Psalms 74

Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause

1 O GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity., why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture? References God: Psalms 95:7, 100:3, Ezekiel 34:31. Parallel theme: Psalms 44:9, 77:7, 78:1, 79:13, Deuteronomy 29:20, Jeremiah 23:1, Luke 12:32 +5

2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. Redemption: Exodus 15:13. Parallel theme: Psalms 135:4, Exodus 15:16, Deuteronomy 4:20, 32:9, Jeremiah 10:16

3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. Temple: Psalms 79:1, Lamentations 1:10

4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs. Parallel theme: Numbers 2:2, 2 Chronicles 36:17, Lamentations 2:7, Daniel 6:27, Matthew 24:15, Luke 13:1, 21:20, Revelation 13:6 +3

5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.

6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 6:18, 6:29, 6:32, 6:35

7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground. Parallel theme: Psalms 89:39, 2 Kings 25:9

8 They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity. in the land. Parallel theme: Psalms 83:4

9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophetProphet: נָבִיא (Navi). The Hebrew navi (נָבִיא) means prophet—one who speaks God's word to the people. Prophets received divine revelation and declared God's message, often calling Israel to repentance and foretelling future events.: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. Prophecy: Ezekiel 7:26. Parallel theme: Exodus 12:13, 1 Samuel 3:1, Amos 8:11

10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom. Parallel theme: Lamentations 2:3

12 For God is my King of old, working salvationSalvation: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah). The Hebrew yeshuah (יְשׁוּעָה) means salvation or deliverance—rescue from danger or enemies. This is the root of 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning 'YHWH saves.' in the midst of the earth. Kingdom: Psalms 44:4

13 Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters. Parallel theme: Psalms 78:13, Exodus 14:21, Ezekiel 29:3

14 Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness. Parallel theme: Isaiah 27:1

15 Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers. Parallel theme: Psalms 105:41, Numbers 20:11, Joshua 2:10, Isaiah 48:21

16 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Parallel theme: Psalms 104:19, Matthew 5:45

17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. Creation: Acts 17:26. Parallel theme: Genesis 8:22, Deuteronomy 32:8, Acts 14:17

18 Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty., and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name. References Lord: Deuteronomy 32:6. Parallel theme: Psalms 39:8, Revelation 16:19

19 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever. Related: Song of Solomon 2:14, 4:1. Parallel theme: Psalms 9:18, 68:10, 68:13, 72:2, Isaiah 60:8, Zephaniah 3:12, Matthew 10:16 +4

20 Have respect unto the covenantCovenant: בְּרִית (Berit). The Hebrew berit (בְּרִית) denotes a covenant—a binding agreement, often ratified by blood sacrifice. God's covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) structure redemptive history, culminating in the New Covenant.: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. Covenant: Psalms 89:28, 105:8, 106:45, Hebrews 8:10

21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name. Resurrection: Psalms 12:5. Parallel theme: Psalms 9:18, 103:6

22 Arise, O GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity., plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. References God: Psalms 53:1. Parallel theme: Psalms 74:18, Isaiah 52:5

23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually. Parallel theme: Psalms 65:7, Isaiah 37:29