We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! I want to share with you this evening a wonderful Psalm of praise to God, Psalm 75 It is interesting that the language, “We give thanks to You” indicates that the Psalm was intended for public use. Not just an individual, as many of David’s psalms are, but, we as God’s people, give thanks to God! Psalm 75 (READ) Examine the passage along with me, as we note WHY it is that we give God glory, and our thanks! Psalm 75

For your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. God’s existence and NEARNESS are evident to those who look for His works. (Psalm 19:1-3), “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” (Acts 17:26-28), “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” The context shows that God was near in the sense of a near judgment of the ungodly (verse 2), “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.” (Note: Now we have God’s own words) (Note: KJV), “When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.” Variant reading due to Hebrew word – a set time, an appointed season, a coming together (assembly) Regardless, it indicates God’s nearness regarding judgment. He is not a remote, uncaring God. He is both near in His awareness and involvement in the affairs of men, and in the inevitability and nearness of His judgment. (By application, in our case, His final judgment of mankind). His judgment is always upright! Verse 1

The earth and all its inhabitants… I set up its pillars firmly. (Verse 3), “The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly.” Ungodliness is destructive to society (leads to dissolution/dissipation) God, however, is the pillar that establishes the earth, and upholds the righteous. (1 Samuel 2:8), [Hannah, Samuel’s mother, worshipped and praised God as well], “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.” So, the boastful are not to “deal boastfully” (4) The wicked are not to “lift up the horn” and “speak with a stiff neck” (5) Note: The phrase “lift up the horn” is not clear to modern readers. The use of the term is most often associated with power, or arrogance. One explanation is some aspect of a king’s accessories, which, when lifted up, would require the neck to be stretched, and the chin lifted. Even today a sign of arrogance. Instead, we must humble ourselves in attitude and obedience to the one who sets up the pillars of the earth! Verse 3

But God is the judge: He puts down one, and exalts another. Note Verse 6, “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south.” Since the context is judgment, the Psalmist is saying that no nations around will be able to elevate or promote in the face of God’s judgment. (Verse 7, see slide) The language of God’s cup, containing the red wine, is indicative of judgment. (in verse 8) He pours it out (it is His judgment) The dregs will be drunk by the wicked of the earth (Those who oppress God’s people) Note: Dregs – the leavings. The strongest part of the mixture of wine. It indicates that the ungodly will experience the wrath of God to the utmost! God raises up and sets down (both the individual, and the nations). (James 4:6-10), “Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (Acts 17:26-27), “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him…” Verse 7

But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. (Verse 9, See slide) Note the change from verse 1, “We give thanks” to verse 9, “I will sing praises.” It seems that the Psalmist now makes it personal. His own commitment to praise God A wonderful application for us. We can talk as a group, BUT “I” must make my own commitment. “I” will declare forever… “I” will sing praises to God! I will praise God because He is near I will praise God because He sets up the pillars of the earth firmly I will praise God because He is the judge (Verse 10), “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” I will praise God, because He has promised to exalt me, if I am righteous! (2 Thessalonians 1:4-10), [Paul’s exhortation to an oppressed group of righteous Christians], “we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe” Verse 9