Psalms 75
BBCPsalms 75:1
Psalm 75: The Source of ExaltationThe prayer of Psalm 74 is answered in Psalms 75. The Lord will arise to plead His own cause (Psa_74:22) and to quell all insubjection. Ultimately the Psalm looks forward to that moment in history when the Lord Jesus returns to earth to reign in righteousness. 75:1 In anticipation of that event, the Savior leads His people in giving thanks to God. All God’s wondrous works declare that He is near to deliver His chosen ones and to punish His foes. All His mighty miracles give proof that He cares (LB). 75:2 The same Speaker says, “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.” The time has been set by God the Father (Mar_13:32). When it arrives, He will seize it and fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, “A king will reign in righteousness” (Isa_32:1). 75:3 At that crucial time when the foundations of human government will be disintegrating, He will set up a kingdom that shall never be moved. Though human society becomes utterly corrupt spiritually, politically, and morally, the pillars of His government are solid and secure. 75:4, 5 He says to the boastful, “Quit your bragging,” and to the wicked, “Who do you think you are? Don’t be so proud, self-confident, and unbending. Don’t exalt yourself with conceit.” 75:6, 7 “True exaltation doesn’t come in that way. It doesn’t come from the east or west, or from the wilderness in the south. . . .” The fact that the north is not mentioned may be because the invader usually came from the north, and that meant conquest rather than exaltation. Or it may be because the north is sometimes associated with God’s dwelling place (Isa_14:13; Psa_48:2). In either case, the thought is clear that “lifting up” does not come from any human or earthly source but from the Lord alone. He is the Supreme Ruler, abasing one and exalting another. 75:8 As the Abaser, He holds a cup in His hand. The cup contains the wine of judgment. It is foaming, red, and fully mixed, that is, in restive motion and highly potent. When He pours it out, the wicked inhabitants of the earth will be compelled to drink all of itdown to the dregs. 75:9, 10 In the last two verses, the Lord Jesus is still the Speaker. He will sing praises forever to the God of Jacob, the God who has exalted His unworthy people. The horns of the wicked, that is, their strength and honor, He will cut off, but the power and glory of the righteous shall be increased.