Psalm 76 2

Psalm 76:2 kjv

In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

Psalm 76:2 nkjv

In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion.

Psalm 76:2 niv

His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

Psalm 76:2 esv

His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

Psalm 76:2 nlt

Jerusalem is where he lives;
Mount Zion is his home.

Psalm 76 verses

Psalm 76 2 Meaning

Psalm 76:2 declares the sacred presence of God in Jerusalem, identifying "Salem" and "Zion" as His chosen earthly dwelling places. It signifies that God's covenantal presence, protection, and righteous judgment are securely established within His holy city. The verse proclaims Jerusalem as the divinely selected center for God's glory and power, where He provides shelter and manifests His sovereignty to His people and against their adversaries.

Psalm 76 2 Context

Psalm 76 is an Asaphic psalm, often linked to a divine victory that miraculously saved Jerusalem from a powerful enemy, such as the destruction of Sennacherib's Assyrian army (2 Kings 19; Isaiah 37). The psalm functions as a song of thanksgiving and praise for God's decisive intervention, particularly emphasizing His powerful and terrifying judgment against oppressors and His unwavering protection of His people in Jerusalem. Verse 2 specifically grounds this powerful presence and defense in the chosen location of God's tabernacle and dwelling, making it clear that His activity stems from His intimate presence within His city. This sets Jerusalem apart as a unique place of divine activity, peace, and security, contrasting sharply with the shattered plans and weapons of God's defeated adversaries described elsewhere in the psalm.

Psalm 76 2 Word analysis

• In Salem: (בְּשָׁלֵם, b'shalem).

  • Salem: Shalem (שָׁלֵם), a poetic, ancient, or older name for Jerusalem. It means "peace" or "completeness." Its usage here emphasizes Jerusalem as the city of peace, implying that God's presence brings true shalom (wholeness, well-being, tranquility) to His people. Historically, it links to Melchizedek, king of Salem (Gen 14:18), hinting at its ancient significance as a place where God's representative presided.

• also is His tabernacle: (גַּם־סֻכֹּה, gam sukkōh).

  • Also: Gam (גַּם) adds emphasis, suggesting that in this place, His dwelling is truly established.
  • His tabernacle: Sukkōh (סֻכֹּה), from sukkah (סֻכָּה). While often translated as "tabernacle" (implying a tent), sukkah more literally means a temporary shelter, booth, or hut. In the context of divine presence, it refers not only to the physical structure (like the desert tabernacle or even later temple precincts that included temporary booths for festivals) but powerfully to God's protective, overarching shelter for His people. It signifies His presence as a protective canopy and refuge for Israel, especially relevant in a psalm celebrating divine deliverance.

• and His dwelling place: (וּמְעוֹנָתוֹ, u-meʿōnāto).

  • His dwelling place: Meʿōnāto (מְעוֹנָה), from meʿonah (מְעוֹנָה). This term denotes a permanent habitation, lair, or secure abode, often used for animals' dens (Ps 104:22). When applied to God, it suggests a secure, settled, and strong residence, in contrast to the sukkah's more temporary feel. It implies God has firmly established His presence and authority there, making it an unshakeable fortress. This emphasizes God's consistent, unmoving presence within Jerusalem, a source of stability amidst instability for His people.

• in Zion: (בְצִיּוֹן, b'Tsiyyon).

  • Zion: Tsiyyon (צִיּוֹן). This is a specific hill in Jerusalem, often used poetically and prophetically as a synonym for Jerusalem itself, especially as the site of David's city and the later Temple. Zion is presented as God's chosen mountain (Ps 132:13), the place where His covenant throne is established and from where He reigns. It symbolizes God's unique relationship with Israel, His choice to dwell among them, and His active rule in their midst. Its prominence emphasizes the geographical and spiritual centrality of God's kingdom on earth.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "In Salem... in Zion": The poetic parallelism uses two names for the same city, Jerusalem, emphasizing its double identity as a city of peace (Salem) and God's chosen mountain stronghold (Zion). This repetition underscores the profound and undeniable reality of God's presence there.
  • "His tabernacle, and His dwelling place": These two terms collectively describe God's presence. "Tabernacle" (sukkah) conveys the idea of His personal, accessible, protective shelter among His people. "Dwelling place" (meʿonah) suggests His stable, established, sovereign residence. Together, they depict both the immanent and transcendent aspects of God's presence – He is both near and eternally present, both protective refuge and absolute ruler. This dual imagery reinforces the security and blessing found in His chosen city.

Psalm 76 2 Bonus section

The concept of God choosing a dwelling place for Himself, specifically Jerusalem (Salem/Zion), marks a significant shift in Israel's understanding of God's immanence. Unlike the nomadic tabernacle, Jerusalem symbolized a settled and permanent presence of God. This permanence conveyed immense theological significance regarding God's faithfulness and covenant promises. This divine election of a place also implies that true peace (shalem) and ultimate victory over chaos and adversaries are intrinsically linked to His holy presence. The psalmist subtly hints at a divine paradox: the cosmic God, whom the heavens cannot contain, yet condescends to make a specific earthly locale His chosen dwelling place, not for His own confinement but for the benefit and security of His people. This divine choice then becomes the foundation for all divine interventions, judgments, and blessings against the enemies mentioned in the preceding and succeeding verses of Psalm 76.

Psalm 76 2 Commentary

Psalm 76:2 is a profound theological declaration about the unshakeable reality of God's presence in Jerusalem. It underscores that the historical deliverance recounted in the psalm (likely an Assyrian defeat) was not a random event but a direct outflow of God's deliberate decision to plant His "tabernacle" and "dwelling place" within Salem/Zion. This established presence implies God's personal oversight, active protection, and unyielding commitment to His covenant people. For the original audience, it provided immense security, knowing that their Sovereign, the all-powerful judge and protector, resided among them. It transforms a geographical location into a theological statement: God is here, He is attentive, and He defends what is His. The verse implicitly asserts Jerusalem's preeminence as God's chosen spiritual capital, from which salvation and judgment emanate, serving as a powerful counter-narrative to the boastful claims of human empires.

• Examples:
  • When challenges arise, the believer remembers that God's true dwelling is not merely in a building but in His redeemed people, His Church (Eph 2:19-22), and ultimately, He dwells in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:3).
  • In moments of fear, recalling this verse can affirm God's presence as an ever-present refuge and stronghold for those who trust Him.