Psalm 75:3
ESV
When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
NIV
When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.
NASB
The earth and all who inhabit it are unsteady; It is I who have firmly set its pillars. Selah
CSB
When the earth and all its inhabitants shake, I am the one who steadies its pillars. Selah
NLT
When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude
KJV
The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.
NKJV
The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly. Selah
What does Psalm 75:3 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 75, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 75:1–3 thank God for His intimate love of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6). This includes celebrating the miracles He has used to help them in the past. The psalmist knows that judgment will happen in God's own time. No matter how powerful these consequences are, God can and will keep the earth intact until His will is accomplished. The construction of the phrases makes it clear that the Lord, not the psalmist, is speaking in verses 2 and 3.
This psalm begins by thanking the Lord for His many incredible actions. It then speaks from the Lord's perspective as He states that judgment will occur only on His timing. This comes with warnings to those tempted to reject God's authority. Those who oppose the Lord will suffer wrath beyond their imagination. In contrast, the psalmist intends to praise the Lord. He expects God's judgment to separate the righteous from the wicked.
