Bible Commentaries
Psalms 75

Introduction

Psalms 75:0

STROPHE DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. It is difficult to know when the psalmist is speaking and when he is speaking for God.

Psalms 75:1. Psalms 75:1 - obviously the psalmist

Psalms 75:2. Psalms 75:2-3 - obviously God

Psalms 75:3. Psalms 75:4-5 - could be either one

Psalms 75:4. Psalms 75:6-8 - the psalmist

Psalms 75:5. Psalms 75:9 - God (MT, “I”)

B. God acts and then His acts must be recorded and explained (i.e., inspiration) to human authors to put this revelation into a form that can be passed on to future generations (i.e., oral, written, stories).

C. The Creator will require an account of every human creature's stewardship of the gift of life and revelation (cf. Psalms 19:1-6, Psalms 19:7-11)! Justice will come one day!

Verses 1-5

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 75:1-5 1We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, For Your name is near; Men declare Your wondrous works. 2”When I select an appointed time, It is I who judge with equity. 3The earth and all who dwell in it melt; It is I who have firmly set its pillars. Selah. 4I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,' And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn; 5Do not lift up your horn on high, Do not speak with insolent pride.'“

Psalms 75:1 “We give thanks” This verb (BDB 392, KB 389, Hiphil perfect) is repeated twice for emphasis (note Psalms 107:1, Psalms 107:8, Psalms 107:15, Psalms 107:21, Psalms 107:31). The term in the Hiphil is used often (65 times) in the Psalter. It is translated mostly as “praise,” but in Psalms 32:5 it is translated “confess.”

NASB, NKJV, NRSV“For Your name is near” NJB, RSV, Peshitta, LXX“we call upon your name” JPSOA“Your presence is near”

The MT is followed by NASB. The UBS Text Project (p. 326) gives the second option a “C” rating (considerable doubt), but accepts it as the most likely original text.

The problem is, what does “and near Your name” mean?

1. we tell of Your presence with Your people in acts of deliverance

2. You (i.e., “Your name,” which equals YHWH's personal presence) are near now and we can expect You to act (because of Israel's sin YYWH had not always delivered them)

3. we call on Your name and tell what You have done for the covenant people (two separate acts)

4. AB makes it a title for God, “O Near One,” as it does

a. “the Exalted One” in Psalms 75:5a

b. “the Victor” in Psalms 75:6 (twice)

c. “the Eternal” in Psalms 74:9

d. “the Just One” in Psalms 74:10

AB claims there are twelve divine names in this Psalm.

▣ “Men declare Your wondrous works” As Israel taught her children about their ancestors and God's promises (cf. Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:7, Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Deuteronomy 11:19; Deuteronomy 32:46), they were passing on the promises and their fulfillment in the next generation. These “wondrous acts” (BDB 810, KB 927, see Special Topic: Wonderful Things) were the powerful acts of deliverance, protection, and provision that Israel had experienced throughout her history.

This revelation of the character, promises, and faithful interventions of YHWH were a way to

1. keep Israel in faith

2. bring the nations to faith

The NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 284, lists the different words used to describe God's acts which reveal His character.

1. wonders, cf. Psalms 9:1; Psalms 26:7; Psalms 40:5; Psalms 75:1

2. work/acts, cf. Psalms 44:1; Psalms 73:28; Psalms 107:22; Psalms 118:17

3. glory, cf. Psalms 96:3

4. righteousness, cf. Psalms 71:15

5. loyal love, cf. Psalms 88:11

6. greatness, cf. Psalms 145:6

Psalms 75:2-5 “When I select an appointed time” In these verses, God is the speaker. It is possible this relates to Psalms 74:22-23 (i.e., God pleading His case).

Psalms 75:2 “I select an appointed time” This is a literary way of asserting God's sovereignty. He sets the time and place of all world events (i.e., Psalms 74:12-17; Deuteronomy 32:8; Romans 9-11).

1. seasons - Genesis 1:14-18; Psalms 72:17; Psalms 74:16-17; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 136:7-8

2. worship days - Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 23:0; Numbers 28-29

3. all things are appointed by God - Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (cf. Job 14:5; Psalms 31:15; Acts 17:31)

God's people do not understand His timetable. He delivers on His schedule, not His people's. Often judgment, even invasion, is His will! But one day He will set all things straight!

▣ “I who judge with equity” Two theological points are asserted.

1. God will judge the earth

2. He will do it fairly based on His revelation (cf. Psalms 9:8; Psalms 58:11; Psalms 67:4; Psalms 96:10, Psalms 96:13; Psalms 98:9)

Psalms 75:3 “The earth and all who dwell in it melt” The verbal (BDB 556, KB 555, Niphal participle, cf. Exodus 15:15; Joshua 2:9, Joshua 2:24; 1 Samuel 14:16; Isaiah 14:31; Jeremiah 49:23) denotes the fear of a population.

Not only people's hearts melt but the earth itself is affected by the presence of its Creator/Judge (cf. Psalms 46:6; Isaiah 24:19-20; Amos 9:5; Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5).

In the NT 2 Peter 3:10 predicts the dissolving of this planet (cf. Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Revelation 21:1).

There is a new heaven and a new earth coming. The new covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34 will be fully implemented. The Bible describes this new age in terms of Garden of Eden imagery (compare Genesis 1-2 with Revelation 21-22).

