75:2God will act when he is ready. Children have difficulty grasping the concept of time. “It’s not time yet” is not a reason they easily understand because they only comprehend the present. As limited human beings, we can’t understand God’s perspective about time. We want everything now, unaware that God's timing is better. When God is ready, he will do what needs to be done, not what we would like him to do. We may be as impatient as children, but we must not doubt the wisdom of God's timing. Wait for God to reveal his plan. Don’t take matters into your own hands.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 75
Psalm 75
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 922, 923
75Psalm 75
1People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
2God says, “At the time I have planned,I will bring justice against the wicked.
3When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.
4“I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!
5Don't raise your fists in defiance at the heavensor speak with such arrogance.’”
6For no one on earth—from east or west,or even from the wilderness—should raise a defiant fist.*
7Itis God alone who judges;he decides who will rise and who will fall.
8For the LORD holds a cup in his handthat is full of foaming wine mixed with spices.He pours out the wine in judgment,and all the wicked must drink it,draining it to the dregs.
9But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,but I will increase the power of the godly.”Theme: A call for God to punish evildoers. Even people’s angry revolts will be usedby God to bring glory to himself.
Textual footnotes
- in ancient literature.
- 75:6 Hebrew should lift.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
75:8The cup of wine represents God’s judgment that is coming against the wicked. God will pour out his fury on his enemies, and they will be forced to drink it. Drinking the cup of God’s judgment is a picture used frequently in Scripture (Isaiah 51:17, 22. Jeremiah 25:15; 49:12; Habakkuk 2:16; Revelation 14:10; 16:19; 18:6). It gives the impression of taking a dose of one’s own medicine. To drink it down “to the dregs” means to be punished completely.
75:10God will have the last word. He will decide the final outcome, settling all matters that concern both the wicked and the godly. The former will eventually experience his judgment; the latter will experience his faithful love. No matter how dark the days you face, make it your continual practice to acknowledge God's sovereignty over your world. Tell him regularly how grateful you are that he has the final word.
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Study feature · page 923
Interlude
Study feature · page 923
Interlude