A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com
Psalms Chapter 76
On Neginoth--(See on Psa 4:1, title). This Psalm commemorates what the preceding anticipates: God's deliverance of His people by a signal interposition of power against their enemies. The occasion was probably the events narrated in Kg2 19:35; Isa. 37:1-28. (Compare Psa 46:1-11). (Psa 76:1-12)
These well-known terms denote God's people and Church and His intimate and glorious relations to them.
Salem-- (Gen 14:18) is Jerusalem.
brake . . . the arrows--literally, "thunderbolts" (Psa 78:48), from their rapid flight or ignition (compare Psa 18:14; Eph 6:16).
the battle--for arms (Hos 2:18).
Thou--God.
mountains of prey--great victorious nations, as Assyria (Isa 41:15; Eze 38:11-12; Zac 4:7).
slept their sleep--died (Psa 13:3).
none . . . found . . . hands--are powerless.
chariot and horse--for those fighting on them (compare Psa 68:17).
may . . . sight--contend with Thee (Deu 9:4; Jos 7:12).
God's judgment on the wicked is His people's deliverance (Psa 9:12; Psa 10:7).
Man's wrath praises God by its futility before His power.
restrain--or, "gird"; that is, Thyself, as with a sword, with which to destroy, or as an ornament to Thy praise.
Invite homage to such a God (Ch2 32:23), who can stop the breath of kings and princes when He wills (Dan 5:23).