Psalm 74
Psalms were written for many purposes. Psalm 74 is a “Maschil” or “teaching poem” of Asaph, one of the prophets of Israel. This psalm is also a prophetic psalm as it foretells some of the afflictions that would befall believers in the Old as well as the New Testaments. In this psalm, Asaph pours out his heart to God, pleading for deliverance and the punishment of those who oppose God, and asking for help to trust in God.
Section one (verses 1 to 8) brings before God the troubles that the believers are experiencing. Because these troubles came upon the Temple, it seems as if God has “cast us off forever.” This seemed especially true when king Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the Temple and carried Jews off to Babylon. God is asked to “remember Your congregation” through His mercy and kindness. The believers are called God’s sheep, the “tribe of Your inheritance which You have redeemed,” God is asked to see the desolations brought upon His sanctuary, the Temple. These things happened because the people of Jerusalem refused to turn away from their worship of idols. New Testament believers have also experienced persecution and wondered if God had cast them off.
Section two (verses 9 to 11) states the distress that believers experience throughout history. Regular worship is discontinued, teachers of God’s Word have disappeared, and the people do not know how long the tribulation will last that the adversary reproaches and blasphemes God. Because God’s name is at stake, He is asked to use His strong right hand to deliver His people.
Section three (verses 12 to 17) demonstrates the trust of the believer. God is King who works salvation throughout the world. God’s salvation is was evident when He divided the Red Sea to allow Israel to escape and the Pharaoh’s soldiers became food for the wild beasts. God brought water out of a rock for Israel and dried up the Jordan River so they could cross into Canaan. God is in control of day and night, sun and stars, summer and winter. He establishes the borders between land and sea and between nations. This praise of God’s absolute and limitless power forms the basis for the prayer in the next section.
Verses 18 to 21 form the prayer of those who are persecuted. God is asked to remember how the enemy reproaches Him as if the true God was weak and His Word was not true. The believer and the Church is described as “Your turtledove,” a picture of a humble, defenseless bird who seeks refuge when danger is near. Then there is God’s covenant of grace and forgiveness which He made with Israel and through Jesus. The enemies have searched the caves to find and kill believers. Should God not defend the oppressed believers, the enemies would again reproach them for trusting in God. With His help, the poor and needy in spirit will praise Him for His deliverance.
The last section (verses 22 to 23) places the matter in the hands of God, for believers are facing persecution on account of their trust in the true God. His honor is reproached daily by the enemy. Should the gospel message be totally repressed, no one could believe on Him and worship Him.
The Church in all ages has experienced the fierce anger of those who hate the truth. While it seems that God has not helped, believers trust in God’s promises to be with them, strengthen them, and deliver them to His eternal home where they shall praise Him forever.
