Psalms 76:8
Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
Original Language Analysis
מִ֭שָּׁמַיִם
from heaven
H8064
מִ֭שָּׁמַיִם
from heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
1 of 6
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
הִשְׁמַ֣עְתָּ
to be heard
H8085
הִשְׁמַ֣עְתָּ
to be heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דִּ֑ין
Thou didst cause judgment
H1779
דִּ֑ין
Thou didst cause judgment
Strong's:
H1779
Word #:
3 of 6
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
Historical Context
The cosmic language ('earth feared') suggests not merely local impact but universal significance. When God destroyed Sennacherib's army, surrounding nations took notice—the God of Israel defended His people against history's mightiest empire. The Assyrian records themselves (Taylor Prism) admit Sennacherib's failure to capture Jerusalem, though they don't acknowledge divine intervention. For Israel, this vindication proved God's sovereignty over all nations, fulfilling promises that through Abraham's seed all earth would be blessed or judged (Genesis 12:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How should the certainty of God's future judgment 'from heaven' affect your daily priorities and moral choices?
- What does it mean for 'the earth' to be 'still' before God's judgment—what kind of silence does divine authority command?
- How can believers maintain proper fear of God's judgment while resting in Christ's redemption?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, This verse describes theophany—God's dramatic self-revelation in judgment. "Judgment" (דִּין/din) denotes legal verdict pronounced from the divine court. "From heaven" emphasizes transcendence—God speaks from His throne above earthly powers. Heaven's verdict overrules earth's arrogant claims.
"To be heard" (הִשְׁמַעְתָּ/hishma'ta) is causative—God caused His judgment to be audible, unmistakable. This recalls Sinai's thunderous revelation (Exodus 19:16-19) and anticipates eschatological judgment when every ear will hear (Revelation 1:7). Divine judgment isn't silent or ambiguous; it declares itself with authority that commands attention.
"The earth feared, and was still" depicts universal response to divine intervention. "Feared" (יָרְאָה/yare'ah) is the trembling awe appropriate before the holy Judge. "Was still" (שָׁקָטָה/shaqatah) means to be quiet, calm, or at rest—not the peace of safety but the silence of terror. All creation holds its breath before the terrible majesty of God's judgment. Human boasting ceases; earthly tumult stills.