S) "10 For the wrath of man shall praise You;
With a remnant of wrath You will gird Yourself."
Psalm 76:10 (NASB)
O) Initially, this verse jumped out at me simply because it was hard understand. When we consider the whole context of this Psalm, where Asaph was describing the victory of God, subduing men of war, judging those who did not fear Him, then we can see the term "wrath of man" in two different possible ways. Either this refers to the wrath emanating from man onto someone or something else, or this refers to the wrath man is receiving (sort of claiming ownership that way) from another source. I found one translation that had it "wrath against mankind," but I don't think this is accurate. This chapter doesn't show God's wrath, but His judgement. In this case, it's more like His enemies are made impotent. When you look at vv. 3, 5, and 6, and then read v.10, I think it's a little more apparent that God is reducing the "wrath of man" here, effectively negating it, nullifying it, and ultimately changing it. This verse reminds me of when Saul tracks down David at Ramah, with a wrathful heart (see 1 Samuel 19:18-24). But, when he is found, Saul is overcome by the Holy Spirit, and he falls down prophesying. That seems very much like the wrath of man praising God.
From there we see another mystery, in that God will gird Himself with a remnant of wrath. Like the first portion, we can look back to Israel's history and see an example. The wrath of Joseph's brothers, found Joseph in a string of tough circumstances. And yet, as we read through the rest of the Pentateuch, we see God bring up a remnant from those same wrathful hearts.
A) Freely, I admit this verse remains a bit of a mystery. However, even if this verse only reminds me of the two other stories I mentioned, then it serves at least one purpose. It's important to remember that I was full of wrath before God got ahold of my heart. He changed my wrath to praise, and used the wretched remnant I was to glorify Him. If that was all this verse gave me, that would be enough. However, this verse also reminds me of the vast mystery that God is. We understand in part, as the Holy Spirit reveals, but the fact that God retains some mystery (okay, a lot of mystery), is really a very good thing.
P) Father, Your mysteries intrigue me. May I continue to be drawn to You, by the merits of Your mysterious nature? Please, reveal what You will, because I want to know more. Open my eyes to see, and ears to hear, to better know You day by day. Than You for extinguishing my wrath, Lord. I will praise You forever more for that miraculous grace. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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