Bible Commentaries
Psalms 75

Introduction

BOOK II.— PSS. XLII.– LXXII.

Psalms 42-83 are Elohistic, i.e. they use the word God (Elohim) and avoid the proper name Yahweh, probably from motives of reverence. Here and there, however, the name Yahweh has crept into the text by a natural slip of the scribes.

Verses 1-10

LXXV. The Inevitable Judgment.— The Ps. opens with praise of God and His wondrous works. After Psalms 75:1 it is God who speaks. God will surely judge the world, though He waits for His appointed time. He holds the brimming cup of wine, and all must drink.

Psalms 75:1 . for . . . works: read, “ We have called on thy name: we have told of thy wondrous works” (LXX).

Psalms 75:2 . For the appointed time long delayed but sure to come, cf. Habakkuk 2:3.

Psalms 75:3 . Follow mg.

Psalms 75:6 b. Read, “ Nor yet from the wilderness or the mountains ( cf. mg.) cometh it” (the sentence of exaltation or depression).

Psalms 75:8 . The imagery of the cup is found in Jeremiah 25:15 ff. and elsewhere.— mixture refers to herbs which increased the intoxicating power of the wine.— Read, “ He poureth it out to one after another” (LXX).

Psalms 75:9 . declare: read, “ rejoice.”— In Psalms 75:9 f. the poet again speaks.