Psalm 75 2

Psalm 75:2 kjv

When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.

Psalm 75:2 nkjv

"When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.

Psalm 75:2 niv

You say, "I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.

Psalm 75:2 esv

"At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.

Psalm 75:2 nlt

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

Psalm 75 verses

Psalm 75 2 Meaning

The Lord God, as the supreme sovereign, explicitly declares that He will personally choose and initiate the precise, divinely appointed moment to enact His perfect, just, and equitable judgment upon all things and all individuals. His impending judgment is not random or reactive but a deliberate, righteous, and timely action according to His own predetermined plan and authority.

Psalm 75 2 Context

Psalm 75 is an "Asaphic" psalm, attributed to Asaph, a chief musician and seer. It functions as a powerful divine oracle, often spoken from God's perspective, especially from verse 2 onward. The psalm opens with a collective vow to give thanks to God for His wondrous works (v. 1), quickly shifting to God's direct declaration in verse 2, asserting His absolute control over the timing and nature of justice. This assertion responds to a perceived collapse of order and arrogant boasts from the wicked, likely within Israel or from hostile nations, as hinted by verses 3-5 where the earth and its inhabitants melt, and horns of pride are addressed. The psalm firmly rejects the idea that human strength or worldly powers determine ascent or decline (v. 6-7). Instead, it dramatically portrays God as the sole judge, dispensing judgment like a cup of intoxicating wine to the wicked (v. 8-9). The psalm concludes with God’s promise to humble the wicked and exalt the righteous, affirming His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. Verse 2, therefore, lays the theological foundation for the subsequent affirmations of divine judgment and sovereignty.

Psalm 75 2 Word analysis

• When (Kî כִּי): While often translated as "for" or "because," here kî serves primarily as a temporal connector meaning "when" or "surely," introducing God's emphatic and definitive statement about His actions. It signifies the certainty of what follows.
• I choose (‘Eqqaḥ אֶקַּח): This is the Qal imperfect form of the verb laqaḥ (לָקַח), meaning "to take," "seize," "grasp," or "receive." In this context, it implies an active, deliberate choice and appropriation. God isn't passively waiting but is intentionally seizing or initiating the opportune moment. It emphasizes divine intentionality and proactivity.
• The appointed time (mô‘ēḏ מוֹעֵד): This noun refers to a "fixed time," "set time," "appointed season," or "appointed assembly." While often used for sacred festivals or meeting places, here it signifies a divinely predetermined, specific moment for decisive action—judgment. It underscores God's meticulous planning and sovereignty over the unfolding of history and His pre-arranged interventions.
• I myself (‘ănî אֲנִי): The emphatic first-person singular pronoun "I." Its inclusion stresses that the Lord Himself, personally and solely, will carry out this judgment. It accentuates God's direct involvement and unshared prerogative as the supreme arbiter, dispelling any notion that judgment is left to chance or human discretion.
• Uprightly (mêšārîm מֵישָׁרִים): This noun, often translated "with equity," "with justice," or "in righteousness," derives from the root yashar (יָשָׁר), meaning "straight" or "right." It denotes moral rectitude, fairness, and impartiality. God's judgment is not arbitrary, biased, or flawed; it is perfectly aligned with truth, justice, and His own holy character.
• I will judge (‘ešpōṭ אֶשְׁפֹּט): The Qal imperfect form of shaphat (שָׁפָט), meaning "to judge," "govern," "rule," or "administer justice." This verb encompasses more than just delivering a verdict; it implies the full range of a judge's activity, including evaluating, pronouncing sentence, and actively executing that judgment to establish order and bring about rectification.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "When I choose the appointed time": This phrase highlights God's supreme sovereignty over all temporal matters and events. He is not reactive but initiates action at His precise, predetermined moment. This establishes that His judgment is neither random nor delayed indefinitely but is perfectly timed according to His divine wisdom and plan.
• "I myself will judge uprightly": This powerful declaration emphasizes the personal, undeniable, and utterly righteous nature of God's final judgment. The "I myself" (emphatic ‘ănî) reiterates God's unique authority, while "uprightly" (mêšārîm) guarantees His verdict will be impeccably fair, impartial, and perfectly aligned with absolute truth and justice.

Psalm 75 2 Bonus section

• This verse can be seen as God's direct, personal response to the "boasting" and "lifting up the horn" of pride by the wicked, which is addressed explicitly in later verses of Psalm 75. It signifies that God is keenly aware of human arrogance and has a specific plan to deal with it.
• The term mô‘ēḏ (appointed time) in a judicial context often carries eschatological significance in broader biblical theology, hinting at ultimate times of divine revelation or final judgment that will culminate human history.
• The certainty of judgment expressed here sets the stage for the dramatic imagery of the "cup of wrath" found in Psalm 75:8-9, indicating the severity and consuming nature of God's righteous verdict upon the wicked.
• The "I myself" (‘ănî) underscores God's immanent involvement, a direct contrast to common ancient Near Eastern beliefs where gods might delegate judgment or act indirectly. YHWH declares He will personally execute this definitive judgment.

Psalm 75 2 Commentary

Psalm 75:2 functions as a central declaration within a divine oracle, serving as both a stern warning and a comforting assurance. It asserts God's complete and active control over the precise timing and righteous execution of His justice. Amidst the chaos of a world characterized by human pride and instability (as described in later verses), this verse unequivocally states that a just God, in His perfect wisdom and sovereignty, will personally intervene. The emphasis on God's active "choosing" and "seizing" of "the appointed time" highlights that His judgment is not a reluctant reaction but a predetermined, deliberate act, unfolding according to His eternal plan. The assurance that He will judge "uprightly" guarantees that this intervention will be immaculately fair, righteous, and without flaw. This verse reminds the proud that their time of unchecked defiance is finite and appointed for reckoning, while comforting the afflicted that ultimate justice, administered perfectly by God Himself, is certain and near at hand. It undergirds the call to thankfulness (v. 1) by establishing the dependable character of the Judge of all the earth.