of Page
Top of Page