The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 75
In brief
Psalm 75 is a song of Asaph. It opens with praise, then God speaks: at the time he has set, he will judge with fairness. He warns the proud not to lift up their heads, because promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the wilderness: God alone judges, putting one down and lifting another up. A cup of mixed wine in his hand will be drunk to the dregs by the wicked. The psalmist promises to sing forever, and the strength of the righteous will be lifted up.
The chapter in 3 parts
1We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Men tell about your wondrous works.
2When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly.
3The earth and all its inhabitants quake. I firmly hold its pillars.
4I said to the arrogant, “Don’t boast!” I said to the wicked, “Don’t lift up the horn.
5Don’t lift up your horn on high. Don’t speak with a stiff neck.”
6For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south, comes exaltation.
7But God is the judge. He puts down one, and lifts up another.
8For in Yahweh’s hand there is a cup, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours it out. Indeed the wicked of the earth drink and drink it to its very dregs.
9But I will declare this forever: I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
Key verses
When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly.
God speaks: he himself sets the moment of judgment. Believers do not have to take justice into their own hands, they can wait for God's time.
For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south, comes exaltation. But God is the judge. He puts down one, and lifts up another.
Promotion does not come from any human direction: God judges, he puts one down and lifts another up. This verse puts the race for success in perspective.
For in Yahweh’s hand there is a cup, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours it out. Indeed the wicked of the earth drink and drink it to its very dregs.
The cup of wine in the Lord's hand is a biblical picture of judgment. The wicked drink it to the dregs.
I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
God cuts off the strength of the wicked and lifts up that of the righteous. This reversal is the underlying promise of the psalm.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 75
What does Psalm 75 mean?
The psalm says that God is the true judge. He sets his moment, he warns the proud, he puts down and he lifts up. For believers, it is both a warning against arrogance and an encouragement: injustice will not last, and God lifts up the strength of the righteous.
What does the cup in Psalm 75 stand for?
The cup of mixed wine held by the Lord is a picture of God's judgment, found again in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Revelation. The wicked drink it to the dregs. Many Christians also see in it the cup Jesus accepted at Gethsemane, taking the judgment on himself.
How can I pray Psalm 75?
Start with the praise of verse 1 and thank God for his wonders. Then entrust to him the situations where pride or injustice seem to win, leaving the judgment to him, as in verse 7. Ask him to help you stay humble.
Articles quoting Psalm 75
World English Bible translation — public domain.