Psalms 75:10

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; [but] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

All the horns {H7161} of the wicked {H7563} also will I cut off {H1438}{H8762)}; but the horns {H7161} of the righteous {H6662} shall be exalted {H7311}{H8783)}.

I will break down the strength of the wicked, but the strength of the righteous will be raised up.

“All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.”

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; But the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 75 is an "Asaphic Psalm," attributed to Asaph, a chief musician and seer in David's time. This psalm is a declaration of God's righteous judgment and sovereignty. It begins with thanksgiving for God's wondrous works and then shifts to a powerful affirmation of His role as the ultimate Judge of the earth. The psalmist assures that God will act at His appointed time, pouring out judgment on the wicked and upholding the righteous. Verse 10 serves as a powerful concluding statement, summarizing the inevitable outcome of God's divine justice, reinforcing the themes introduced earlier in the psalm, particularly the idea that promotion and demotion come from God alone.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Judgment: The verse unequivocally states God's active role in judging humanity. He is not a passive observer but an intervenor who will ultimately bring all things into account, distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked.
  • Vindication of the Righteous: For those who live in accordance with God's will, there is a promise of exaltation and honor. Despite present struggles or oppression, God will ultimately lift them up and affirm their uprightness.
  • Humiliation of the Wicked: Conversely, those who live in defiance of God's commands or oppress others will have their power, pride, and influence stripped away. Their perceived strength will be "cut off," leading to their downfall.
  • God's Sovereignty: The declaration "All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off" underscores God's ultimate authority and power over all earthly rulers and systems. He alone holds the power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly.

Linguistic Insights

The central metaphor in this verse is "horns." In the ancient Near East, the horn (Hebrew: qeren / קֶרֶן) was a potent symbol of strength, power, dignity, authority, and often aggressive might, particularly drawing from the imagery of powerful horned animals like oxen or rams. To "cut off the horns" signifies the complete removal of power, authority, and pride, leading to public humiliation and impotence. Conversely, to have one's "horns exalted" means to be elevated in power, honor, and dignity, signifying divine favor and vindication. The stark contrast highlights the absolute nature of God's judgment and the reversal of fortunes He brings about.

Practical Application

This verse offers both a stern warning and profound encouragement. For those who may feel oppressed or overlooked, it serves as a powerful reminder to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice. Even when it seems the wicked prosper, God declares His ultimate intervention. It encourages believers to persevere in righteousness, knowing that their faithfulness will not go unnoticed and will ultimately be vindicated. For those who might be tempted by pride or unrighteous gain, it serves as a solemn warning that true power and lasting honor come only from God, and those who exalt themselves in wickedness will inevitably be brought low. This principle echoes throughout Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, where pride precedes destruction, and James 4:10, which instructs us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift us up.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 89:17 (7 votes)

    For thou [art] the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

  • Psalms 92:10 (7 votes)

    But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

  • Psalms 148:14 (5 votes)

    He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; [even] of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Psalms 101:8 (5 votes)

    I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 48:25 (5 votes)

    The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.

  • Luke 1:69 (3 votes)

    And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

  • 1 Samuel 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.