1 God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great.

2 His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

3 There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.

4 You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.

Psalm 76 points to the only solution of the search of justice, peace, and equality: the King of [Jeru]Salem (the word means peace). It is out of Zion that this God, the Lord, has revealed himself. He is described in terms that depict him as the warrior king, whose awesome majestic power, located in the Temple in Zion, overcomes all pretenders, local, national, or cosmic, and their offensive weapons. His power overwhelms and restrains the oppressors but saves and raises up the oppressed (v 9). His acts of salvation are legendary, not least the exodus from Egypt led by Moses. His dynamic Word has power to create and to overpower. This King is Judge over all the earth (vs 7–9). Through Jesus Christ, he has demonstrated his commitment to promoting and protecting well-being and the ability to flourish for all human beings everywhere (vs 12), especially the poor and downtrodden.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord God, may your extravagant love be reflected in who I am, in things I say and do. Help me to show others who you are.

(Edited from the encounter with God)