Psalms 74

FBMeyer

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Psalms 74:1-11

the Sanctuary of God Profaned Psalms 74:1-11 This psalm probably dates from the time when the Chaldeans destroyed the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. Compare Psalms 74:8 with Jeremiah 3:13-17. The main emphasis of Psa 74:1 lies in the argument which arose from Israel’ s close relationship with God. Were they not His congregation! Was not the Temple His own chosen sanctuary? Did not these facts constitute the reason why He should come with swift footsteps to undo the evils that their foes were inflicting? The invaders were His (Thine) adversaries. The Temple was the dwelling-place of His (Thy) name. The whole psalm is dominated by this note. It says very little of the sufferings which the enemy has inflicted, but constantly recurs to the insult and reproach, done to God. When we live only for Jesus Christ, so that our case and His have become one, we can use language like this. But this position is not acquired lightly, nor without much watchfulness and prayer. We by nature watch out for our own dignity and welfare much more quickly than for the interests of God’ s kingdom and glory. When, however, we are absolutely identified with the kingdom and glory of Jesus, our argument for deliverance is omnipotent.

Why hast thou cast us off? This Psalm was composed when the Chaldeans destroyed the temple and city (compare Psalms 74:8 with Jeremiah 52:13-17). The Psalmist describes his people’s miseries (Psalms 74:1-11), recounts the reasons why they should still trust in God (Psalms 74:12-17), and concludes with urgent petitions for help (Psalms 74:18-23).

Psalms 74:3. Lift up thy feet, i.e., come not slowly but quickly to restore ruins which otherwise must be perpetual.

Psalms 74:4. Thine enemies roar The shout of the foe breaks in on the holy calm of congregations gathered for solemn worship. Heathen standards wave over the buildings consecrated to God.

Psalms 74:5. They seemed as men that lifted up axes upon a thicket of trees (R.V.).

Psalms 74:8. They have burned the synagogues As early as Samuel’s time there were meetings on fixed days for worship (1 Samuel 9:12; 1 Samuel 10:5). And these were probably maintained by the prophets (2 Kings 4:23), and anticipated the synagogues of later times.

Psalms 74:13-14. Dragons in the waters … Leviathan These monsters stand here for the Egyptian hosts.

Psalms 74:15. The fountain and the flood The Chaldaic adds to the Jordan, the Arnon and the Jabbok (Numbers 21:13-15).

Psalms 74:16-17. The day is thine, the night also Our God is the God of nature. What can He not do? The night may be overshadowing your life, but it is as much his as the day. There are treasures in darkness (Isaiah 45:3).

Psalms 74:18. Arise, O God! It is blessed to feel that God’s glory and our deliverance are identical (Psalms 74:22).

Psalms 74:19. Thy turtle dove What a striking similitude for the Church in its simplicity, weakness and defenselessness!

Psalms 74:20. Have respect unto the covenant There is no stronger plea with God than this, for the “covenant” is ordered in all things and sure (2 Samuel 23:5).

This Psalm may be recited by the saints in all times of the Church’s depression.

Psalms 74:12-23

“ Plead Thine Own Cause, O God” Psalms 74:12-23 Yet! Psalms 74:12, r.v. There is always some compensating and consolatory thought. God is in the background of our thought. Not only the King, but my King, ever working salvation in the midst of the earth. Faith is quickened as she reviews the marvels of the past, or considers the constant forth-putting of God’ s power in nature. See Psalms 74:12-15. The dove is a tender emblem of the Church in her simplicity, weakness, and defenselessness; and there is no plea so potent as to remind God of His Covenant, which has been sealed with the blood of the Cross. Though we are utterly unworthy, He cannot deny Himself. Every time we put the cup to our lips in the Holy Supper, we say in effect. Have respect unto the Covenant, Psalms 74:20. This is an invincible argument with God. Go over the different items of that Covenant enumerated in Hebrews 8:1-13.

Place your finger on the one that fits your case, and present that at the bank of heaven, endorsed by the countersign of our Lord. See to it that your cause is so identified with God’ s that, in soliciting His help, you may be able to add: Arise, O God; plead thine own cause, Psalms 74:22. God is faithful to those whom He has called into the fellowship of His Son.