Psalms 76:8

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 76:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou didst cause sentence to be heard from heaven; The earth feared, and was still,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou didst cause sentence to be heard from heaven; The earth feared, and was still,
Psalms 76:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 76

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Thou didst cause sentence to be heard from heaven; The earth feared, and was still,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven, etc.] When an angel was sent down from heaven, and destroyed the Assyrian army, a judgment of God upon them; at which time some think there was a violent clap of thunder, which is the voice of God: and it may refer to the judgments which God has decreed to execute on the antichristian states, the seven vials of his wrath he will pour upon them; for all decrees, as Aben Ezra on the place observes, come from heaven; or to the last judgment, when Christ the Judge shall descend from heaven, the voice of the archangel shall be heard, the last trumpet shall sound, the dead in their graves shall hear it, and rise and stand before the judgment seat,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heavens - It seemed to come from heaven; it was manifestly from thee. The overthrow of these enemies of thy people was a manifest judgment from thee, and should be so regarded. The earth feared - The world itself seemed to hear the voice of God, and to stand in awe. And was still - It seemed to be profoundly attentive to what God said, and as if it reverently listened to his voice. It is not uncommon in the Scriptures to represent the earth - the hills, the mountains, the streams, the rivers, the plains - as conscious of the presence of God; as either rejoicing or trembling at his voice. Compare Psalms 65:12-13; Psalms 114:3-7; Habakkuk 3:8-11.…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou - Didst execute judgment upon thine enemies, by an angel from heaven: which is said to be heard, either because it was accompanied with thunders and earthquakes, or because the fame of it was quickly spread abroad. Feared - The rest of the world were afraid to disturb Israel. Psalms 76:10”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“didst: Exo 19:10; Jdg 5:20; Ch2 32:20-22; Eze 38:20-23 still: Psa 46:10; Ch2 20:29, Ch2 20:30; Hab 2:20; Zac 2:13 Psalms 76:9”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification