Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, ruled a powerful nation located to the north and east of Judah. He launched an attack on Judah, but God intervened on Judah’s behalf. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian camp, leading to Sennacherib’s defeat. As a result, God’s power and presence became known to the people (Isaiah 36–37).
Asaph was overwhelmed by the realization that God was known throughout all of Judah. This Psalm describes how God revealed Himself to His people and how they responded to Him. Every believer shares a similar dream, longing for revival in their own community. The Old Testament recounts many instances of revival, often tied to victories that God granted His people over their enemies. However, while believers today still hope for revival, they often fail to witness it because their understanding of their “enemy” is flawed. This misunderstanding leads them to associate revival with acts of God’s vengeance, rather than focusing on God’s transformative power.
Among Believers His Name Is Great
God is renowned in Judah;
in Israel his name is great.
His tent is in Salem,
his dwelling place in Zion.
There he broke the flashing arrows,
the shields and the swords, the weapons of war.You are radiant with light,
more majestic than mountains rich with game.
The valiant lie plundered,
they sleep their last sleep;
not one of the warriors
can lift his hands.
At your rebuke, God of Jacob,
both horse and chariot lie still. – Psalms 76:1-6 (NIV)
People marvelled at how God protected them by defeating their enemies. They recognized that the victory was not their own but God’s intervention. Within our congregation, His name continues to be known and honoured among believers. However, many still do not know Him and, as a result, do not honour God. This happens because believers often rely on God’s mighty acts— healing, deliverance, and blessings—to reveal Him to others. While those who experience these miracles honour God, those who do not often drift away.
In the Old Testament, when God delivered His people from their enemies, they praised Him through dancing and singing. For instance, after the defeat of Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, Judah celebrated God’s mighty work. Similarly, Miriam danced when Pharaoh and his army were drowned in the Red Sea. While their victories were the primary reason for praise, the downfall of their enemies added an extra sense of triumph. However, our focus should not solely be on the defeat of the enemy but on cherishing the gift of salvation. Often, in praising God for His power over our adversaries, we risk overlooking the deeper significance of our salvation.
God has no equal adversary, yet He chose to treat our enemy as His own. We must recognize that God defeated the devil to free us from the fear of death—otherwise, there would have been no need for Him to crush the devil through the cross.
Many mistakenly view the forces of evil as equal opponents of God. This misunderstanding diminishes God’s supremacy and, in doing so, gives undue significance to the fallen angels. We must firmly grasp that no power can rival the power of God.
Instead, believers should focus on sharing the message of God’s unique and universal gift: the forgiveness of sins, offered to all humanity. This is a real and lasting gift that transcends physical blessings and should be central in making Him known to others.
Saved People Are Restrained
It is you alone who are to be feared.
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
From heaven you pronounced judgment,
and the land feared and was quiet—
when you, God, rose up to judge,
to save all the afflicted of the land.
Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. – Psalms 76:7-10 (NIV)
People often turn to God seeking relief from their struggles, yet they deceive themselves by fixating on others’ judgment while forgetting they too will face God’s judgment. In the Old Testament, God’s anger struck fear in His people, leading them to humble themselves before Him. It is natural to revere an angry God. However, New Testament believers often misunderstand God’s character, viewing our loving Father through the lens of wrath. This misrepresentation leads many to prepare for fear rather than embrace His grace.
God, however, revealed His infinite love by giving His only Son as a sacrifice for humanity. This unconditional love is frequently taken for granted. By neglecting a healthy fear of God, we fail to appreciate the depth of His mercy. As those spared from His wrath by Christ’s perfect obedience, our reverence should not fade but grow deeper in gratitude for His overwhelming grace.
Bring Gifts To The LORD
Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth. – Psalms 76:11-12 (NIV)
In the Old Testament, we see that kings who opposed the Israelites feared God when they encountered the Ark of God on the battlefield. The Psalmist speaks of making vows to God, but what can we truly offer Him? The earth and everything in it already belong to Him. Instead of presenting offerings, we should surrender ourselves to Him, allowing Him to restore His image within us and fulfil His original design for humanity—eternal life. God does not desire gifts from us or others; He seeks lives that draw others into His fold. By living for His truth, let us glorify His name and make it renowned in our nation.
Heavenly Father, help us to reveal You to others through our life and just deeds so that the nations may glorify You.
The Jordan Valley 
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