Psalms 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "the remainder of wrath you will put on like a belt" is actually quite powerful. It suggests God doesn't just restrain human wrath, but he can even harness it, adorning himself with it like a conqueror wears spoils, signifying his ultimate authority over all human rage.
This psalm celebrates a decisive act of God's judgment, most likely the destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. The preceding verses vividly describe how God's power halted an overwhelming enemy, leading to awe and recognition of His might across the nations. This verse then reflects on how even the fierce opposition of humankind ultimately serves God's purposes and glory.
Ever feel like the world's anger is unstoppable? This verse flips that idea on its head, showing how even human fury can end up glorifying God.
The first half of the verse, 'Surely the wrath of man shall praise you,' is a stunning declaration. It means that the anger, rage, and destructive plans of people—even when directed against God's people or His purposes—will ultimately serve to reveal and magnify God's glory. Think about the story of Joseph: his brothers' wicked plan to get rid of him, driven by jealousy (wrath of man), ultimately led to him being in a position to save them all from famine. God used their evil to bring about a greater good, and in doing so, He was praised through their actions, even if unintentionally. The fury of people doesn't thwart God's plan; it becomes a tool in His hand to display His wisdom, power, and faithfulness.
What happens to the anger that isn't immediately spent? This verse promises God's direct intervention, showing His ultimate authority.
The second part, 'the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt,' speaks to God's complete sovereignty. After God has used human wrath for His purposes, He doesn't just let the leftover anger run wild. The imagery of 'girding' or 'putting on like a belt' suggests that God takes this remaining fury and uses it as an adornment or a tool for His own purposes, like a warrior putting on armor or a sash. It means He controls it, contains it, and can wield it when and how He sees fit. It's a powerful reminder that no anger, no matter how persistent, can escape God's notice or control. He can limit its expression and even use it to further His own victory. For example, after Sennacherib's army was miraculously destroyed, any lingering threats or plans of his kingdom were effectively neutralized by God's decisive action.
Understand the original words
chemah · Hebrew Noun
The righteous, intense, and holy indignation of God against sin. Unlike human anger, it is always directed toward justice and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign purposes.
This verse likely refers to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army under Sennacherib in 701 BC. The overwhelming wrath of man, intended to destroy, ultimately served to glorify God's power and faithfulness, while the remaining threat was decisively restrained.
701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah delivers a message of hope to King Hezekiah.
701 BC— this verse
Divine Intervention and Assyrian Defeat
An unexplained disaster strikes the Assyrian army camped around Jerusalem, leading to a miraculous and sudden destruction of 185,000 soldiers overnight. Sennacherib is forced to withdraw his forces.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, crown prince of Babylon, defeats the Egyptians at Carchemish and begins his rise to power. As part of his consolidation, he deports Judean nobles and artisans to Babylon, including Daniel.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport the majority of the population into exile. This marks the end of the Kingdom of Judah.
This passage describes the pride and impending judgment of Assyria, paralleling how human aggression and pride are ultimately used by God for His purposes, even in their destruction.
Romans 9:17-23This text explains God's sovereignty over human actions, using Pharaoh as an example of how even destructive purposes can be turned to God's glory and the display of His power.
Jeremiah 50:25This verse speaks of God opening His armory and bringing forth the weapons of His indignation, which echoes the imagery of God 'girding' Himself with wrath.
Proverbs 16:4This proverb states that 'The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble,' highlighting how even the wicked actions of men are part of God's ultimate plan.
poolePsalms 76:10: "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain."
The wrath of man shall praise thee; the blasphemous speeches and furious attempts of thine enemies shall serve thy glory, and cause thy people and others to praise and magnify thee for that admirable wisdom, and power, and faithfulness, and goodness which thou shalt discover upon that occasion. The remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain; thou shalt prevent and disappoint the succeeding malicio…
jfbPsalms 76:10: "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain."
- 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.
The phrase "the remainder of wrath you will put on like a belt" is actually quite powerful. It suggests God doesn't just restrain human wrath, but he can even harness it, adorning himself with it like a conqueror wears spoils, signifying his ultimate authority over all human rage.
This psalm celebrates a decisive act of God's judgment, most likely the destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. The preceding verses vividly describe how God's power halted an overwhelming enemy, leading to awe and recognition of His might across the nations. This verse then reflects on how even the fierce opposition of humankind ultimately serves God's purposes and glory.
This psalm celebrates a decisive act of God's judgment, most likely the destruction of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. The preceding verses vividly describe how God's power halted an overwhelming enemy, leading to awe and recognition of His might across the nations. This verse then reflects on how even the fierce opposition of humankind ultimately serves God's purposes and glory.
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c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Edict
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, where he continues to preach the Gospel and write letters to various churches, including Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.
"Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt." — The phrase "the remainder of wrath you will put on like a belt" is actually quite powerful. It suggests God doesn't just restrain human wrath, but he can even harness it, adorning himself with it lik…
