The Bible Says
Psalm 75:9-10 Meaning

Psalm 75:9-10 exudes a spirit of confidence in God’s righteous administration of justice, as the psalmist proclaims But as for me, I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob (v. 9). By referring to Jacob, who lived around the early second millennium BC, the psalmist recalls the lineage of Israel’s patriarchs, reminding the people of God’s continued faithfulness throughout their history. Previous verses in Psalm 75 ring with God’s sovereign capacity to judge what is right, so when the psalmist declares he will proclaim God’s name, it is a way of aligning himself with that all—encompassing authority. This stance underscores the notion that true praise outlasts every temporary state of uncertainty and dwells in the eternal truth of who God is.

The psalmist’s commitment to praise is not a fleeting emotional wave, but a deliberate choice to stand firm in exalting the name of the Lord. The phrase I will declare it forever emphasizes an unwavering determination to recite and remember God’s works, even when life’s circumstances may not appear favorable. Followers of the Lord, both in the Old Testament and again through the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5:16), are encouraged to hold onto gratitude and testimony in every season. The resolve to sing praises to the God of Jacob propels believers to see that worshiping God transcends cultural boundaries and historical timelines, anchoring hearts in the narrative of divine redemption.

In celebrating Jacob’s God, the psalmist connects to a legacy. Jacob, also known as Israel, is a pivotal figure through whom the promises of God continued after Isaac (his father) and Abraham (his grandfather). By highlighting Jacob, the text draws on centuries of covenantal experiences of rescue and blessing. It encourages worshipers to remember how God made Jacob fruitful and established the family line from which the Messiah would come (Matthew 1:2). This builds faith that the Lord, who kept His promises then, will remain steadfast in every generation.

The next declaration brings a sober warning and a promise: And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off, But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up (v. 10). The term horns symbolizes strength or power in Hebrew poetry, signifying the ability to afflict or dominate. When God cuts off the horns of the wicked, it demonstrates His disapproval of oppressive power used against the innocent. It also signals the end of illegitimate dominance that removes the well—being of others from consideration. This verse portrays God as the unchallengeable judge who will eventually overthrow every unjust system.

On the other hand, the Lord’s favor rests on righteous individuals, as He lifts up their horns to show honor and restoration. Here, the righteous are those who orient their lives toward God’s will and humbly acknowledge His sovereignty. This unveiling of divine favor is an encouragement for all who seek the path Jesus taught when He said those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11). It reassures believers that though they may encounter trials in the present, their dedication to God will find a sure reward in His divine timing.

Moreover, the psalmist’s trust that God will elevate the righteous points to a broader principle of justice that threads through the Old and New Testaments. The victory of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked foreshadow the climactic moment where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). In this sense, the psalm offers scriptural hope that oppressors will fail and the people seeking God’s righteousness will experience vindication in the end.