Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 75:8

8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup , and the wine is red , it is full of mixture , and he poureth out of the same : but the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth , shall wring them out , and drink them.

This Verse is added; Either, 1. As a Reason or Confirmation of the assertion, v. 7. and to shew that God in removing one King to make way for another, did not proceed in a way of absolute Soveraignty, which yet he might have done, but in a way of Justice and Equity. Or, 2. As another Argument to inforce his Advice given, v. 4, 5. which he had now pressed by one Argument, v. 6, 7.

God is here Compared to the Master of a Feast, who then used to distribute Portions of Meats or Drinks, to the several Guests as he thought fit.

A Cup in Scripture, is sometimes taken in a good Sence, for God's Blessings, as Psal. 16. 5. and 23. 5. and sometimes, and more frequently in a bad Sence, for Gods Vengeance and Judgments, as Psal. 11. 6. Isa. 51. 22. Ier. 49. 12. Mat. 20. 2[illegible: 1+ letters], &c. And so it is here understood, as the following Words shew

Such as the best Wine of Iudea was, Deut. 32. 14. Prov. 23. 31. and so strong and heady, and intoxic[illegible: 1+ letters]ing. Or, is Troubled; as the Word more properly signifies, and is rendred by divers. Which may note its Newness, when it is in Fermentation, not yet cleared nor settled, and so more intoxicating. So he expresseth the Power and fierceness of God's wrath and Judgments.

The Wine is mingled not with water, as was usual in those hot Countries, Prov. 9. 5. but with Spices, as Ca[illegible: 1+ letters]t. 8. 2. Or rather, strengthning and intoxicating Ingredients, which Drunkards used, Isa. 5. 21.

To wit, to the Children of men, promiscuously to good and bad. Whereby he removes the Scandal, which his Enemies might take from those Troubles which God saw fit to inflict upon David and his followers.

The worst and most dreadful part of those Tribulations.

Or, of the Land, to wit, of Canaan, of which he spake v. 3.

Which Expression may imply either, that they shall be forced to squeeze out the worst for their own drinking; Or, that this dreadful draught was prepared for them, and brought upon them by their own choice and Wickedness.