God’s holiness must awaken both reverence and gratitude.
The Psalmist writes, “You, even You, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence once You are angry?” (v.7). This verse emphasizes the awe and reverence due to the Lord, highlighting that His holiness and majesty surpass all human understanding. In the original Hebrew context, the word “feared” carries the sense of deep respect and trembling honor that acknowledges the power, righteousness, and justice of God. It asks a direct and sobering rhetorical question—who could remain unshaken when confronted by the Creator of heaven and earth in righteous anger? Such a challenge is designed to strip away human pride, showing us that we all stand accountable before Him. Connecting this to the New Testament, we find that Jesus taught reverence for God as well, reminding His followers never to forget the holiness of their heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9).
In the broader context of Psalm 76, the psalmist (traditionally Asaph, who served around the time of King David in the 10th century BC) praises God for His deliverance of Jerusalem from enemy forces (Psalm 76:2). Although not explicitly mentioned in verse 7, this deliverance sets the stage for understanding why God is so greatly "to be feared." It is His active involvement in history and the display of His might that leads nations to recognize His supreme authority. During the era of ancient Israel, conflicts with neighboring peoples were common, and the deliverance of the nation served as a constant reminder of God’s sovereign power over all kingdoms.
This question—“And who may stand in Your presence once You are angry?” (v.7)—leads the faithful to contemplate not only God’s supreme power but also His mercy. While an encounter with God’s wrath is daunting, the righteousness given through Christ (Romans 5:9) now provides believers the boldness to approach Him. Jesus, whose ministry spanned approximately 30-33 AD, offers forgiveness and reconciliation, fulfilling the longing for righteousness that we can never achieve on our own (Romans 3:23-24). Thus, the same awe that humbles us becomes a path to recognize our need for the Savior.
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Psalms 76:7 meaning
The Psalmist writes, “You, even You, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence once You are angry?” (v.7). This verse emphasizes the awe and reverence due to the Lord, highlighting that His holiness and majesty surpass all human understanding. In the original Hebrew context, the word “feared” carries the sense of deep respect and trembling honor that acknowledges the power, righteousness, and justice of God. It asks a direct and sobering rhetorical question—who could remain unshaken when confronted by the Creator of heaven and earth in righteous anger? Such a challenge is designed to strip away human pride, showing us that we all stand accountable before Him. Connecting this to the New Testament, we find that Jesus taught reverence for God as well, reminding His followers never to forget the holiness of their heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9).
In the broader context of Psalm 76, the psalmist (traditionally Asaph, who served around the time of King David in the 10th century BC) praises God for His deliverance of Jerusalem from enemy forces (Psalm 76:2). Although not explicitly mentioned in verse 7, this deliverance sets the stage for understanding why God is so greatly "to be feared." It is His active involvement in history and the display of His might that leads nations to recognize His supreme authority. During the era of ancient Israel, conflicts with neighboring peoples were common, and the deliverance of the nation served as a constant reminder of God’s sovereign power over all kingdoms.
This question—“And who may stand in Your presence once You are angry?” (v.7)—leads the faithful to contemplate not only God’s supreme power but also His mercy. While an encounter with God’s wrath is daunting, the righteousness given through Christ (Romans 5:9) now provides believers the boldness to approach Him. Jesus, whose ministry spanned approximately 30-33 AD, offers forgiveness and reconciliation, fulfilling the longing for righteousness that we can never achieve on our own (Romans 3:23-24). Thus, the same awe that humbles us becomes a path to recognize our need for the Savior.