For victory does not come from the east or west,
or from the wilderness.
For God is the judge.
He brings one down and exalts another.
Psalm 75.6-7 NET.
In this psalm there are perhaps as many as four voices: the people of God, v. 1; God Himself, vv. 2-5; a preacher, vv. 6-7; the individual (author?), vv. 9-10.
Victory is literally âexaltation,â the help that comes through human alliances. These cannot save the people, no matter where they look for help. âSuccess is determined by Godâs favorâ (International English Bible).
There is no point in trying to protect oneself against the Lordâs determination. This preacher
âchallenges the believer to look away from those who seem to be powerful now. Majorities, victories, and consensuses do not determine what is right. Right is right regardless of who subscribes or does not subscribe to it. The preacher, reflecting the earlier testimony of God, turns to the dreadful end of the unbelievers and warns that unless they repent, God’s vengeful judgment will âfoamâ against them (see v. 8; cf. Isa. 51:17; Jer. 25:15-38; 49:12; 51:7; Rev. 18:6)â (Gospel transformation study Bible).
Rather than humbly submitting to the Lord, vv. 2-5, even some in the church look for alliances, strategies, and structures beyond the Lord, thinking that human ingenuity will exalt their position.
That God is judge âis a fact that his people seem to have difficulty remembering. He gives no one else the right to judgeâ (Beacon Bible commentary).
The unrighteous, even among Godâs people, will face his righteous judgment at his âappointed time,â v. 2. The righteous celebrate the nearness of his Name, v. 1.
âWe give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks to you, for your name is near.â And soon we will see your judgment. In Christâs name. Amen.
This meditation was translated from the Portuguese and adapted for Forthright.
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