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Psalms 75:1

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¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, [unto thee] do we give thanks: for [that] thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, Altaschith {H516}{H8686)}, A Psalm {H4210} or Song {H7892} of Asaph {H623}. Unto thee, O God {H430}, do we give thanks {H3034}{H8689)}, unto thee do we give thanks {H3034}{H8689)}: for that thy name {H8034} is near {H7138} thy wondrous works {H6381}{H8737)} declare {H5608}{H8765)}.

For the leader. Set to "Do Not Destroy!"A psalm of Asaf. A song: We give thanks to you, God, we give thanks; your name is near, people tell of your wonders.

We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works.

We give thanks unto thee, O God; We give thanks, for thy name is near: Men tell of thy wondrous works.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalm 75:1 (KJV)

Psalm 75:1 opens a psalm attributed to Asaph, a prominent worship leader in ancient Israel. This verse immediately sets a tone of fervent gratitude and acknowledgment of God's active presence.

Context

The heading indicates this psalm is "To the chief Musician, Altaschith," suggesting it was intended for public worship and perhaps associated with a tune or instruction meaning "Do not destroy." Psalms labeled "Altaschith" (Psalms 57, 58, 59, 75) often occur during times of national distress or threat, pleading for God's intervention and preservation rather than destruction. Asaph's psalms frequently address themes of divine justice, the fate of the wicked, and God's sovereignty over nations, often reflecting on Israel's relationship with God amidst challenges.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving: The central theme is clearly giving thanks, repeated for emphasis. It's a communal act ("we give thanks").
  • God's Nearness: The declaration "thy name is near" speaks to God's imminent presence and readiness to act on behalf of His people. His active involvement is the reason for thanksgiving.
  • God's Wondrous Works: These acts, whether in judgment, salvation, or providence, serve as visible proof that God is near and active in the world, declaring His character and power.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "give thanks" repeated here is yadah (יָדָה), which can mean to confess, praise, or give thanks, often with an outstretched hand or bowing. The repetition emphasizes the depth and sincerity of their gratitude. "Thy name is near" uses shem (שֵׁם) for "name," representing God's character and authority, and qarov (קָרוֹב) for "near," indicating not just spatial proximity but active presence and accessibility. "Wondrous works" translates niphla'ot (נִפְלָאוֹת), referring to extraordinary, often miraculous, deeds performed by God.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 75:1 serves as a powerful reminder that thanksgiving should be a core response to God, not just for blessings received, but because His very nature and presence are near. We are called to recognize and declare God's "wondrous works" – His actions in history, in creation, and in our personal lives – as evidence that He is actively involved and accessible. This recognition should naturally lead to a life of gratitude and praise, acknowledging that our help and hope come from Him who is near.

Consider how often we attribute good things to chance or human effort rather than God's nearness and works. This verse challenges us to constantly look for and declare His active hand in the world, echoing the psalmist's call to praise God for His marvelous deeds.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 145:18 (11 votes)

    The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

  • Psalms 138:2 (9 votes)

    I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

  • Jeremiah 10:6 (8 votes)

    Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

  • Deuteronomy 4:7 (4 votes)

    For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

  • Exodus 34:6 (4 votes)

    And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

  • Exodus 34:7 (4 votes)

    Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

  • Psalms 57:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.