Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 75:2

"When I shall find the set time, I will judge uprightly." — Psalms 75:2 (ASV)

When I shall receive the congregation - The marginal rendering is, “Take a set time.” The phrase is so rendered in most of the versions. So the Septuagint, “When I take the time” - ὅταν λάβω καιρὸν hotan labō kairon.

So the Vulgate, “When I accept the time.” So Luther, “When in its own time.” So De Wette, “When I take the time.” According to this interpretation, this is the language of God. It implies that, although “the earth” was then “dissolved,” or although disorders were allowed to exist, yet he would take a set time, or the appointed time for judgment. He would then pronounce a sentence on the conduct of people and deal with them in a righteous manner, punishing the rebellious and vindicating his own cause.

The proper interpretation of the passage turns on the meaning of the Hebrew word rendered in the text “congregation”—מועד mô‛êd (see the word explained in the notes at Psalm 74:8). It may mean a set time or an appointed season (1 Samuel 13:8; 1 Samuel 13:11); or a coming together, an assembly (Job 30:23); or a place of assemblage, as the tabernacle, etc. (Exodus 27:21; Exodus 40:22; Psalms 74:8).

Therefore, it may be applied to the congregation of the Jewish people—the nation considered as an assemblage for the worship of God. The idea of “taking” this, or “receiving” this, can then be applied to the act of assuming authority or sovereignty over the people. Hence, the language may be used to denote entering upon the discharge of the duties of such sovereignty.

This language would be applicable to one who had the right to such an elevation to power—a prince—an heir apparent—in a time when his right was disputed, when there was organized opposition to him, or when the nation was in a state of anarchy and confusion. It seems to me that this supposition best accords with the proper meaning of the language and with the scope of the psalm.

I will judge uprightly - I will put down all this opposition to law. I will deal with exact justice between man and man. I will restore order and the supremacy of law to the state. The language, therefore, according to this interpretation, is not the language of God, but that of a prince having a right to the throne and about to ascend it in a time of great misrule and disorder.