Psalms 76 · Grade 5

To Save the Afflicted

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 76 calls it a Psalm by Asaph, a song for stringed instruments. It is a song of Zion, celebrating God as the one who lives among his people. In Judah, God is known. His name is great in Israel. His tent also is in Salem, an older name for Jerusalem. The setting is a great deliverance, though the title does not name which one.

The images are of war undone. There God broke the flaming arrows, the shield, the sword and the weapons of war. Valiant men lie plundered and asleep; at God's rebuke chariot and horse are stunned. The point is not military glory but God's sovereign power to end violence.

Verse 9 gives the reason: when God arose to judgment, to save all the afflicted ones of the earth. God's justice is for the weak. Verse 10 makes a striking claim: Surely the wrath of man praises you. Even human rage cannot overturn God's purposes and will ultimately serve his glory. The psalm ends by urging all nearby peoples to bring presents to God, who cuts off the pride of princes.

Show What You Know

What is a song of Zion?
What is the point of the images of broken weapons?
Who is God's justice for, according to verse 9?
What does verse 10 claim about human wrath?

Crossword

Across

His tabernacle is also in ____.
His dwelling place in ____.

Down

His name is great in ____.
You pronounced ____ from heaven.
Make ____ to Yahweh your God.

Think About It

How can it comfort us that even human anger cannot overturn God's plans?
Why does God's justice focus on the afflicted?

Memory Verse

“Surely the wrath of man praises you. The survivors of your wrath are restrained.”

Psalms 76:10 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being known among your people. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Who is hurting that you could stand up for?
How can we keep our vows to God?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?