literal truth
Psalm 75:1-10
Something can be ‘true’ without being ‘literal’. In this psalm, we see examples of truth expressed in metaphor.
God’s justice is the foundation of our universe. In today’s psalm, we find at least four metaphors about the justice of God.
Evil and its effects. The psalmist knew as well as we do that the earth is not held up literally by pillars. He is deliberately using metaphorical language that needs to be read as such. This is the language of poetry and it is every bit as true as ‘literal truth’.
The quaking of the earth (v.3a) and its peoples is a metaphor for the effects of evil. Immorality undermines the stability of the earth and society. The Lord proclaims that he graciously upholds his creation: ‘It is I who hold its pillars firm’ (v.3b).
Power and its problems. ‘Horns’ (v.4) symbolize power. Again the word is used metaphorically; this is poetic language. God exalts the horn (that is to say, power) of the righteous, and cuts off the horn (the power) of the wicked (v.10). Power can so easily corrupt and lead to arrogance. God says to the arrogant, ‘Boast no more’ (v.4).
Ministry and its might. The ‘hand of the Lord’ (v.8) is used as a symbol of his might and power. This is anthropomorphic language: words that are used to ascribe human form or attribute to something that is not human.
When we ‘lay on hands’ in ministry – our hands themselves can do little, but they symbolize God’s mighty power working through us.
Judgment and Jesus. Likening God’s judgment to ‘a cup’ is another metaphor. ‘God has a cup in his hand, a bowl of wine, full to the brim. He draws from it and pours; it’s drained to the dregs. Earth’s wicked ones drink it all, drink it down to the last bitter drop!’ (v.8, MSG).
On the cross, Jesus bore in His own body the cup of God’s judgment. He spoke about it beforehand (Mark 10:38; Luke 22:42; John 18:11), and took the judgment that we deserve upon himself.
‘We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near’ (Psalm 75:1). Thank you that one day you will get rid of all evil from this world, and goodness and righteousness will prevail forever.
