Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

PSALM 75: HE DECIDES WHO WILL RISE AND FALL The Promotion of the Godly

Although small in size, this psalm deals with the lofty subject of why and whom God promotes into positions of authority. It draws inspiration from the song of Hannah in 1 Sam. 2:1-10; “The Lord…brings one down and lifts another up.”(7) and prophetically looks forward to the Magnificat song of Mary in the New Testament; “He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.” (Lk. 1:52) Christ is seen as the one who drank the cup of judgment so that we might drink the cup of salvation. It is another psalm of Asaph that contains direct prophetic words from God:

I THE THANKSGIVING OF THE PEOPLE - 1 II THE PROUD ARE WARNED - 2-5 (Prophecy) III THE PERSON GOD EXALTS - 6-9 IV THE POWER OF THE GODLY - 10 (Prophecy

INTRODUCTION:

“For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph, to be sung to the tune ‘Do Not Destroy!’(Al-tashheth) A song.”

This is the last of 4 psalms that carry the title “Do Not Destroy”. Each psalm depicts a situation where different people wanted to destroy the plan that God had for David’s life: • Psalm 57- David was being hunted in the caves of En-Gedi • Psalm 58- David was denied justice by the judges of the land • Psalm 59- David was surrounded by Saul’s soldiers in his house • Psalm 75- Perhaps this is in reference to David’s son Adonijah as he illegally attempted to suc- ceed his father’s throne. Adonijah was the younger brother of Absalom and very handsome. 1 Kings tells his story: “About that time David’s son Adonijah…decided to make himself king in place of his aged father.” (1 Kgs. 1:5) Many rulers, priests and people joined his rebellion and were drinking from his cup of self-exaltation: “They are feasting and drinking with him and shouting, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’(1 Kgs. 1:25) David was told of the insurrection and officially placed his son Solomon on the throne of Israel: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who today has chosen someone to sit on my throne while I am still alive to see it.”(1 Kgs. 1:48) God exalted the humble hearted Solomon above the proud Adonijah.

I THE THANKSGIVING OF THE PEOPLE - (1)

“We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your mighty miracles.”(1)

Perhaps this was sung at the coronation and promotion of King Solomon: “And all the people re- turned with Solomon to Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.”(1 Kgs. 1:40) Asaph would have been a witness of this miraculous turn of events! Asaph was particularly sensitive to the ‘nearness’ of God to his people. He had already prayed in Psalm 73:8 “…how good it is to be near God.” God is as close as our lips and our heart. When we think of him and call upon him in prayer and thanksgiving, he is there immediately. “…the Scriptures say, ‘The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.’”(Rom.10:8)

II THE PROUD ARE WARNED - 2-5

Asaph, the prophetic singer begins to prophesy the words of the Lord with music:

“God says; ‘At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.’” Interlude (2,3)

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