Psalms 76:7
Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
Psalms 76:7
“You are to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?” This verse confronts the reality of divine holiness and righteous anger. It acknowledges the incomparably holy God who commands awe and reverence. The rhetorical question underscores the inescapability of God’s presence and judgment. In the context of communal praise, the psalmist is affirming that God’s anger is a legitimate and serious reality that brings about justice. The imagery of fear is not mere terror but a reverent awe that leads to humility, repentance, and trust. The verse signals to the faithful that God’s justice is not negotiable and His purposes will prevail.
The verse articulates a core theological claim: God’s holiness exerts a righteous fear that all humans should acknowledge. It aligns with biblical motifs of divine judgment and the call to holiness. It also emphasizes human accountability before God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; in this verse, it serves as a corrective to pride and self-sufficiency.
Practically, this invites reverent living: approach God with humility, confession, and obedience. In daily life, this may translate to seeking God’s guidance before decisions, honoring others, and avoiding hubris. It also inspires respectful dialogue about faith, recognizing that God’s judgments are not ours to wield with vengeance but to administer with mercy and justice through humility and prayer.
Cross-References: Proverbs 1:7; Isaiah 8:13; Psalm 2:11; Hebrews 12:28-29; Revelation 14:7