Psalm 75

Psalm 75 is a song of thanksgiving that acknowledges God's righteous judgment and sovereignty. It celebrates God's role in putting down the wicked and exalting the humble. As a psalm attributed to Asaph, it emphasizes that God, not human strength or influence, determines the course of history, bringing justice in His appointed time.

Psalm 75:1-3 (NKJV)
1 We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.
2 “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.
3 The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly. Selah

God’s people acknowledge His presence through His wondrous works, expressing gratitude for His nearness. God responds, affirming that He will bring righteous judgment at the right time. Even in the midst of turmoil, He upholds the earth, showing His sovereignty and control. The phrase “I set up its pillars” highlights that God maintains order amid chaos, offering stability to His creation.

Psalm 75:4-5 (NKJV)
4 “I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’ And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn.
5 Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck.’”

God warns the arrogant and the wicked not to exalt themselves or act proudly. The image of lifting up the horn represents pride and self-exaltation, like an animal raising its horn in defiance. Speaking with a stiff neck suggests stubbornness against God’s will. This call to humility implies that God alone is to be glorified, not those who promote themselves.

Psalm 75:6-8 (NKJV)
6 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south.
7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain and drink down.”

Promotion and honor come only from God, not from any human source or direction. God, as the supreme Judge, determines whom to exalt or humble. The imagery of the cup filled with wine refers to God’s judgment, symbolizing the consequences of sin. The wicked must drink the cup down to the dregs, indicating that they will fully experience divine justice for their actions.

Psalm 75:9-10 (NKJV)
9 But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”

The psalmist resolves to praise God continually, recognizing His faithfulness to Israel. God promises to bring down the wicked and exalt the righteous, reaffirming His commitment to justice. The “horns” symbolize strength and power; God will remove the power of the wicked and uplift those who walk in righteousness. This conclusion points to the ultimate triumph of God’s justice.