(1) Overview
(NET) The psalmist celebrates God’s just rule, which guarantees that the godly will be vindicated and the wicked destroyed.
(2) Outline
(Kel Ps)
I. On behalf of the people, the psalmist acknowledges the wondrous works of God and reports the oracle of God that the time of judgment has been set (1–3).
A. The congregation acknowledges and praises the wondrous works of God (1).
B. God declares that he will judge at an appointed time because he is sovereign over the earth (2–3).
1. He will judge at the appointed time (2).
2. He will sovereignly overthrow the inhabitants of the earth (3).
II. The psalmist warns the wicked to humble themselves before God if they would escape the judgment (4–8).
A. The people must change their attitude toward God who alone can deliver from judgment (4–7).
1. They should not arrogantly exalt themselves (4).
2. They should not speak with insolent pride (5).
3. They should realize that no help comes from any earthly direction (6).
4. God is the sovereign judge who saves and destroys (7).
B. The wicked will receive the full wrath of God if they do not receive his salvation (8).
III. The psalmist vows to sing praises to God who cuts off the wicked but exalts the righteous (9–10).
(3) Repeated words:
A. 75:2 God says,
B. v.7b He brings one down and exalts another
“At the appointed times,
I judge fairly.
75:7a For God is the judge!
(NET) Heb “I, [in] fairness, I judge.” The statement is understood in a generalizing sense; God typically executes fair judgment as he governs the world. One could take this as referring to an anticipated (future) judgment, “I will judge.”
I judge fairly.
75:7a For God is the judge!
(NET) Heb “I, [in] fairness, I judge.” The statement is understood in a generalizing sense; God typically executes fair judgment as he governs the world. One could take this as referring to an anticipated (future) judgment, “I will judge.”
75:10 God says,
“I will bring down all the power of the wicked;
the godly will be victorious.”
Note, God will judge, but it may not be so obvious today. At His judgement, the wicked and the godly will be put down and put up. People should choose how to live accordingly today.
“I will bring down all the power of the wicked;
the godly will be victorious.”
Note, God will judge, but it may not be so obvious today. At His judgement, the wicked and the godly will be put down and put up. People should choose how to live accordingly today.
C. 75:4 I say to the proud, “Do not be proud,”
and to the wicked, “Do not be so confident of victory! 75:5 Do not be so certain you have won!
Do not speak with your head held so high! (NET-a powerful wild ox that confidently raises its head before its enemies).
(Kel ps) The point of all these warnings is that because God is the judge, their arrogance, wickedness and stubbornness are all revealed in their resistance to the will of God.
Before the Judgement Day arrives, people are proud and think they have won. However, the final judgment belongs to God and people should live according to His will-to live a godly life.
Reflection:
1. Thank God Who lifted up the godly. The godly people are not strong like the wicked, but God chooses them to be lifted up.
2. How to live in light of the future (the final judgment belongs to God not man)? By faith for sure. Having a companion who believes in the same Judge will be vitally important.
3. How to bear with the wicked who thought they had won? They were so certain, so confident and lifted their heads so high? Leave the judgment to God. We can be rest assured. He will take care of them.
Audrey
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