◄ Psalm 75 ►
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God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1–16) For the choirmaster: To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A song. 1 We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works. 2“When I choose a time, I will judge fairly. 3When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars. Selah 4I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn. 5Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’” 6For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, 7but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. 8For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours from His cup, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs. 9But I will proclaim Hima forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. 10“All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.” Footnotes: 9 a Or proclaim it Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 75 Summary God's Righteous Judgment Verses 1 – Thanksgiving for God’s Nearness Asaph opens with united praise, stressing that God’s “Name is near” and His deeds are clearly seen. Verses 2–3 – The Appointed Time of Fair Judgment God speaks: He has picked the moment when He will judge uprightly and keep the trembling earth steady on its pillars. Verses 4–5 – The Boastful Rebuked Prideful people are warned not to “lift up the horn,” an ancient picture of self-exaltation. Verses 6–8 – God Alone Promotes and Demotes Promotion does not rise from any compass point; “it is God who judges.” He holds a foaming cup of wine, and the wicked will drink every last drop. Verses 9–10 – Ongoing Praise and Final Reversal The psalmist vows lifelong praise. God will cut off every wicked horn, while lifting the horn of the righteous. Psalm 75, attributed to Asaph, a prominent psalmist, explores the themes of God's sovereignty, His judgment, and the proper response to His works. It is a powerful reminder of God's control over all aspects of creation and His ultimate power to exalt or lower beings as per His divine justice. The psalm portrays an unwavering faith in God's righteous judgment, and an earnest call to humility and thankfulness. Historical Setting and Author Psalm 75 is attributed to Asaph or his descendants—Levitical musicians prominent in David’s day (1 Chronicles 16:4-7, 37). The language fits Israel’s worship in Jerusalem, perhaps during threats from surrounding nations when God’s people needed assurance that He, not foreign kings, controls history. Structure and Flow 1. Congregational thanks (v. 1). 2. God’s reply about His scheduled judgment (vv. 2-3). 3. Direct warning to the arrogant (vv. 4-5). 4. Explanation of God’s sovereignty (vv. 6-8). 5. Personal commitment to praise and declare the outcome (vv. 9-10). The switch between voices—people, God, psalmist—keeps the psalm lively and dialog-like. Key Words and Pictures • Horn: power, strength, authority. • Cup: destiny, especially divine anger (see Isaiah 51:17). • Pillars: stabilizing foundations, hinting at God’s upholding care for creation. The Horn: Symbol of Strength “In His own time He musters His strength”—that idea is captured in “horn.” Hannah used the same picture: “My horn is exalted in the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:1). God lifts or lowers horns at will (v. 10; Psalm 89:17). The Cup: Picture of Judgment Verse 8: “For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from this, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs.” Comparable scenes: • Isaiah 51:22—God removes the cup from Jerusalem and passes it to her oppressors. • Revelation 14:10—final, undiluted wrath. God’s Timing and Human Waiting “When I choose a time” (v. 2) answers the age-old cry, “How long?” (Psalm 13:1; Habakkuk 1:2). God is never late. Daniel 2:21 echoes, “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” Interlocking Scriptures • Deuteronomy 4:7—“What nation is so great as to have their gods near them…?” parallels “Your Name is near.” • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” mirrors vv. 4-7. • Luke 1:52—Mary sings, “He has brought down rulers… and lifted up the humble,” reflecting the psalm’s reversal theme. Archaeological and Cultural Notes • Ancient horns: Excavated altar horns at Beersheba and Arad show curved stone projections, confirming the symbol’s daily visibility in Israel’s worship life. • Mixed wine: Texts from Ugarit describe ceremonial spiced wine offered to deities, matching the “foaming wine mixed with spices” phrase. • Pillars image: Near-Eastern myths spoke of earth resting on pillars; Israel redirects that folklore, insisting Yahweh, not mythical gods, is the true support. Lessons for Today • Praise first: Gratitude sets the tone even before deliverance (v. 1). • Let God schedule justice: He owns the calendar of vindication (vv. 2-3). • Reject self-promotion: Career, reputation, influence—none rise from mere networking or geography (vv. 6-7). • Take sin seriously: The “cup” warns that judgment is real and personal (v. 8). • Keep singing: Ongoing praise is an act of faith in future reversal (vv. 9-10). Christ in the Psalm At the cross Jesus drank the bitter cup meant for sinners (Matthew 26:39) and secured the final exaltation of those who trust Him. His resurrection proves that God truly “exalts another” (v. 7) and upholds the righteous forever. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. This verse echoes the theme of humility and God's role in exalting the humble. