Bible Commentaries
Psalms 75

Verse 1

CONTENTS

This appears to be a Psalm of praise. The soul rejoicing in the covenant interest of God his Saviour, while he praiseth God, corrects the ungodly, and speaks with holy confidence of what the different ends shall be to the righteous and to the wicked.

To the chief musician, Al-taschith, a Psalm or Song of Asaph.

Psalms 75:1

The Psalmist loves to dwell upon the precious name of the Lord. And when we consider the honour due to this holy name, and the regard the Lord hath in all ages manifested towards it, we may well join issue with the Psalmist in celebrating it. See Ezekiel 36:22 . And this is the very argument the Psalmist useth for mercy, Psalms 25:11 . Is not this wholly on Christ's account? and was not Jesus meant in that scripture, Exodus 23:20-21 ?

Verses 2-3

The former verse is evidently the language of the church, for it is in the plural, we give thanks; but here it is changed to one person, I. And who so likely to be represented as the great Head of the church? Indeed, the close of the passage determines it; for who but Christ supported the whole fabric of our nature, when sin had dissolved all its powers? Reader, is it not always blessed to look to Jesus? How delightful, to this purpose, is the language of the Holy Ghost by the apostle, when, having ascribed creation to the Lord Jesus, he ascribes to him the whole of providence also, in upholding all things by the word of his power; Hebrews 1:3 .

Verses 4-7

Jesus proclaims grace to the humble, and destruction to the proud. Reader, our nature by the fall is truly ignorant: and next to the absolute ruin of our nature by sin, the most awful effect of Adam's apostacy that we have to lament, is, our ignorance. Oh! for grace to look to him for help, and light, and instruction, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3 .

Verse 8

I do not presume to say what this cup is, nor to what the whole allusion is designed: perhaps it means a mixture of what God's people are appointed to drink in soul exercises, and in providences. And perhaps it means that the people of God shall drink of the blood of the Lamb. But one thing I beg to remark, that Jesus, when he came forth as the sinner's Surety, drank of the cup of trembling to the dregs, while his people have given to them the cup of salvation, that they may call upon the name of the Lord. Sweet is that precious scripture to this point, Isaiah 51:22-23 ; John 18:11 .

Verses 9-10

The Psalm ends, as it began, with ascribing glory to God, as God in covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The horn of all earthly power must be broken, but Christ, the horn of salvation to his people, must be exalted. Daniel 7:21 , etc. Luke 1:68-69 .

Verse 10

REFLECTIONS

PRECIOUS Jesus! thou art the name of Jehovah to poor sinners, for all that is fair, and lovely, and engaging, is found in thy name. Lord! (may the church of thy redeemed well say) to thee do we give thanks; yea, unto thee do we give thanks.

But how shall we sufficiently adore thee, O thou Lamb of God; that for us thou didst take the cup of trembling, and drink it up to the very dregs, that thy people might take the cup of salvation, and obtain redemption in thy blood! Was it for creatures such as we are? Was it for me, even for me, O thou gracious benefactor, that thou didst condescend to be made sin, and a curse, that I might he made the righteousness of God in thee? And didst thou die, the just for the unjust, to bring us unto God? Oh! for grace to live to thee, who hast died for me; and henceforth to know nothing among men, but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Oh! Lord! help me, as often as I look at thy cross, to connect with it this gracious view, Jesus drank the cup of trembling, that I might drink the cup of salvation: Jesus groaned on the cross, that his redeemed might triumph in death. The Head took all the sorrows and stings of death, that the members might have none to feel: Christ's soul was full of horror and darkness, that their souls might be full of joy and light. Help me , Lord, often to commemorate this love unequalled at thy table. Yes, I would take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord: I would pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people; yea, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord. Amen.