God Is Known in Judah
Study note
God's name is great in Israel. His dwelling is in Salem (Jerusalem) and his home is in Zion. There he broke the weapons of war. Mighty warriors could not even lift their hands against him.
1 Everyone in Judah knows who God is. His name is honored throughout Israel. In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
2 He has set up his home in Salem, and he lives in Zion. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There he snapped the burning arrows in two and smashed every shield, sword, and weapon of battle. Selah. There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
4 You shine brighter than anything! You are more glorious than the greatest mountains. Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
5 The boldest warriors were stripped of everything they had. They fell into a sleep they will never wake from. Not one of those strong soldiers could even raise a hand. The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
6 When you shouted your command, God of Jacob, every chariot and horse froze in place. At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
God the Awesome Judge
Study note
God is to be feared. When he pronounced judgment from heaven, the earth was afraid and silent. He rose to save all the humble of the earth. Even human anger turns to praise God. All surrounding nations should bring gifts to the one who should be feared.
7 You alone deserve to be feared! When your anger rises, nobody can stand up to you. Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
8 You announced your verdict from heaven, and the whole earth went silent with fear Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
9 when you stood up to judge and to rescue every humble person on earth. Selah. When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
10 Even the fury of people ends up bringing you praise. Those who survive your anger are held in check. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
11 Make your promises to the Lord your God and keep every one of them. Let everyone around him bring gifts to the one who deserves respect. Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
12 He humbles the pride of rulers. The kings of the earth tremble before him. He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.