There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

PSALMS 76:3KJV
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Psalms 76:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 76:3 mean?

Psalms 76:3 describes God breaking the weapons of war—arrows, shields, swords, and the tools of battle—showing that He has the power to end conflict and bring peace. The verse highlights God’s ability to stop human violence and protect His people from harm.

The psalm is written by Asaph and is directed to God, celebrating His mighty acts on behalf of Israel. The setting points to a time when enemies threatened Jerusalem, but God intervened and defeated them. The verse uses vivid imagery of shattered weapons to emphasize that victory and safety come from God, not from human strength.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 76:3

  • "brake" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to break or shatter completely, not just damage. It stresses the total defeat of the enemy’s weapons.
  • "arrows" (חֵץ, chets): Arrows were a main weapon in ancient battles, so their destruction signals the end of attack and danger.
  • "battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word can mean both the act of fighting and the tools or noise of war. Here, it suggests that God not only destroys weapons but also brings an end to the conflict itself.
  • "Selah" (סֶלָה, selah): This term often signals a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to consider the significance of God’s power to end war.

Why Psalms 76:3 matters

  • Psalms 76:3 clarifies that ultimate safety and peace do not come from military strength but from God’s intervention.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in the psalm: God’s presence in Jerusalem means protection for His people, no matter how strong their enemies seem.
  • By mentioning specific weapons, Psalms 76:3 connects to real historical threats Israel faced and shows that God’s deliverance is practical and powerful, not just symbolic.

Where else these words appear

“arrows” Hebrew H7565 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:24 They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
  • Job 5:7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

“shield” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

“bow” Hebrew H7198 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

“Selah” Hebrew H5542 · used in 74 verses

  • Psalms 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
  • Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
  • Psalms 76:9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.