A Psalm of Asaph. A Song to the Tune of “Do Not Destroy.”

“We give thanks to You, God, we give thanks,
For Your name is near;
People declare Your wondrous works.”

God’s Righteous Judgment

“When I select an appointed time,
It is I who judge fairly.
The earth and all who inhabit it are unsteady;
It is I who have firmly set its pillars.” — Selah

“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn;
Do not lift up your horn on high,
Do not speak with insolent pride.’”

Promotion Comes from God Alone

“For not from the east, nor from the west,
Nor from the desert comes exaltation;
But God is the Judge;
He puts down one and exalts another.”

The Cup of Judgment

“For a cup is in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foams;
It is well mixed, and He pours out of it.
Certainly all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink its dregs.”

Declaration of Praise and Justice

“But as for me, I will proclaim it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
And He will cut off all the horns of the wicked,
But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 75 is a psalm of thanksgiving and confidence in God’s righteous judgment. Written by Asaph, it centers on God’s sovereign timing and justice, addressing the proud and wicked who exalt themselves. The “horn” in this psalm is symbolic of strength or power.

The psalm reminds us that God is in control of every rise and fall of people and nations. Judgment belongs to Him, and He alone exalts the humble and brings down the proud.

Key Themes:

1. God Is Near and Active: Praise begins with gratitude for God’s nearness and His works (v. 1).
2. God Judges at the Right Time: His justice isn’t rushed or delayed—it’s perfectly timed and absolutely fair (v. 2–3).
3. Warning to the Proud: Human arrogance is powerless before God’s authority (v. 4–5).
4. Only God Promotes: All success, elevation, or influence comes from God’s hand, not human effort (v. 6–7).
5. The Cup of Wrath: Judgment is inevitable for the wicked—it is firm and inescapable (v. 8).
6. Worshipful Response: God’s justice leads the righteous to worship and renewed confidence (v. 9–10).

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Reflection and Impact

Psalm 75 is a reminder that God’s justice is not theoretical—it’s personal, present, and certain:

• Wait on God’s Timing: When wrongs persist, trust God’s timing—He will act with perfect judgment (2 Peter 3:9-10).
• Stay Humble: Arrogance leads to downfall, but humility positions us for God’s promotion (James 4:10).
• Exaltation Is God’s Work: You don’t have to strive to be seen—be faithful, and let God lift you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
• Judgment Is Real and Just: God will make all things right—the cup of His wrath will not be ignored (Revelation 16:1).

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Application

• Thank God for His Nearness: Begin your prayers with gratitude for His presence and righteous character.
• Reject the Urge to Boast or Compare: Let your identity be rooted in God’s call, not human applause.
• Submit to God’s Sovereignty: Trust His hand in your positioning, promotion, or waiting season.
• Worship in the Waiting: Like Asaph, sing and declare God’s justice even before it’s fully seen.

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Closing Thought

Psalm 75 calls us to rest in the rule of a righteous Judge. While the world exalts pride and power, we trust in the God who says:
“It is I who judge fairly… I will lift up the righteous.”