75:title–10 Psalm 75 could be viewed as a corporate thanksgiving psalm (meant for group use) with a strong prophetic element. The psalmist anticipates that God’s future help of Israel will resemble His past help to them. However, the anticipatory praise given to God at the end of the psalm (vv. 9–10) could suggest that it is a corporate praise psalm. The psalmist begins by thanking God for His past help to Israel and His presence with them (v. 1). He then offers a prophetic oracle, anticipating God’s help for Israel (vv. 2–5). After describing God’s judgment (vv. 6–8), the psalmist closes with a declaration of praise (vv. 9–10).

75:2–5 This passage is best categorized as a prophetic oracle (a direct revelation from God) that anticipates God’s saving help for Israel. God’s words predict His future judgment (Ps 75:2) and emphasize His ongoing support of creation (v. 3). This section closes by emphasizing humility before God (vv. 4–5).

75:6–8 Although this section could be read as part of the preceding words from God in vv. 2–5, the shift from the first person (“I”) to the third person (“he”) seems to indicate it is a response to God’s words by the leader of the congregation—when this psalm was used in worship settings (see note on vv. title–10). The main theme of this section is God’s future judgment, which the psalmist expresses by using metaphors for honor and humiliation (vv. 6–8).

75:9–10 The psalmist concludes by committing to praise God (Ps 75:9) and records a final statement of God’s direct words to Israel (v. 10).

75:10 God will defeat those who arrogantly oppose Him and what He represents, and uplift those who are righteous. Each person will ultimately be dealt with according to God’s justice.