Psalms 76:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 76:7
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
Chapter Context
Psalms 76 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, mercy. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 76:7
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
Analysis
The psalm declares: "Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?" (Hebrew atah nora atah u-mi-ya-amod l-faneycha me-az appekha). The doubled "thou, even thou" emphasizes exclusivity—God alone deserves fear. "Who may stand" is rhetorical—none can endure divine anger. "When once thou art angry" warns of God's wrath. The verse inspires holy fear: if God opposes you, no defense exists. This drives believers to faith and unbelievers to flee God's wrath.
Historical Context
The rhetorical question "who may stand?" appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 130:3, Nahum 1:6, Malachi 3:2, Revelation 6:17). No one withstands God's wrath independently. Yet believers "stand" through Christ's righteousness (Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 6:13). Hebrews 12:29 warns: "our God is a consuming fire." Yet Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to approach God's throne confidently through Christ.
Reflection
- How does healthy fear of God (reverent awe) differ from servile terror?
- What would it mean for God to be "angry" with you, and how does Christ's atonement address this?
- How does standing in Christ's righteousness enable you to approach the holy God who is "to be feared"?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 2:12, 89:7, Nahum 1:6