Psalms 76:4
Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
Original Language Analysis
נָ֭אוֹר
Thou art more glorious
H215
נָ֭אוֹר
Thou art more glorious
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
1 of 5
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
אַדִּ֗יר
and excellent
H117
אַדִּ֗יר
and excellent
Strong's:
H117
Word #:
3 of 5
wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful
Historical Context
Mountain strongholds were formidable military positions in ancient warfare—Assyria, Babylon, and other empires ruled from mountainous regions. Yet God transcends all earthly powers. Isaiah 2:2-3 prophesies God's mountain (Zion) will be exalted above all others. Revelation 21:10 depicts the New Jerusalem descending from God's mountain—ultimate fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- What earthly powers or institutions intimidate you, and how does God's surpassing glory put them in perspective?
- How does recognizing God as "more glorious" than all competitors guard against idolatry of nation, success, or human authority?
- In what ways does Christ's exaltation "far above all rule and authority" (Ephesians 1:21) fulfill this supremacy?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm praises God: "Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey" (Hebrew na-or atah adir me-harere teref). "Glorious" (Hebrew na-or) means luminous, radiant with light. "Excellent" (Hebrew adir) indicates majestic power. "Mountains of prey" likely refers to enemy strongholds where predatory nations dwelt. God surpasses all earthly power centers in glory and might. Where human kingdoms are predatory, God's rule is righteous.