Bible Commentaries
Psalms 75

Verses 1-10

Psalms 75:1-10. Title. (Marg. Ref.) If Asaph wrote this psalm, it is probable that he did it by the desire of David, upon his accession to the throne over all Israel : and the psalm seems well suited to that occasion. Some, however, think that another Asaph wrote it, in the days of Hezekiah.

V.I. Thy name is near.] JEHOVAH, exercising all the perfections of his glorious name, or character, was evidently nigh unto his people ; as it appeared by his wondrous works for them, which excited their fervent : gratitude. (Notes,Psalms 76:1. Psalms 138:2. Exodus 33:20-23; Exodus 34:5-7. Jeremiah 10:6-8. Matthew 28:19-20.)

V. 2. The foregoing verse is the language of the congregation ; this, and those which follow, of a single person, and that person a ruler. Some suppose, that the Lord himself is the Speaker ; who declares, that when his appointed time came, he would execute judgment in righteousness. (Marg. reading and Ref. Note,Psalms 74:7-8.)

But others think that David, as the type of Christ, engages to rule in equity when placed over the congregation of the Lord. (Notes, 101:)

V. 3. The land of Israel was reduced to great distraction, towards the close of Saul’s reign; every thing in church and state was unhinged; and the defeat at Gilboa, with the intestine divisions which followed, increased the confusion : but David had been anointed, by God’s command, to uphold and establish the estate of Israel. Even before his accession, he had been the chief stay of his country : and when the whole nation willingly submitted to his government, he, by those magistrates whom he appointed, and supported in the exercise of their authority, soon brought their affairs to a happy settlement. (Notes,Psalms 60:1-4. Isaiah 24:1-12. Psalms 49:7-8.)

V. 4. The words rendered " fools," and " deal not fool" ishly," seem properly to denote mad persons, and acting an infatuated manner. Saul of Tarsus was exceedingly " mad " against the church of Christ ; but when he came to himself, and was endued abundantly with heavenly wisdom, men began to think him mad. (Notes, Acts 26:9-11; Acts 26:24-29.) Lift not up the horn.] Marg.last clause may be rendered, " Ye will " speak with a stiff neck," or, " Will ye" &c.? (Marg Ref.)

V. 6, 7- God, the supreme Judge, had put down Saul’s family, and appointed David to the throne : and his promotion had come from no other quarter or cause. It would be madness therefore to oppose any longer the sovereign appointment of JEHOVAH. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalms 2:1-12 : 1 Samuel 2:4-8.)

V. 8. Heavenly blessings are, in scripture, represented by a cup full of wholesome, exhilarating wine:

(Notes, Psalms 116:13. Matthew 26:26-29:) but the wrath of God is represented by a cup of wine, mingled with ingredients of that kind, which tend to produce fear, distress, and despondency; and, if drunk to excess, horror, infatuation, anguish, and despair. From this cup the Lord dispenses as he pleases to sinners in this world; and even his people drink some of the wine contained in it, when chastened in his fatherly displeasure : but the dregs of it will be the portion of all the impenitent hereafter ; who will wring them out, and drink them, to all eternity. (Marg. Ref. Note, Psalms 11:6.)

V. 9, 10. Before David came to the throne, he warned the wicked not to proceed in their evil courses : but he purposed, now that he had acquired authority, effectually to break the power of triumphant wickedness, and to encourage and prefer the righteous; as an apt representative of that righteous King, whom he typified. (Marg. Ref. Note, 2.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

The whole church, militant and triumphant, unites in thanksgivings to God for exalting the Redeemer to his mediatorial throne ; and the discoveries made of the glorious perfections of God, in those wonderful works, by which this was effected, especially declares his presence with his people. Without him, the earth and all its inhabitants would rush impetuously into universal confusion, impiety, iniquity, and ruin : he alone " bears up the pillars of it; " and upholds and supports all those, whom he employs in supporting his cause in the world : (Note, 1 Timothy 3:14-15:) and all the present hopes and future happiness of any of the human race spring from the righteousness, atonement, intercession, and authority of the incarnate Son of God. Having received his congregation of redeemed sinners, and the kingdom over all for their sake, he judges uprightly : and by his ministers he warns such as proudly rebel, and exalt themselves against him, not to deal madly and foolishly, or to harden their hearts to their own destruction. That God, who exalted the Redeemer to his throne, is the Fountain of honour, as well as the Judge of all : none can prosper who do not submit to him. He will account all to be his enemies, who will not have his beloved Son to be their Lord and Saviour ; and such must for ever drink of the cup of his dreadful vengeance. But while all the horns of the wicked shall be cut off, and their ruin completed, his church shall inherit the throne of glory. Let sinners then submit to him : let believers rejoice in and obey him : and let Christian magistrates remember their obligations to imitate him, from whom they have their authority; that they may judge righteously, maintain, by the improvement of their talent, and by all scriptural means, the cause of piety ; that they may crush the haughty oppressor, and protect, advance, and exalt the righteous. And let the people recollect, from whom their rulers have their authority ; that they " may be subject " not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake."