Have you ever faced an army? Most reading this have probably not faced a literal army, though a few might have. There are always armed conflicts happening in some part of the world, armies rising up against each other, and countries going to war. It would be a very frightening thing to realize that an armed military enemy is proceeding to come into your community. Though we might not have ever faced a literal army, most of us have faced other problems that might have seemed like an army of sorts at the time. We may have faced an “army” of health problems, or an “army” of financial difficulties. Maybe on our job so many co-workers opposed us that they seemed like an army. Where can we turn for help when either the literal or figurative army comes marching in? Our Psalm today gives the answer, and tells of the rejoicing and relief we feel when we have been delivered.
Though not specifically indicated, many Bible scholars believe that Psalm 76 was written to celebrate the destruction of King Sennacherib of Assyria’s army, and his later assassination. This occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah, king of Judah, and King Hoshea of Israel. If you could be transported back to this time, you would quickly see that this was a very fearful time in both nations' history. King Sennacherib of Assyria was on the march throughout the Middle East, and he had probably one of the most powerful armies at the time. One kingdom and nation after another fell to his conquest, including the northern Kingdom of Israel.
There were no humane “rules of war” that were followed then. Soldiers did not care one bit about civilian casualties. Whole villages were plowed under, and everybody, including women, children, and the elderly, was slaughtered. Now the Assyrian army stood at the border of the Kingdom of Judah and the gates of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah, who was one of the godly kings of Judah, along with all the people were fearful. As Sennacherib and his generals stood outside of Jerusalem, they called out to the people and the king. They mocked Yahweh, the One true God, saying that none of the gods of the other nations helped them against his might, so neither would Yahweh have the power, and other such mocking (II Kings 18:19-37).
When our heart is fearful, maybe even for our very lives, when whatever sort of army is right at our doorstep, what do we do? Hezekiah went into the Temple and fell flat on his face before the Lord in prayer. He knew God heard the terrible, blasphemous things this enemy said. He prayed for God’s help, the only One who could possibly help at this desperate time. Contrary to what Sennacherib and his generals said and thought, the gods of the other nations were just wood and stone. They were no gods. However, Yahweh is the One true God. He could, and He would wipe them off the face of the earth! (II Kings 19:32-36).
Psalm 76 was written in praise of the great deliverance that the Lord God brought to His people. He destroyed the enemies weapons (vs. 3). The army of Assyria seemed like a mountain coming against God’s people, but He destroyed them (vs. 4). God crippled the Assyrian army, either literally or figuratively (vs. 5). He shatters the attitude of all proud governmental leaders who rebel against Him (vs. 12).
God will punish all evildoers. Even man’s angry revolt will be used by God to bring glory to Himself (vs. 10). The railings against God and His people are turned into praise to Him when He miraculously intervenes to bring the wicked down. Hostility to God and His people gives Him the opportunity to do great deeds. Another example in Scripture that most are familiar with is Pharaoh of Egypt, when he refused to free the Hebrew people. God worked many mighty miracles then. He will always turn the tables on the wicked, and bring glory to Himself from the foolishness of those who deny or revolt against Him. God’s wrath, expressed in judgment, brings praise from those who have been delivered.
As believers, we must never lose our reverence for God, because when we do, we become weak, compromising, and complacent. God is Judge and King, and He deserves nothing less than wholehearted commitment and obedience. Sennacherib mocked the Lord and was destroyed. Hezekiah loved the Lord and was obedient, and Yahweh brought him deliverance.
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