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Psalms 75:1-10 open_in_new
In contrast with the plaintive strains of Psalms 74 this is a Ps. of thanksgiving for some national deliverance (Psalms 75:1). It celebrates God as the Judge of all the earth, who interposes in His own time amid the confusions of men (Psalms 75:2-3). His enemies are warned against pride (Psalms 75:4-8) by the certainty that His cup of punishment is prepared for the wicked (Psalms 75:8). The Ps. ends with an ascription of praise (Psalms 75:9), and a declaration of God's righteous purpose (Psalms 75:10). In Psalms 75:2-3; Psalms 75:10, God Himself is the speaker. There is nothing to indicate the date or occasion of the Ps., which presents some parallels with the Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10).
Title.—(RV) Al-tashheth] see on Psalms 57.
1b. RV 'for thy name is near: Men tell of thy wondrous works.' God's 'name' means His saving presence (Isaiah 30:27).
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Psalms 75:2 open_in_new
God speaks. Receive the congregation] RV 'find the set time' for judgment.
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Psalms 75:3 open_in_new
Bear up] RV 'have set up.' God's moral order stands sure even when it seems that' the world is out of joint': cp. 1 Samuel 2:4. Selah] see on Psalms 3:4;
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Psalms 75:4 open_in_new
Fools] RV 'arrogant': cp. 1 Samuel 2:4.
4, 5. 'Lifting up the horn' and having 'a stiff neck' are figures for self-exaltation and obstinacy.
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Psalms 75:6 open_in_new
Read, 'For neither from.. cometh judgment.' Foreign invasions of Israel generally came from the N., and deliverance might naturally be looked for from some of the other quarters mentioned.
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Psalms 75:7 open_in_new
Setteth up] RV 'lifteth up': cp. 1 Samuel 2:6; 1 Samuel 2:7.
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Psalms 75:8 open_in_new
A cup] The same figure for God's punishment is found in Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15; Jeremiah 48:26; Jeremiah 49:12.