Psalms 75

Psalms 75:1-10

God Putteth down and Lifteth up Psalms 75:1-10 This psalm dates probably from Sennacherib’ s invasion, and therefore the North is omitted in Psalms 75:6, that being the quarter from which the enemy came. God is near, Psalms 75:1-3. There are high moments in life when we realize how real and near God is. The ground on which we stand is holy. We know that we are safe in the pavilion of our Father’ s care. Then we give repeated thanks, Psalms 75:1. Presently God speaks and assures us that when the earth and its inhabitants dissolve, He will sustain its pillars. What an encouragement is this, when the whole world seems about to be dissolved! Turning from God to man, the psalmist rebukes his enemies and bids them cease their arrogant talk and behavior, Psalms 75:4. The horn is the strength of certain beasts, and is a symbol of power, Deuteronomy 33:17; Daniel 7:7. But God is the supreme Ruler of men. Our position or promotion in life is His arrangement, to be held as a sacred trust for Him. Let us, amid a world in arms, be light-hearted and sing. God will take care of those who trust Him.

He putteth down and lifteth up It is fitting that the wail of the previous Psalm should break forth into glad thanksgivings. This title resembles that of Psa 57:1-11, Destroy not. Probably this triumphal ode was prepared to celebrate a deliverance of which faith was sure. Reference is probably made to Sennacherib’s invasion in the time of Hezekiah (Psalms 46:1-11; Psalms 76:1-12). The north is therefore omitted as one of the quarters from which help would come (Psalms 75:6). It was thence that the invader came.

Psalms 75:1. Thy name is near The believing soul gives thanks before the blessing of deliverance has come to hand. Its ear is quick to detect the pibroch of the relieving force though the cannonade of the foe is fiercer than ever.

Psalms 75:2. Will judge uprightly This is the reply of Jehovah, while his people are yet speaking (Isaiah 65:24). “When I shall find the set time” (R.V.) i.e., when the set time has come.

Psalms 75:3. I bear up the pillars of the earth What a comfort it is to feel that amid the chaos and anarchy which sweep the surface, God is holding fast the foundations on which we may build.

Psalms 75:4-5. Lift not up the horn The Psalmist here becomes the speaker. The horn is the strength of certain beasts and is the symbol of power (Deuteronomy 33:17; 1 Samuel 2:1-10), often the power of the ungodly (Daniel 7:7). The word occurs four times.

Psalms 75:6. Neither from east, west, nor south. Promotion stands for deliverance—the ’lifting up of God’s help.

Psalms 75:7-8. A cup the dregs thereof shall the wicked drinkGod’s judgments stupefy by their suddenness (Revelation 16:18-21).

Psalms 75:10. The righteous shall be exalted The prophets are sometimes said to do things in which God is evidently the Agent (Jeremiah 1:10). This is the Psalm of the second Advent.