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This proverb reinforces the warning against pride found in Psalm 75. Revelation 19:1-2 After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: 'Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! For His judgments are true and just.' This passage connects to the theme of God's righteous judgment. Teaching Points God's Nearness and Praise Psalm 75:1 begins with a declaration of God's nearness and the praise due to His name: We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing gratitude and recognition of God's presence. God as the Righteous Judge Verses 2-3 highlight God's role as the righteous judge: When I choose a time, I will judge fairly. When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars. God's timing and fairness in judgment are central themes, reminding us that He upholds the world even amidst turmoil. Warning to the Proud In verses 4-5, God warns the proud and wicked: I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn. Do not lift up your horn against heaven or speak with an outstretched neck.’ This serves as a caution against arrogance and self-exaltation. God's Sovereign Choice Verses 6-7 affirm that promotion and demotion come from God alone: For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. This underscores God's sovereignty in determining the rise and fall of individuals and nations. The Cup of Judgment Verse 8 uses the imagery of a cup to describe God's judgment: For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs. This symbolizes the inevitable and complete nature of divine judgment. Eternal Praise and Justice The psalm concludes with a commitment to praise God and a declaration of His justice: But I will proclaim it forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up (verses 9-10). This reflects a confident trust in God's ultimate justice. Practical Applications Cultivate Gratitude Regularly thank God for His presence and works in your life, acknowledging His nearness and sovereignty. Trust in God's Timing When facing injustice or uncertainty, remember that God judges fairly and in His perfect timing. Trust that He is in control. Avoid Pride Guard against pride and self-exaltation, recognizing that true promotion comes from God alone. Seek Righteousness Strive to live righteously, knowing that God honors and exalts those who are humble and faithful. People 1. God The central figure in Psalm 75, God is portrayed as the ultimate judge and ruler. The psalm emphasizes His sovereignty and justice, stating that He will judge with equity. The Hebrew root for God used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which is a common term for God in the Old Testament. 2. The Wicked Although not named individually, the wicked are referenced as those who boast and act arrogantly. They are warned of God's impending judgment. The Hebrew term for wicked is "רְשָׁעִים" (resha'im), which refers to those who are morally wrong or guilty. 3. The Righteous Again, not specified by name, the righteous are implied as those who will be upheld by God. The psalm contrasts them with the wicked, suggesting that they will be vindicated. The Hebrew word for righteous is "צַדִּיקִים" (tzaddikim), meaning just or lawful individuals. 4. The Horns Symbolically representing power and strength, the horns of the wicked are mentioned as being cut off, while the horns of the righteous are exalted. This imagery is rooted in the Hebrew word "קֶרֶן" (qeren), which often symbolizes strength or honor. Places 1. The Earth The psalm speaks of God holding the pillars of the earth firm (Psalm 75:3). In Hebrew, the word for earth is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which can refer to the physical land or the world as a whole. This symbolizes God's control over the entire world. 2. The Horns of the Wicked While not a physical place, the "horns" mentioned in Psalm 75:10 symbolize power and strength. The psalm describes God cutting off the horns of the wicked, which can be seen as a metaphorical place of judgment and the removal of power from the wicked. 3. The Cup in the Hand of the LORD Again, not a physical location, but a symbolic place of judgment. Psalm 75:8 refers to a cup of foaming wine that the wicked will drink, representing God's wrath. The Hebrew word for cup is "כּוֹס" (kos), often used metaphorically for divine judgment. Events 1. Thanksgiving to God The psalm begins with an expression of gratitude. "We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works." (Psalm 75:1). The Hebrew root for "give thanks" is "יָדָה" (yadah), which implies a public acknowledgment or confession of God's deeds. 2. God's Declaration of Judgment God speaks of His appointed time for judgment. "When I choose a time, I will judge fairly." (Psalm 75:2). The Hebrew word for "judge" is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), indicating a legal decision or governance. 3. Stability of the Earth God asserts His power in maintaining the earth's stability. "When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars." (Psalm 75:3). The imagery of "pillars" suggests foundational support, emphasizing God's sustaining power. 4. Warning to the Proud A warning is issued to the arrogant and wicked. "I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn.’" (Psalm 75:4). The "horn" symbolizes strength or power, and the Hebrew root "רוּם" (rum) for "lift up" conveys the idea of exalting oneself. 5. Exaltation Comes from God The psalm emphasizes that promotion or exaltation is determined by God alone. "For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings one down and exalts another." (Psalm 75:6-7). The Hebrew root "רוּם" (rum) is again used for "exalts," highlighting God's sovereign authority. 6. God's Cup of Judgment The imagery of a cup filled with foaming wine represents God's wrath. "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs." (Psalm 75:8). The "cup" is a metaphor for divine retribution. 