Psalms 76:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 76:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel.
Psalms 76:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 76

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1In Judah is God known: His name is great in Israel.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“In Judah is God known, etc.] God is to be known, and is made known, by his works of creation, and by his providences, and particularly by his judgments in the whole world, even among the Gentiles; and he was made known by his word and ordinances, his statutes and his judgments, among the Jews, to whom these were specially given; and he is made known by his Spirit, and in his Son in a spiritual and saving manner to such who are Jews inwardly, or the true circumcision: moreover this may be understood of Christ, God manifest in the flesh, and regard his appearance in human nature in the land of Judea; he was, according to prophecy, of the tribe of Judah as man, and was born in Bethlehem, a city…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To Jeduthun--(See on Psa 39:1, title). In a time of great affliction, when ready to despair, the Psalmist derives relief from calling to mind God's former and wonderful works of delivering power and grace. (Psa. 77:1-20) expresses the purport of the Psalm.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In Judah is God known - That is, he has made himself known there in a special manner; he has evinced his watchful care over the city so as to demand a proper acknowledgment; he has manifested himself there as he has not elsewhere. It is true that God is known, or makes himself known everywhere; but it is also true that he does this in some places, and at some times, in a more marked and striking manner than he does in other places and at other times. The most clear and impressive displays of his character are among his own people - in the church. “His name is great in Israel.” Among the people of Israel; or, among his own people. The meaning here is, that, by some act referred to in the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Ps 76 This psalm appears to celebrate a victory. The victory might have been recent, such as over the Assyrians (see note on 76:title; see also Isa 37); or the psalm might be recalling God’s great acts of rescue in the past. 76:title to be accompanied by stringed instruments: The Greek version reads for the Assyrian. 76:1-3 God’s victory over Zion’s enemies foreshadows his worldwide victory over all his enemies.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“A Psalm: This Psalm is entitled in the Septuagint, which is followed by the Vulgate and Appollinarius, Ωδη προς τον Ασσυριον, "An ode against the Assyrian;" and it is considered by many of the best commentators to have been composed by Asaph after the defeat of Sennacherib. of Asaph: or, for Asaph In Judah: Psa 48:1-3, Psa 147:19, Psa 147:20; Deu 4:7, Deu 4:8, Deu 4:34-36; Act 17:23; Rom 2:17-29, Rom 3:1, Rom 3:2 his: Psa 98:2, Psa 98:3, Psa 148:13, Psa 148:14; Ch1 29:10-12; Ch2 2:5, Ch2 2:6; Dan 3:29, Dan 4:1, Dan 4:2 Psalms 76:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“In all Israel, and more especially in Judah, is Elohim known (here, according to Psa 76:2, participle, whereas in Psa 9:17 it is the finite verb), inasmuch as He has made Himself known (cf. דּעוּ, Isa 33:13). His Name is great in Israel, inasmuch as He has proved Himself to be a great One and is praised as a great One. In Judah more especially, for in Jerusalem, and that upon Zion, the citadel with the primeval gates ( Psa 24:7), He has His dwelling-place upon earth within the borders of Israel. שׁלם is the ancient name of Jerusalem; for the Salem of Melchizedek is one and the same city with the Jerusalem of Adonizedek, Jos 10:1. In this primeval Salem God has סוּכּו, His tabernacle (=…”
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Sources and verification