Psalms 75; Psalms 76

Psalms 75

1 We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

2 God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked.

3 When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude

4 “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!

5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.’”

6 For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist.

7 It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall.

8 For the LORD holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.

9 But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

10 For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.”

Psalms 76

1 God is honored in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

2 Jerusalem is where he lives; Mount Zion is his home.

3 There he has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy, the shields and swords and weapons of war. Interlude

4 You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains.

5 Our boldest enemies have been plundered. They lie before us in the sleep of death. No warrior could lift a hand against us.

6 At the blast of your breath, O God of Jacob, their horses and chariots lay still.

7 No wonder you are greatly feared! Who can stand before you when your anger explodes?

8 From heaven you sentenced your enemies; the earth trembled and stood silent before you.

9 You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God, and to rescue the oppressed of the earth. Interlude

10 Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon.

11 Make vows to the LORD your God, and keep them. Let everyone bring tribute to the Awesome One.

12 For he breaks the pride of princes, and the kings of the earth fear him.