"Indeed, I will set a time, I will judge uprightly (Psalm 75:3)." Of whom is the psalmist speaking? The Da’at Mikra explains that this verse is linked to the previous one that speaks of Hashem’s wondrous works. The psalmist is speaking in the first person as the words of Hashem. Hashem will set a time in the future for accountability, for a day of judgment. The Da’at Mikra further comments that these words were probably part of an ancient prophecy. The intention of the psalmist was to praise G-D for having fulfilled His promise. Not only will there be a reckoning, but G-D states that He will judge uprightly, ensuring that the good will be rewarded and the wicked punished.

 

3rd of Cheshvan, November 1, 2008

 

Continuing to speak in the first person as the voice of Hashem, the psalmist says: "I say to the arrogant: Do not act arrogantly. And to the wicked: Do not lift up the horn. Do not lift your horn on high. Do not speak arrogance with your neck upstretched (Psalm 75:5-6]." After having stated that He will judge uprightly, Hashem directly addresses the wicked. He cautions them not to "lift up their horn"; do not oppress and cause damage like the ox that harms with its horns. G-D further cautions the wicked not to be arrogant, to not be prideful to man or G-D. The words- "do not lift your horn on high"- allude to the behavior of horned animals. When happy, they raise their horns and when distressed, they lower them. Do not in your prideful and arrogant state lift your horn and do not speak with your neck held high in disdain of others.

 

Shabbat Shalom

 

Copyright, 2008 Rachel Lerner