▣ “It is I who have firmly set its pillars” This is a literary way of referring to the foundations of the earth (i.e., initial creation, cf. 1 Samuel 2:8; Job 38:4-6).

In Jonah 2:6 the “roots of the mountains” is also creation imagery. See my notes below from Jonah 2:6.

Jonah 2:6 “I descended to the roots of the mountains” The OT uses the physical direction “down” to describe Sheol (BDB 432, KB 434, Qal PERFECT, cf. Numbers 16:30, Numbers 16:33; Psalms 55:15; Isaiah 5:14; Isaiah 14:19). The term Sheol and “pit” (BDB 1001) are parallel (cf. Psalms 30:3). It is this metaphorical expression of Jonah's sense of approaching the underworld that makes his experience the object of Jesus' comment (cf. Matthew 12:40-41; Luke 11:30). Jonah believed he was going to die, but God had mercy on him! God's judgment was not His last word. There was purpose in the punishment.

The psalmist and the covenant people did not understand why they faced such difficulties when they knew their God was in control of all things! Even amidst chaos, invasion, and injustice God's sovereignty was stable and sure (cf. Revelation 4-5)! His timetable is geared to His larger redemptive purposes, not our immediate wants/desires/needs!

▣ “Selah” See note at Psalms 3:2 and Introduction VII.

Psalms 75:4-5 The Creator speaks as the Moral Guide. YHWH's laws reflected His character. The ones who face His judgment were those who

1. boast - “do not boast,” BDB 237, KB 248, Qal imperfect used in a jussive sense

2. wicked - “do not lift up your horn,” BDB 926, KB 1202 (twice), Hiphil imperfects used in a jussive sense

3. prideful - “do not speak. . .,” BDB 180, KB 210, Piel imperfect used in a jussive sense

It seems that “the wicked,” (Psalms 7:4) of this Psalm are

1. pagan nations who are attempting an invasion

2. arrogant Israelites (cf. Psalms 78:3, Psalms 78:8-9, Psalms 78:18-19)

Psalms 75:4 “horn” This is an animal symbol of power and preeminence (see SPECIAL TOPIC: HORNS USED BY ISRAEL, cf. Psalms 75:10; 1 Samuel 2:1, 1 Samuel 2:10; Daniel 7-8).

Psalms 75:5

NASB“pride” NKJV, NRSV, PESHITTA“neck” NEB, LXX“Rock”

The MT has “neck” (BDB 848). The REB has “rock.” The two words are very similar (i.e., “rock” has one more consonant). Possibly REB reflects the usage of Job 15:26. The UBS Text Project (p. 326) gives “neck” a “C” rating (considerable doubt). The JPSOA has “in vainglorious bluster.”

Verses 6-8

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 75:6-8 6For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation; 7But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. 8For a cup is in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foams; It is well mixed, and He pours out of this; Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs.

Psalms 75:6-8 This strophe reflects the universal presence of YHWH, much like Psalms 139:0 does, but here the context focuses on His judgment of the wicked (cf. Psalms 75:4-5).

Often the wicked seem to have the upper hand but God will set things straight (cf. Psalms 146:7; 1 Samuel 2:7; Romans 9:0; James 4:10). This divine action will be a reversal of expectations.

Psalms 75:6 This verse is using Palestinian/Canaanite imagery to assert universality.

1. east - west

2. sunrise - sunset

3. desert (south) - mountains (or “uplifting”) which would denote the north

Psalms 75:8 “a cup” This is usually an idiom for human destiny and it is usually negative (cf. Isaiah 51:17, Isaiah 51:22; Jeremiah 25:15-16, Jeremiah 25:27-28). See full note at Psalms 11:6.

▣ “It is well mixed” This refers to the ancient method of mixing different types of fermented fruits and grains to form more intoxicating drinks. See Special Topic: Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse.

Verses 9-10

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 75:9-10 9But as for me, I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off, But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.

Psalms 75:9-10 This strophe is the closing words of the psalmist.

1. he will declare YHWH's wondrous deeds (cf. Psalms 75:1)

2. he will sing praises to the God of Jacob

3. he will affirm the reversal of YHWH's righteous judgment

This reflects a temple worship setting!

Psalms 75:9 The MT has “I will declare” but the LXX and Peshitta have, “I will rejoice” (cf. NRSV). The difference is one consonant. The LXX is attempting to establish a synonymous parallelism between Psalms 75:9a and 9b.

Psalms 75:10 “He will cut off” The MT has “I will.” The UBS Text Project (p. 328) gives this an “A” rating.

This Psalm has several speakers. Possibly Psalms 75:9 is the psalmist and Psalms 75:10 is YHWH.

▣ “horns” Notice that this idiom can be used positively or negatively (see SPECIAL TOPIC: HORNS USED BY ISRAEL).

1. negatively - cf. Psalms 75:4-5, Psalms 75:10a; Jeremiah 48:25; Lamentations 2:17

2. positively -cf. Psalms 75:10b; 1 Samuel 2:1, 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalms 89:17, Psalms 89:24; Psalms 92:10; Psalms 112:9

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. List the different speakers in this Psalm.

2. Does this Psalm magnify God as Creator or Judge?

3. Explain the imagery of

a. “pillars”

b. “horn”

c. “cup”

4. Does this Psalm look toward a temporal judgment or an end-time judgment?