When You are angry,
The anger of God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with His response to sin and disobedience. This phrase reflects the righteous indignation of God against injustice and idolatry. In the historical context, God's anger was often manifested through judgments against Israel and other nations, as seen in the Babylonian exile. The anger of God is not capricious but is a response to the violation of His covenant and moral order. This is evident in the prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah 13:13, where God's anger leads to cosmic disturbances as a sign of His judgment.

who can stand before You?
This rhetorical question underscores the absolute power and authority of God. It implies that no one can withstand God's judgment or oppose His will. This is reminiscent of the imagery in Job 41:10, where God challenges Job, asking who can stand against Him. The phrase also connects to the eschatological themes in the New Testament, where the final judgment is depicted as a time when all will be held accountable before God, as seen in Revelation 6:17, "For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?" This highlights the need for humility and repentance before God, recognizing that human strength and wisdom are insufficient in the face of divine judgment.

- The verse begins with holy exclusivity: “You alone.” No power, throne, culture, or personal opinion shares God’s place of honor (Isaiah 45:5; Psalm 96:4–5).

- “Are to be feared” speaks of reverent awe that recognizes both God’s majesty and His moral authority (Deuteronomy 10:20; Isaiah 8:13).

- Scripture repeatedly calls this fear “the beginning of wisdom” because it anchors life to the reality of God’s sovereignty (Proverbs 9:10; Revelation 15:4).

- In practice, this fear looks like:

• joyful obedience to His commands (John 14:15),

• humble worship that yields control to Him (Psalm 95:6),

• trust that refuses to elevate human threats above divine power (Luke 12:5).

- God’s anger is never petty; it is the pure, just response of holiness to sin (Nahum 1:2–3; Romans 1:18).

- Because God is slow to anger, this line implies that His wrath is measured yet certain when righteousness demands it (Exodus 34:6–7; 2 Peter 3:9).

- His anger produces decisive action—toppling oppressors, exposing hidden evil, and defending His glory (Psalm 18:7–15; Isaiah 42:13).

- The cross of Christ displays both the reality of divine wrath and the way God Himself satisfies it for those who believe (Romans 3:25–26; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

- The rhetorical answer is “no one,” echoing Nahum 1:6, Job 41:10, and Psalm 130:3. Apart from mercy, every heart collapses under perfect justice (Hebrews 10:31).

- Throughout Scripture, people who encounter God’s unveiled presence fall on their faces—Moses (Exodus 3:6), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5), John (Revelation 1:17).

- Yet, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, believers are invited to “stand” in grace (Romans 5:1–2; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

- This gracious standing fuels confident living and sober humility: confident, because our acceptance rests on Christ; humble, because He remains the One who “dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16).

Psalm 76:7 paints a three-fold portrait: God alone commands rightful fear; His anger is righteous and certain; and unaided humanity cannot endure His judgment. The verse pushes every reader toward awe, repentance, and grateful trust in the refuge God Himself provides through the finished work of His Son.