Psalm 75:6, 7 For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.… There seems to be a recalling of the sentiments expressed in Hannah's song (see 1 Samuel 2:6-8). Keeping to the relations of the psalm with Hezekiah's trouble, we may understand him as expressing his confidence that the national deliverance would not come by securing any national alliances, either with Egypt, the power of the south, or with the kingdoms of the mountain districts round Palestine. Hezekiah's assurance was that Divine providence would work out the Divine purpose. He believed God's purpose was set on his deliverance, therefore he encouraged himself to watch and wait for the working of God's providence. It is remarkable that no reference is made to the north. This Delitzsch explains: "It is a northern power which arrogantly, even to blasphemy, threatens the small Israelitish nation with destruction, and against which it looks for help neither from the east nor west, nor from the reed staff of Egypt, but from Jahve alone." The word "promotion" should be rendered "lifting up," and seems to refer to the depression and distress of the people at this time of invasion. The point is this - He who trusts in God can wait for God's workings. Illustrate three ways of trusting God, and find out which of the ways alone can honour him. I. TRUSTING GOD, AND DOING NOTHING. To this pious people are often tempted. It is a very specious kind of self-delusion. It seems to be a special way of honouring God, to let him do it all. Sometimes this mistake is associated with the Divine promise to give right words when God's servants have to stand before kings. But a promise specially made for sudden experience must not be forced to apply to ordinary, everyday, and anticipated duty. II. TRUSTING GOD, AND SEEKING HELP FROM FELLOW MAN. This is an unconscious hypocrisy. The trusting God becomes the unreality, and the reliance on man becomes the practical reality. The condition is indicated in those who "feared the Lord, and served other gods." It was the special sin of a section of the people in Hezekiah's time. They said, "Trusting God is all very well, but we had better be doing something for the national deliverance and defence." It is our peril still. We may really be leaning on man, and think we are leaning on God. III. TRUSTING GOD, AND DOING THE DUTY OF THE HOUR. This is acceptable to God. Simply doing present duty is leaving God's providence to work out God's "upliftings." The duty of the hour is a step in God's providence; each duty is a step; and on them we shall certainly rise to the realization of God's gracious purposes concerning those who thus show their trust. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.WEB: For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south, comes exaltation. |
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