Rav Hirsch interprets Psalm 75 as Assaf’s plea to Hashem for help: "To Him Who grants victory, "Let not destruction come." A Psalm, a Song of Assaf (v. 1)." Assaf senses the imminent danger of the world’s destruction. It will fall to the degenerate forces of corruption and moral bankruptcy unless and until G-D intervenes. Assaf therefore begins this psalm with a heartfelt plea for G-D’s intervention. He asks that Hashem not permit the destruction to come. But once he has expressed his concern and aired his anxiety, he moves to song. With the "song of Assaf" comes a restoration of his confidence, a return of his belief in Hashem’s ability to act forcefully on our behalf. That confidence comes from the contemplation of Hashem’s past miracles. Assaf grows ever more certain that Hashem has established the moral foundation of the earth. G-D will see to the punishment of the wicked and grant the righteous their rightful place. We, who live in turbulent times, must remember the miracles that Hashem has performed for us throughout history and take heart, knowing that He shall redeem us once more.

 

Copyright, 2008 Rachel Lerner