Psalm 75
God the Righteous Judge
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Intro
Psalm 75 is a song of gratitude and recognition of God's righteous judgment and sovereignty. The psalmist acknowledges that all power comes from God and He is the ultimate judge. This Psalm can be seen as a proclamation of God's ultimate authority, which aligns with the New Testament's representation of Jesus Christ as King and Judge.
Section 1: Theme - Gratitude and God's Judgment (Verses 1-5)
We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. You say, "I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.'"
Harmony
Philippians 2:9-11 - Just as God's name is near and praised in this psalm, so too is Jesus' name exalted in the New Testament, and every knee shall bow at His name.
Talking Points:
The psalmist's gratitude and praise to God for His wonderful deeds.
The affirmation of God's sovereignty in deciding the appointed time and in judging with equity.
The warning issued to the arrogant and the wicked.
Questions:
How does the psalmist's recognition of God's nearness and sovereignty impact his approach to worship?
How does the concept of God as a fair judge resonate with you in your personal journey of faith?
What does it mean to you that God holds the "pillars" of the earth firm?
Section 2: Theme - Divine Judgment and Sovereignty (Verses 6-10)
No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, who says, "I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up."
Harmony
Matthew 23:12 - Jesus affirms that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted, echoing the sentiment of this psalm.
Talking Points:
The assertion that no one can exalt themselves—it's God who lifts people up and brings them down.
The image of God's judgment depicted as a cup of foaming wine.
The declaration to praise God forever, who will ultimately cut off the wicked and exalt the righteous.
Questions:
How does the psalmist's portrayal of God's judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?
How does the imagery of God holding a cup of judgment help you understand His stance towards wickedness?
How can we live out the psalmist's commitment to declare God's praises forever?
Summary
Psalm 75's depiction of God as a fair and sovereign judge resonates deeply with the portrayal of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Just as God is said to judge with equity and hold the "pillars" of the earth, Christ is presented as the righteous judge and cornerstone. Furthermore, the psalmist's affirmation that exaltation comes from God alone is echoed in Jesus' teaching that the humble will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
The image of the cup of foaming wine in God's hand also has profound echoes in the New Testament. In Gethsemane, Jesus prays about the "cup" He is to drink (Matthew 26:39), symbolizing the judgment He will bear on behalf of humanity. This vivid imagery connects the psalmist's understanding of divine judgment with the work of Christ on the cross.
Thus, Psalm 75 not only celebrates God's sovereign and just rule, but also anticipates the ultimate revelation of God's justice and sovereignty in the person and work of Jesus Christ.