Psalms 76:6

Authorized King James Version

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִ֭גַּעֲרָ֣תְךָ

H1606

At thy rebuke

a chiding

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

O God

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

יַעֲקֹ֑ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

נִ֝רְדָּ֗ם

H7290

are cast into a dead sleep

to stun, i.e., stupefy (with sleep or death)

וְרֶ֣כֶב

H7393

both the chariot

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וָסֽוּס׃

H5483

and horse

a horse (as leaping)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?