Psalms 76:9
When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
בְּקוּם
arose
H6965
בְּקוּם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
לַמִּשְׁפָּ֥ט
to judgment
H4941
לַמִּשְׁפָּ֥ט
to judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
When God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
When God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 8
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
לְהוֹשִׁ֖יעַ
to save
H3467
לְהוֹשִׁ֖יעַ
to save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַנְוֵי
all the meek
H6035
עַנְוֵי
all the meek
Strong's:
H6035
Word #:
6 of 8
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
Cross References
Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Matthew 5:5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.Zephaniah 2:3Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.
Historical Context
The meek/humble (anav) were often socially marginalized—the poor, widows, orphans, foreigners—whose only recourse was God's justice since human courts favored the powerful. In the context of Sennacherib's invasion, Jerusalem's inhabitants were 'meek' compared to Assyria's military superiority. They couldn't save themselves but trusted God's deliverance. This theme runs throughout Scripture: God exalts the humble and humbles the proud (1 Samuel 2:7-8, Luke 1:52, James 4:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's commitment to save 'all the meek' challenge worldly values that celebrate power, status, and self-promotion?
- In what areas of your life do you need to exchange self-reliance for meekness—trusting God's vindication rather than self-defense?
- What does it mean practically to be 'meek' in a culture that equates meekness with weakness?
Analysis & Commentary
When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. This verse reveals judgment's dual purpose: punishing the proud and "saving all the meek." "Arose" (קוּם/qum) depicts God rising from His throne, moving from patient observation to active intervention. The metaphor suggests a judge standing to pronounce verdict or a warrior rising to battle. God's arising signals the end of apparent divine silence.
"To judgment" (לַמִּשְׁפָּט/lamishpat) expresses purpose—He arose specifically to execute justice. "To save" (לְהוֹשִׁיעַ/lehoshia) reveals judgment's redemptive goal for the righteous. God judges not for destruction's sake but to deliver the oppressed. His wrath against evil is inseparable from His love for victims of injustice.
"All the meek of the earth" (כָּל־עַנְוֵי־אֶרֶץ/kol-anwei-erets) identifies those God saves. "Meek" (עָנָו/anav) describes the humble, afflicted, lowly—those who trust God rather than military might or political power. Jesus pronounced them blessed and promised them the earth itself as inheritance (Matthew 5:5). God's judgment vindicates not the strong but the humble. "Selah" (סֶלָה) calls for musical pause and meditation on this revolutionary truth.