Psalms 76:6
At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
O God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
נִ֝רְדָּ֗ם
are cast into a dead sleep
H7290
נִ֝רְדָּ֗ם
are cast into a dead sleep
Strong's:
H7290
Word #:
4 of 6
to stun, i.e., stupefy (with sleep or death)
Cross References
Exodus 15:1Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.Exodus 15:21And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.Psalms 80:16It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
Historical Context
This verse vividly describes Sennacherib's defeat when 185,000 Assyrian troops died overnight outside Jerusalem's walls (2 Kings 19:35). The Assyrians boasted superior military technology—iron chariots, trained cavalry, siege engines. Yet God's angel destroyed them without Israel lifting a sword. The mention of 'God of Jacob' recalls Jacob's vulnerability as a fleeing refugee dependent entirely on God's protection (Genesis 28, 32), now magnified to national scale as Jacob's descendants face overwhelming military odds.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'chariots and horses'—impressive human technologies or powers—do you tend to fear more than trusting God's authority?
- How does God's defense of His people through miraculous intervention inform Christian responses to persecution or opposition today?
- What does it mean that God's 'rebuke' alone defeats armies—how should this shape our spiritual warfare understanding?
Analysis & Commentary
At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. Divine speech alone—"thy rebuke" (גַּעֲרָתְךָ/ga'aratecha)—vanquishes military might. This verb denotes sharp, authoritative correction that stops opposition instantly. God needs no army; His word is sufficient weapon. This echoes Psalm 104:7, where mountains flee at God's rebuke, and anticipates Jesus rebuking wind and waves (Mark 4:39).
"O God of Jacob" again emphasizes covenant relationship (see 75:9). The God who preserved Jacob's family through famine, exodus, and wilderness will defend his descendants. This title reminds readers that the One who defeats empires is the same God who wrestles with individuals and transforms them (Genesis 32:24-30).
"Both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep" depicts total military incapacitation. Chariots represented ancient warfare's most feared technology—swift, powerful, terrifying. Horses symbolized strength and mobility. Yet at God's rebuke, these instruments of war become impotent. "Dead sleep" (נִרְדָּמוּ/nirdamu) suggests the sleep of death, recalling Exodus 15:1 where horse and rider were thrown into the sea. Human power collapses before divine authority.