Psalm 75 – God the ultimate judge

Psalm 75 is another Psalm by Asaph written for the choir director. The title tells us that it was to be set to Al-tashheth, which is possibly the title or words of a known song. Asaph wanted this Psalm to be sung to that tune. In his previous Psalm, the question was asked, “O God, why hast thou cast us off?” In this Psalm, Asaph sought to provide the answer. He emphasized God as the judge.

Here he began with a word of thanksgiving for God’s presence and for His works. Then in verses 2-4, God is placed in the first person pronoun “I”. Here God the judge makes the declaration of His judgement. He would judge the earth with equity at an appointed time. The Lord warned the arrogance and the wicked, telling them not to continue in their insolence, their smugness and haughtiness. Without a doubt, Asaph wants us to see that God is the final arbiter of all things. The source of all blessings in life is God.

Being the final arbiter of life, verses 6-8 said that God would exalt the righteous and would bring low the haughty. It behoves us therefore to seek to live humbly, acknowledging that God is in control and we need His guidance. Verses 9-10 are the expression of confidence in God’s judgement. We need to know that: despite the upheavals we see in this world; despite the social injustice, the moral decay, the exploitation, the bullying and the turmoil in the world; God is still very much in control.  He alone upholds the whole universe and sustains life here on earth.

For us, be sure that God is near and His perpetual presence can be felt. We need to make a conscious effort to sense His nearness and learn to be circumspect in what we say and do. Know that each of us will have to give an account for the stewardship of our life. Sin still threatens to rupture the plan and purpose of God for our life. But He has given us Christ and the Holy Spirit to guide us. What is said in this Psalm should bring us into alignment with God and His wisdom. The prideful must not persist in their contempt, and the humble should remain hopeful. Our present joy can be maintained, when we know that all we have in life comes from God. So do not let what is happening in the world unsettle us. Just put our trust and hope in Him!