Psalms 76:2
In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
סוּכּ֑וֹ
also is his tabernacle
H5520
סוּכּ֑וֹ
also is his tabernacle
Strong's:
H5520
Word #:
3 of 5
a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair
Cross References
Genesis 14:18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.Isaiah 12:6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.2 Chronicles 6:6But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.Psalms 9:11Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.Psalms 27:5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.Lamentations 2:6And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest.
Historical Context
Psalm 76 is another Asaphite psalm celebrating God's victory, likely commemorating Sennacherib's defeat in 701 BC when the Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem was destroyed overnight (2 Kings 19:35, Isaiah 37:36). The juxtaposition of 'Salem' (peace) with military imagery creates dramatic irony—from the city of peace comes terrifying judgment against God's enemies. The tabernacle/dwelling terminology reflects the transition from portable wilderness worship to the permanent Jerusalem temple, completed during Solomon's reign around 960 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice to dwell in a specific geographical location (Zion) challenge modern tendencies toward abstract, location-less spirituality?
- What is the relationship between God's localized presence in the Old Testament temple and His universal presence through the Spirit in the church age?
- How does the name 'Salem' (peace) relate to the judgment themes in Psalm 76—what kind of peace does God bring?
Analysis & Commentary
In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. This verse celebrates Jerusalem as God's chosen earthly dwelling, using ancient and contemporary names for the city. "Salem" (שָׁלֵם/Shalem) is the ancient name meaning "peace," associated with Melchizedek's city (Genesis 14:18). It emphasizes Jerusalem's destiny as the city of peace and divine presence.
"His tabernacle" (סֻכּוֹ/sukko) refers to God's dwelling tent, recalling both the wilderness tabernacle and the sacred space on Mount Zion. The parallel "dwelling place" (מְעוֹנָה/me'onah) denotes a permanent habitation, suggesting the temple's establishment. These terms bridge Israel's nomadic past with the settled monarchy under David and Solomon.
"Zion" (צִיּוֹן/Tsiyon) is Jerusalem's most sacred designation, the fortress David captured and transformed into God's holy city (2 Samuel 5:7). From Zion, God's presence radiated outward, His glory filling the temple, His law going forth to nations. This geographical specificity matters theologically—God chose to localize His presence, making Himself accessible through concrete historical realities rather than abstract spirituality.