76:2 Salem. This is the only place in the Old Testament where the name of “Jerusalem” (“the City of Peace”) is abbreviated to “Salem” (or simply “Peace”). Since this psalm is looking forward to the millennium, when God “shall speak peace” (Zechariah 9:10) to all nations, and “out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3), the city may then be known simply as Salem. It is true that Melchizedek was called “the king of Salem” in the days of Abraham (Genesis 14:18), but this was probably a theophany, not referring to an earthly city at all, but to the heavenly city (see note on Hebrews 7:2, etc.).

76:10 wrath of man. In ways beyond our present comprehension, God will receive greater glory in eternity because He has allowed sin and human rebellion for a season than if He had never permitted it at all. Thus we shall know Him as Savior as well as Creator. However, this can only be so if He allows it just for a season; it cannot go on forever; the remainder of wrath He shall restrain!

Psalm 77 (title) Jeduthun. See the note on the title of Psalm 39 for the significance of “Jeduthun.”