For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse lists "east," "west," and "wilderness" (representing the south) but omits the north, subtly implying that no direction of human or earthly power can grant true elevation. True advancement doesn't come from earthly sources—east, west, or even the desolate wilderness—but solely from God, the ultimate judge and sustainer of all.
For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is addressing arrogant rulers and wicked people who boast in their power, reminding them that true exaltation comes only from God, not from human effort or earthly favor. This comes after a divine declaration that God has set a time to judge and restore justice, and immediately before the proclamation that God Himself is the ultimate judge who brings down the proud and lifts up the humble.
Ever feel like you're striving for a promotion, a recognition, or a breakthrough, looking to all the 'right' people and places for help? This verse cuts through that.
The psalmist declares that true 'lifting up'—whether it's advancement, honor, or deliverance—doesn't come from anywhere on earth. The directions mentioned (east, west, wilderness representing south) symbolize the entirety of the known world and its powers.
If promotion doesn't come from anywhere on earth, then who holds the power to lift us up or bring us down?
Psalm 75:7 directly follows verse 6 with the answer: 'For God is the judge; he brings one down, he sets one up.' This is the crucial theological point that verse 6 is building towards.
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This psalm speaks profoundly to those in exile. It assures them that true elevation and restoration don't come from earthly powers or political maneuvering (east, west, or south), but solely from God's sovereign hand, even when their world has been utterly overturned.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The powerful Assyrian Empire, originating from the north, exerted significant influence and control over the region, posing a constant threat to smaller kingdoms like Judah.
626 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire Rises
Nabopolassar establishes the Neo-Babylonian Empire, breaking free from Assyrian rule and beginning a period of Babylonian ascendancy.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Judah and deports a portion of the population, including members of the royal family and elite, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, carrying off more inhabitants to Babylon. This event devastates the Judean kingdom and deepens the sense of exile.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus of Persia, often referred to as the 'anointed one' in scripture for his role in the Jewish return, conquers Babylon. This shift in power eventually leads to the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
This passage echoes the psalm's theme by stating, 'The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.' It directly affirms that all elevation and humbling come from God's hand alone, not from earthly powers.
Proverbs 16:19This proverb highlights the dangers of pride and connects it to humility before God, stating 'Better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.' It warns against self-exaltation that ignores God's sovereignty.
Daniel 2:21This verse describes God's absolute control over earthly affairs: 'He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.' It directly supports the idea that no earthly direction dictates promotion.
John 3:27John the Baptist's words, 'A person cannot receive even something unless it is given him from heaven,' powerfully illustrate that all legitimate gifts and advancements originate from God, reinforcing the psalm's message.
Romans 9:16Paul directly addresses the sovereignty of God in salvation and calling, stating, 'So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.' This emphasizes that divine appointment, not human effort or origin, determines one's standing.
poolePsalms 75:6: "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south."
For though you envy and oppose my advancement, because I was but a poor shepherd, and of a mean family; yet you ought to know and consider what is notorious and visible in the world, that the dignities and sceptres of the world are not always disposed according to human expectations and probabilities, but by God’s sovereign will and providence, as it follows. It is true, men that expect preferment…
clarkePsalms 75:6: "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south."
For promotion cometh neither from the east, etc. - As if the Lord had said, speaking to the Babylonians, None of all the surrounding powers shall be able to help you; none shall pluck you out of my hand. I am the Judge: I will pull you down, and set my afflicted people up, Psalm 75:7 . Calmet has observed that the Babylonians had Media, Armenia, and Mesopotamia on the East; and thence came Darius t…
The verse lists "east," "west," and "wilderness" (representing the south) but omits the north, subtly implying that no direction of human or earthly power can grant true elevation. True advancement doesn't come from earthly sources—east, west, or even the desolate wilderness—but solely from God, the ultimate judge and sustainer of all.
The psalmist is addressing arrogant rulers and wicked people who boast in their power, reminding them that true exaltation comes only from God, not from human effort or earthly favor. This comes after a divine declaration that God has set a time to judge and restore justice, and immediately before the proclamation that God Himself is the ultimate judge who brings down the proud and lifts up the humble.
The psalmist is addressing arrogant rulers and wicked people who boast in their power, reminding them that true exaltation comes only from God, not from human effort or earthly favor. This comes after a divine declaration that God has set a time to judge and restore justice, and immediately before the proclamation that God Himself is the ultimate judge who brings down the proud and lifts up the humble.
"For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up," — The verse lists "east," "west," and "wilderness" (representing the south) but omits the north, subtly implying that no direction of human or earthly power can grant true elevation. True advancement d…
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Last reviewed October 2026