◄ Psalm 75:6 ►
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert,
Study Bible
For exaltation
The term "exaltation" in this context refers to the act of being lifted up or elevated in status, honor, or power. In Hebrew, the word used is "רוֹם" (rom), which conveys the idea of being raised or elevated. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding that true honor and promotion come from God alone. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as the one who humbles the proud and exalts the humble (James 4:10). This serves as a reminder that human efforts and worldly achievements are not the ultimate sources of honor; rather, it is God who determines the rise and fall of individuals and nations.

comes neither from east nor west
The phrase "neither from east nor west" emphasizes the futility of seeking promotion or recognition from worldly sources. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the east and west were often seen as symbolic of the entirety of the known world. By stating that exaltation does not come from these directions, the psalmist underscores that human efforts, alliances, or geographical advantages are not the sources of true elevation. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is sovereign over all creation, and His will transcends human boundaries and limitations.

nor out of the desert
The mention of the "desert" further illustrates the point that exaltation does not originate from any earthly source. The desert, or "midbar" in Hebrew, often symbolizes desolation, barrenness, and a place of testing or trial in the Bible. By including the desert, the psalmist reinforces the idea that even in places of apparent hopelessness or isolation, it is not the environment or circumstances that determine one's rise, but God alone. This serves as an encouragement to believers that regardless of their current situation, God is in control and can bring about change and elevation according to His divine purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Psalmist (Asaph)
- The author of Psalm 75, Asaph, was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court, known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms.

2. Israel
- The nation to whom the psalm was originally addressed, often seeking God's guidance and deliverance from their enemies.

3. East, West, Desert
- These geographical references symbolize the various directions from which people might expect help or promotion, emphasizing that true exaltation comes from God alone.
Teaching Points
God as the Source of Exaltation
True promotion and honor come from God, not from human efforts or worldly sources. Believers should seek God's favor rather than relying on human connections or strategies.

Humility and Dependence on God
Recognizing that exaltation comes from God encourages humility. Believers are called to trust in God's timing and provision rather than striving for self-promotion.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God appoints leaders and authorities according to His will. This understanding should lead to prayerful support for leaders and trust in God's overarching plan.

Avoiding Worldly Pursuits
The pursuit of status or recognition from worldly sources is futile. Believers should focus on serving God faithfully, knowing that He sees and rewards in His time.

Contentment in God's Plan
Trusting that God is in control allows believers to find contentment in their current circumstances, knowing that God will exalt them in due time if it aligns with His purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that exaltation comes from God change your perspective on seeking promotions or recognition in your life?

2. In what ways can you practice humility and dependence on God in your daily decisions and interactions?

3. How can the truth of God's sovereignty in leadership influence your attitude towards current leaders in your community or nation?

4. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition from worldly sources. How can Psalm 75:6 guide you to seek God's approval instead?

5. How can you cultivate contentment in your current situation, trusting that God will exalt you in His perfect timing? Consider other scriptures that encourage contentment and trust in God's plan.
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 4:10
- This verse emphasizes that humility before the Lord leads to exaltation, aligning with the theme that God is the source of true promotion.

Daniel 2:21
- Daniel acknowledges that God changes times and seasons and sets up kings, reinforcing the idea that God is the ultimate authority in granting exaltation.

1 Samuel 2:7
- Hannah's prayer highlights that the Lord brings both poverty and wealth, humbling and exalting, which parallels the message of Psalm 75:6.
Sermons
God Revealed in NatureThe Signal.Psalm 75:1-10
God's Nearness to the WorldHomilistPsalm 75:1-10
God's Works Declare HimPsalm 75:1-10
The Nearness of GodR. Simpson, M. A.Psalm 75:1-10
The Righteous Judgment of GodC. Short Psalm 75:1-10
The Undaunted OneS. Conway Psalm 75:1-10
Divine Promotions Through Divine ProvidencesR. Tuck Psalm 75:6, 7
Getting OnA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.Psalm 75:6-7
People
Asaph, Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Desert, East, Elevation, Exalt, Exaltation, Honour, Lifting, Promotion, South, Uplifting, West, Wilderness, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 75:6

     4821   east
     4857   west

Psalm 75:6-7

     1305   God, activity of
     4019   life, believers' experience
     5267   control
     5849   exaltation

Library
Of Compunction of Heart
If thou wilt make any progress keep thyself in the fear of God, and long not to be too free, but restrain all thy senses under discipline and give not thyself up to senseless mirth. Give thyself to compunction of heart and thou shalt find devotion. Compunction openeth the way for many good things, which dissoluteness is wont quickly to lose. It is wonderful that any man can ever rejoice heartily in this life who considereth and weigheth his banishment, and the manifold dangers which beset his soul. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Advertisement.
It seems necessary to give the following outline of the history of this Oxford translation. It was undertaken as part of the great series of original translations which appeared "under the patronage of William, Archbishop of Canterbury, from its commencement, a.d. 1836, until his Grace's departure in peace, a.d. 1848." It proposed to include all the "Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church before the division of the East and West," and this exposition was dedicated as a memorial of Archbishop Howley …
St. Augustine—Exposition on the Book of Psalms

Derivative Doctrines. Grace and the Means of Grace; the Christian Life; the Last Things.
The idea of Grace is important to the theological system of Athanasius, in view of the central place occupied in that system by the idea of restoration and new creation as the specific work of Christ upon His fellow-men (supra, §2, cf. Orat. ii. 56, Exp. in Pss. xxxiii. 2, cxviii. 5, LXX.). But, in common with the Greek Fathers generally, he does not analyse its operation, nor endeavour to fix its relation to free will (cf. Orat. i. 37 fin., iii. 25 sub fin.). The divine predestination relates …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Of his Cross what Shall I Speak, what Say? this Extremest Kind of Death...
9. Of His cross what shall I speak, what say? This extremest kind of death He chose, that not any kind of death might make His Martyrs afraid. The doctrine He shewed in His life as Man, the example of patience He demonstrated in His Cross. There, you have the work, that He was crucified; example of the work, the Cross; reward of the work, Resurrection. He shewed us in the Cross what we ought to endure, He shewed in the Resurrection what we have to hope. Just like a consummate task-master in the matches …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
(Peræa, or Judæa, Near the Jordan.) ^A Matt. XX. 17-28; ^B Mark X. 32-45; ^C Luke XVIII. 31-34. ^b 32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem [Dean Mansel sees in these words an evidence that Jesus had just crossed the Jordan and was beginning the actual ascent up to Jerusalem. If so, he was in Judæa. But such a construction strains the language. Jesus had been going up to Jerusalem ever since he started in Galilee, and he may now have still be in Peræa. The parable …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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