Psalm 75:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.

NIV: You say, "I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.

NASB: 'When I select an appointed time, It is I who judge fairly.

CSB: "When I choose a time, I will judge fairly.

NLT: God says, 'At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked.

KJV: When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.

NKJV: “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.

Psalm 75:1–3 thank God for His intimate love of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6). This includes celebrating the miracles He has used to help them in the past. The psalmist knows that judgment will happen in God's own time. No matter how powerful these consequences are, God can and will keep the earth intact until His will is accomplished. The construction of the phrases makes it clear that the Lord, not the psalmist, is speaking in verses 2 and 3.

This psalm begins by thanking the Lord for His many incredible actions. It then speaks from the Lord's perspective as He states that judgment will occur only on His timing. This comes with warnings to those tempted to reject God's authority. Those who oppose the Lord will suffer wrath beyond their imagination. In contrast, the psalmist intends to praise the Lord. He expects God's judgment to separate the righteous from the wicked.

The prior psalm, also associated with the name Asaph, was an appeal for God to answer an enemy's horrific attack. Now, this psalmist acknowledges that God has His own timing for judgment. This follows a pattern seen in songs connected Asaph: recognition of a problem (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1–3) followed by reassurance that God is ultimately in control (Psalm 73:15–18; 74:12–13). What is probably the tune of this song, "Do Not Destroy," is also mentioned in psalms 57—59.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 1:16:17 PM