7. Declaration of Praise and Proclamation The psalmist vows to declare God's works and sing praises. "But I will proclaim it forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob." (Psalm 75:9). The Hebrew root "זָמַר" (zamar) for "sing praise" suggests making music or singing in worship. 8. Destruction of the Wicked and Exaltation of the Righteous The psalm concludes with a promise of the downfall of the wicked and the exaltation of the righteous. "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up." (Psalm 75:10). The cutting off of "horns" signifies the removal of power, while lifting up indicates honor and strength. Lessons from Psalm 75 1. God is the Ultimate Judge In a world where justice often seems elusive, Psalm 75 reminds us that God is the ultimate judge. "For judgment is from the LORD; He brings down one and exalts another" (Psalm 75:7). This truth encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and justice, knowing that He sees all and will set things right in His own way. We can rest assured that His judgments are fair and righteous. 2. Praise is Our Response The psalm opens with a call to praise: "We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near" (Psalm 75:1). Gratitude should be our natural response to God's presence and His works. By cultivating a heart of thankfulness, we align ourselves with His will and acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives. 3. God Sets the Appointed Time God's timing is impeccable. "When I choose a time, I will judge fairly" (Psalm 75:2). This verse reassures us that God is never late. He has appointed times for everything, and His plans unfold perfectly. Trusting in His timing helps us to be patient and to wait on His perfect will. 4. The Earth is Firmly Established Psalm 75:3 states, "When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars". This imagery of God holding up the earth's pillars reminds us of His sustaining power. Even when our world feels unstable, God is our firm foundation, and we can rely on His strength to support us. 5. Pride Leads to a Fall The psalm warns against pride: "I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn’" (Psalm 75:4). Pride is a dangerous path that leads away from God. By humbling ourselves, we open our hearts to His guidance and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance. 6. Exaltation Comes from God Promotion and honor come from the Lord, not from human efforts. "For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges" (Psalm 75:6-7). This truth encourages us to seek God's favor rather than striving for worldly recognition, knowing that He lifts up those who are humble. 7. God’s Cup of Judgment The imagery of God's cup in Psalm 75:8 is a sobering reminder of His righteous judgment: "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs". This serves as a call to live righteously and to turn away from sin, knowing that God’s judgment is certain. 8. The Righteous Will Rejoice The psalm concludes with a promise of joy for the righteous: "But I will proclaim it forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob" (Psalm 75:9). This assurance of eternal praise encourages us to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate reward is in the joy of the Lord. 9. God’s Power is Unmatched Psalm 75 emphasizes God's unmatched power: "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up" (Psalm 75:10). This vivid imagery reassures us that God is in control, and His power will ultimately triumph over evil. We can find peace in His omnipotence. 10. A Call to Trust in God’s Sovereignty Throughout Psalm 75, we are reminded of God's sovereignty over all things. This psalm calls us to trust in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. By placing our faith in His hands, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is working all things for our good. Topics 1. Thanksgiving to God The psalm begins with an expression of gratitude: "We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works." (Psalm 75:1). The Hebrew word for "thanks" here is "yadah," which implies a public acknowledgment of God's deeds. 2. God's Sovereign Judgment The psalm emphasizes God's role as the ultimate judge: "When I choose a time, I will judge fairly." (Psalm 75:2). The Hebrew root "shaphat" for "judge" indicates a divine and righteous decision-making process. 3. Stability of the Earth The psalmist acknowledges God's power in maintaining creation: "When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars." (Psalm 75:3). The imagery of "pillars" (Hebrew: "ammudim") suggests God's sustaining power. 4. Warning to the Proud A warning is issued to the arrogant: "I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn.’" (Psalm 75:4). The "horn" symbolizes strength and pride, and the Hebrew "qaran" implies a display of power. 5. Exaltation Comes from God The psalm declares that promotion and exaltation are from God alone: "For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings one down and exalts another." (Psalm 75:6-7). The Hebrew "rum" for "exalt" conveys the idea of being lifted up by divine favor. 6. The Cup of God's Wrath The imagery of a cup represents God's judgment: "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs." (Psalm 75:8). The "cup" (Hebrew: "kos") is a metaphor for experiencing the consequences of one's actions. 7. Praise and Proclamation of God's Deeds The psalm concludes with a commitment to praise: "But I will proclaim it forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob." (Psalm 75:9). The act of proclaiming (Hebrew: "nagad") involves declaring God's mighty works to others. 