John Calvin Commentary Psalms 75:3

"The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I have set up the pillars of it. Selah" — Psalms 75:3 (ASV)

The earth is dissolved, and all its inhabitants. Many commentators believe that these words are properly applicable to Christ, at whose coming it was necessary for the earth and its inhabitants to be shaken. He reigns, as we know, that he may destroy the old man, and he begins his spiritual kingdom with the destruction of the flesh; but he conducts his administration in such a way that afterward the restoration of the new man follows.

Of the second part of the verse, I will establish the pillars of it, they make the same application, explaining it as if Christ had said, "As soon as I come into the world, the earth with its inhabitants shall melt and be dissolved; but immediately after I will establish it upon firm and solid foundations; for my elect ones, renewed by my Spirit, shall no longer be like grass or withered flowers, but shall have new and unusual stability conferred upon them."

I do not, however, think that such a refined interpretation ever entered the prophet's mind. I consider his words to simply mean that although the earth may be dissolved, God has its props or supports in his own hand. This verse is connected with the preceding, for it confirms the truth that God, at the proper time, will manifest himself as an impartial and righteous judge. For it is an easy matter for him, even if the whole fabric of the world were to fall into ruins, to rebuild it from its decayed materials.

At the same time, I have no doubt that there is a reference to the actual state of things in the natural world. The earth occupies the lowest place in the celestial sphere, and yet, instead of having foundations on which it is supported, is it not rather suspended in the midst of the air?

Besides, since so many waters penetrate and pass through its veins, would it not be dissolved if it were not established by the secret power of God? However, while the prophet alludes to the natural state of the earth, he, nevertheless, rises higher, teaching us that, even if the world were in ruins, it is in God's power to re-establish it.