We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.But I will declare it forever;
PSalm 75
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
Imagine singing this in the temple court, looking upon the horns of the altar, their points turned heavenward, as you reflect on the sacrificed animals that were cut down there. Think on the contrast between the burnt remains of the offering and the shining, golden horns of the altar itself. Picture singing about the foaming cup of wrath in the hand of God as a libation is poured out. These images would be deeply worshipful in that setting, and draw forth in the mind a portrait of a God who was worthy of that worship.
Now add to that the blessing one would feel at being one of God’s own people, called by his name. God will lift our heads toward heaven.
Ethan Kirl
Leave a Reply