This psalm, like the two previous psalms, is ascribed to Asaph (see Introduction to Psalms 73), and there is no reason to doubt that it is correctly attributed to him. On the phrase in the title, “To the chief Musician,” see Introduction to Psalms 4:1-8. On the phrase “Al-taschith,” see the notes on the title to Psalms 57:1-11. The phrase “A Psalm or Song” (in Hebrew, “a psalm - a song”), occurs also in the title, to other psalms, as Psalms 30:1-12; Psalms 65:1-13, etc.
It is not possible now to determine the occasion on which this psalm was composed, as it is not indicated in the title, and there are no historical references in the psalm itself which would enable us to ascertain it. The general purpose is indicated in Psalms 75:1, which is to ascribe praise to God for some particular manifestation of his favor. So far as can be conjectured from the psalm, there are two things which may have been referred to.
(I) The first is, that it was composed by someone - or for some one, in his name, as expressing his feelings - who was about to enter on the administration of the affairs of the nation, apparently a young prince soon to ascend the throne. See Psalms 75:2, “When I shall receive the congregation,” etc.
(II) The second is, that it would seem to have been a time of national danger; a time when there may have been other aspirants for the throne; a time when wicked and powerful men had combined for the purpose of usurping the authority, and setting aside the legitimate claimant to power, or when there seemed to have been a universal dissolution of authority, or general anarchy. See Psalms 75:3, “The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved.” Compare Psalms 75:4-5.
In these circumstances, in this general rebellion, in this time of resistance to lawful authority, and of combination and conspiracy against right, the speaker in the psalm expresses confidence in God as the source of all authority Psalms 75:6; as the “Judge” Psalms 75:7; as a God in whose hand is a cup of punishment which he will administer to all wicked people, Psalms 75:8. “The psalm, therefore, expresses confidence in God in the endeavor to assert the claims of legitimate authority.”
Another, and a more common view, however, has been taken of the psalm, which is, that it refers to God as the Ruler among the nations, and as asserting that he will in due time take vengeance on those who are in rebellion against him. This is the view of DeWette, Prof. Alexander, Luther, and others. It was also the view taken by the translators of the Septuagint, and the Latin Vulgate. Compare, however, the notes at Psalms 75:2.
The contents of the psalm are as follows:
(1) A purpose of the author of the psalm to praise God for the manifestation of his wondrous works, Psalms 75:1.
(2) His purpose when he should “receive the congregation,” or should be invested with authority, to judge uprightly, or to discharge his duties with fidelity, Psalms 75:2.
(3) A statement of the existing disorder and confusion, as if the very structure of society was broken up, Psalms 75:3.
(4) Advice addressed to the authors of the prevailing disorder not to pursue their plans of evil Psalms 75:4-8, for two reasons:
(a) Promotion or success must come from God, or from his counsels, and not by chance, or by any laws of nature Psalms 75:6-7; and
(b) because God is a righteous Judge, and the wicked can expect nothing but punishment at his hand, Psalms 75:8.
(5) A purpose to praise God, in view of the fact that all the power of the wicked would be broken, but the power of the righteous would be maintained and exalted, Psalms 75:9-10.