8. Destruction of the Wicked and Exaltation of the Righteous The final verse contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous: "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up." (Psalm 75:10). The cutting off of "horns" signifies the end of the wicked's power, while the lifting up of the righteous indicates divine favor and strength. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and Justice Psalm 75 emphasizes God's role as the ultimate judge who executes justice. The psalmist declares, "When I choose a time, I will judge fairly" (Psalm 75:2). The Hebrew root for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) conveys the idea of rendering a decision or bringing justice, highlighting God's sovereign authority to judge the earth with righteousness. 2. God's Sovereignty The theme of God's sovereignty is evident as the psalmist acknowledges that God alone holds the power to exalt or bring down. "For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings one down and exalts another" (Psalm 75:6-7). This underscores the belief that God is in control of all human affairs. 3. The Cup of Wrath The imagery of the "cup" is used to symbolize God's wrath and judgment. "For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; He pours from it, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs" (Psalm 75:8). The Hebrew word for "cup" (כּוֹס, kos) often represents divine retribution, indicating the inevitable consequences of wickedness. 4. Praise and Thanksgiving The psalm opens and closes with expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God. "We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near" (Psalm 75:1). This theme reflects the importance of acknowledging God's presence and works, encouraging believers to maintain a posture of gratitude. 5. The Downfall of the Wicked The psalm assures that the wicked will ultimately face destruction. "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up" (Psalm 75:10). The "horn" (קֶרֶן, qeren) symbolizes strength and power, indicating that God will diminish the power of the wicked while exalting the righteous. 6. The Exaltation of the Righteous In contrast to the fate of the wicked, the righteous are promised elevation. The psalmist affirms that God will lift up the righteous, reinforcing the theme of divine justice and reward for those who live in accordance with God's will. Prayer Points Thanksgiving Offer prayers of gratitude for God's presence and His wondrous works in your life. Trust in Justice Pray for trust in God's timing and justice, especially in situations where you feel wronged or uncertain. Humility Ask God to help you cultivate humility and avoid pride, recognizing His sovereignty in all things. Righteous Living Seek God's guidance in living a life that honors Him, striving for righteousness and faithfulness. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 75:3 refers to God holding the earth’s “pillars,” which conflicts with modern astronomy; how does this align with a spherical planet suspended in space? 2. Psalm 75:2 speaks of God’s perfect timing in judgment, yet history is filled with prolonged injustices; why does justice appear delayed or absent? 3. Psalm 75:6–7 suggests God alone grants promotion or downfall; how does this reconcile with the concept of free will taught elsewhere in Scripture? 4. Psalm 75:8 depicts God forcing the wicked to drink a cup of wrath; how does this harmonize with notions of a loving and merciful God in the New Testament? 5. Psalm 75:10 mentions the cutting off of “horns” of the wicked; does this figurative language conflict with a literal approach to interpreting biblical texts? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the Psalmist's choice to thank God at the beginning of the Psalm tell us about his faith? 2. How can you apply the principle of acknowledging God's wondrous deeds in your daily life? 3. How does Psalm 75 portray God's sovereignty over the earth and its inhabitants? 4. Can you identify areas of your life where you need to recognize God's sovereignty more fully? 5. What is the significance of God instructing the boastful not to lift their horns against heaven? 6. How can we avoid falling into the traps of arrogance and pride in our own lives? 7. How does the Psalmist's portrayal of God's judgment challenge or support your understanding of God's character? 8. How does the imagery of God's wrath being like a mixed cup of wine deepen your understanding of divine judgment? 9. How might understanding God's judgment as depicted in this Psalm change your attitude towards others? 10. The Psalmist declares he will praise God forever. How can we cultivate this attitude of continual praise in our lives? 11. How does the Psalmist's commitment to singing praises to the God of Jacob inspire you in your personal worship? 12. How can you practically implement the principle of praising God even in difficult circumstances? 13. What does it mean for the 'horns of the wicked' to be cut off and the 'horns of the righteous' to be exalted? 14. How might the promise of the wicked's downfall and the lifting of the righteous offer comfort in present-day injustices? 15. How does Psalm 75 inspire you to trust God's timing and judgment? 16. How can Psalm 75 inform your prayers for situations of injustice around the world today? 17. Reflecting on the whole of Psalm 75, how does it challenge your understanding of God’s sovereignty and justice? 18. How can you apply the lessons of humility and thankfulness from Psalm 75 in your personal relationships? 19. How can this Psalm influence how we should interact with those who are 'wicked' or 'boastful' in our lives? 20. As you reflect on Psalm 75, what actions will you take to demonstrate your faith in God's sovereignty and righteous judgement in your everyday life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions