Psalm 75:1-10 is written by Asaph. It is a song that is given to the “choirmaster,” one who is a superintendent of music for worship in the synagogue. The song itself is set to the tune of “Do Not Destroy,” a common theme throughout Scriptures from God’s people. This phrase, “Do Not Destroy,” is identified as a popular saying and gives a reassuring word from God to His people. Moreover, this song shows us how God answers His own plea from Psalm 74:22, 23: “Rise up, O God! Defend Your honor! Remember how fools insult You all day long! Do not disregard what Your enemies say, or the unceasing shouts of those who defy You.”
God will judge at the appointed time. 75:1-3
Asaph thanks God for being near His people. God is Almighty and His wondrous works are seen everyday all around: from Creation, salvation, redemption, and glorification of His people. Asaph understands these wondrous works as coming from God. All of the these acts are supernatural acts of God and none of them are of man.
In the second verse of this song, we see God speaking. He is asserting His sovereignty as He sets the time and place of all world events. It is clear this is the case when we read Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 that God sets all things in their place and He works all things out for His good pleasure and according to His own will. He delivers on His timetable, on His schedule, not His people’s schedules and certainly not on His enemies’ timetable. Often judgment, even invasion, is His will! But one day He will set all things straight according to His timing and will. And when He does, He will judge with equity! He will judge the earth. He will judge fairly based on His revelation of Himself to mankind so that no one is without excuse.
And how will people react? Verse three says that the people will “dissolve in fear.” That is, they will be in utter terror when the Judge makes Himself known and brings down the gavel in His courtroom. But this melting is not just the people, God’s judgment even affects all of Creation! Micah 1:4 and Nahum 1:5 attest to the melting away or the dissolving of the mountains and the inhabitants of the earth.
However, before discouragement sets in, read what Revelation 21:1-5 says: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. And I saw the holy city–the new Jerusalem–descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her huasband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more–or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new!” Then He said to me, “Write it down, because these words are reliable and true.” Wow! This is the promise of the One who is going to bring judgment to the earth and all its inhabitants, and yet He promises to bring His people a new heaven and a new earth!
God has appointed Himself as the Judge. 75:4-8
God speaks as the “Moral Guide” as His laws reflect His very character. God warns the wicked to change their heart attitude toward Him. They should not arrogantly defy God by lifting up their horns. This is a metaphor from the animal world which signifies a defiant strutting and a self-centered, self-interested, and self-confidence that they can do as they please apart from the Creator. It speaks of the defiance of the wicked against God. These pagans, wicked, trespassers, insolent, and iniquitous people. These are stiff-necked people, but God warns that they ought not speak with this stiff neck, this stubborn rebellion against Him. They need to come to realize that He will judge and that there is no help from any earthly direction to come to their aid or to their rescue.
For the time being, they may think they have the upper hand on God, or so it would seem, but God will set all things straight. There is no other arbiter but God. No worldly rank will bring any kind of provision and there will be no reversal to God’s judgment. Whom He exalts He exalts, and whom He judges He judges. God exalts the righteous and raises their characters to be that of righteousness. Remember what 1 Samuel 2:7 says: “The Lord impoverishes and makes wealthy; He humbles and exalts.” What shall our response be to God being the Judge? James 4:10 says: “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.” Humility must reign in our lives, knowing that we are sinful people and we need the Savior–the Lord Jesus Christ.
The wicked are warned by the psalmist because the Judge, who is God, will bring His full wrath against the wicked, His enemies. He will pour out His cup of judgment which is a mixture of “hot spice,” that is, something that will cause vomiting, crazed prostration, and reeling from the burning sensation that one experiences from God’s judgment. It’s certainly nothing that anyone truly wants to face, but those who are against the One true and Living God will.
God’s judgment is worthy of our praise. 75:9, 10
Asaph concludes this song publicly by praising God for judging His enemies. The horns symbolize strength, and they picture animals. Israel’s enemies will lose their strength, but God’s people will grow stronger. God is most likely speaking in verse ten. His role as Judge of all the earth means justice first for Himself then for His people. He will answer His plea for His justice to win at the end of the day. This day will inevitably come, and we need to keep it in view since God waits to judge. The Judge of all the earth will do justly because that is all that He can do. He is perfectly holy without limitation in perfection. He is perfectly righteous without limitation in perfection. He is perfectly just without limitation in perfection. God is worthy of all praise! He deserves our praise! All praise, honor, and blessing belong to Him.
So what can the wicked do today not to face God’s righteous judgment?
The Bible is clear! Romans 10:9, 10 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.” Have you believed Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior? Have you trusted Him to wash you clean of all your wickedness and sin? When you turn to Him for salvation, the Bible also says in Romans 10:13: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Call on Jesus Christ today to be saved, and His answer will be that you are saved in Him! Then you, too, will declare the wondrous works of our Everlasting God!
If you’ve made a decision to trust Jesus Christ today, text the word RESPOND to 817-592-8513. We will be glad to speak with you about your decision or any questions you may have.
D.J. Gorena 
