Psalm 75
A Song of Asaph to Celebrate God’s Sovereignty
The author Asaph was the great singer and musician of David and Solomon’s era. - David Guzik
1 Chronicles 25:1 - David and the officers of the army also set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, who were to prophesy accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals.
This communal thanksgiving psalm anticipated a victory in Israel when God as Judge would destroy the wicked and establish the righteous. - Thomas Constable
According to most commentators, this song was likely led by a chief musician for corporate worship. The changing voice of the psalm indicates its composition for responsive reading.
Congregation: We Give Thanks
Vs. 1 - We give thanks to you, God; we give thanks to you, for your name is near. People tell about your wondrous works.
The song began with corporate praise and expressed gratitude for God's reputation and provision.
Song Leader Representing God: I Will Judge Fairly
Vs. 2-3 - When I choose a time, I will judge fairly. When the earth and all its inhabitants shake, I am the one who steadies its pillars.
A singer representing God replies that even when conditions in the world look hopeless, God is still in control. He will intervene when he sees fit. - Don Fleming
Congregation: God Is The Judge
Vs. 6-7 - Exaltation does not come from the east, the west, or the desert, for God is the Judge: He brings down one and exalts another.
Here, the congregation joined the song leader in acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty over His creation.
As Judge, God forces His enemies to drink from the cup that determines consequences. He forces them to drink all the wine of judgment that He has prepared for them. They cannot escape doing so, or the consequences of doing so, at His appointed time. - Thomas Constable
Empires rise and fall at his bidding. A dungeon here, and there a throne, his will assigns. Assyria yields to Babylon, and Babylon, to the Medes. Kings are but puppets in his hand; they serve his purpose when they rise and when they fall. - C.H. Spurgeon
Song Leader Representing God: I Will Cut Off and Lift Up
Vs. 10 - I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.
This psalm ends with another word from God’s own perspective, vowing to put down the proud and wicked one. - David Guzik
The term “horn” was used multiple times in this song to represent power and position, similar to the way the size of an animal’s horns indicates age and strength. According to Asaph, it was God who determined the length and strength of all exalted positions.
This responsive worship reinforced the truth that God was not distant or disinterested in the affairs of His people. He would always, in a time and manner of His choosing, humble the wicked and exalt the just.
