Psalms – Chapter 75

Old Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 75 of Psalms begins: "Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians." Jacob stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians.

2In Judea God is known: his name is great in Israel.

3And his place is in peace: and his abode in Sion:

4There hath he broken the powers of bows, the shield, the sword, and the battle.

5Thou enlightenest wonderfully from the everlasting hills.

6All the foolish of heart were troubled. They have slept their sleep; and all the men of riches have found nothing in their hands.

7At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, they have all slumbered that mounted on horseback.

8Thou art terrible, and who shall resist thee? from that time thy wrath.

9Thou hast caused judgment to be heard from heaven: the earth trembled and was still,

10When God arose in judgment, to save all the meek of the earth.

11For the thought of man shall give praise to thee: and the remainders of the thought shall keep holiday to thee.

12Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God: all you that are round about him bring presents. To him that is terrible,

13Even to him who taketh away the spirit of princes: to the terrible with the kings of the earth.

Important Verses in Psalms 75

“Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians.”

Psalms 75:1

“There hath he broken the powers of bows, the shield, the sword, and the battle.”

Psalms 75:4

“At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, they have all slumbered that mounted on horseback.”

Psalms 75:7

“Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God: all you that are round about him bring presents. To him that is terrible,”

Psalms 75:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 75 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Jacob, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians." The final verse reads: "Even to him who taketh away the spirit of princes: to the terrible with the kings of the earth. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 75 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2105).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 75 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Jacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 75 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder perseverance through trial.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 75 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 75 about?

Psalms 75 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians." and closes with "Even to him who taketh away the spirit of princes: to the terrible with the kings of the earth. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 75?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, in praises, a psalm for Asaph: a canticle to the Assyrians." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 75?

This chapter mentions Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Genesis 32Shares people and themes with this chapterJoshua 24Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Chronicles 16Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

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