Psalms 74:10
O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָתַ֣י
H4970
מָתַ֣י
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
אֱ֭לֹהִים
O God
H430
אֱ֭לֹהִים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יְחָ֣רֶף
reproach
H2778
יְחָ֣רֶף
reproach
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
4 of 9
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
יְנָ֘אֵ֤ץ
blaspheme
H5006
יְנָ֘אֵ֤ץ
blaspheme
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
6 of 9
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
Historical Context
Babylonian victory was interpreted as divine conquest—Marduk over Yahweh. This "blasphemy" of God's name was intolerable. Ezekiel 36:20-23 explains God must vindicate His name among nations. The "how long" cry appears throughout lament psalms (13:1, 35:17, 89:46) and finds ultimate answer in Revelation 6:10-11—martyrs ask "how long" until judgment, receiving white robes and promise of soon vindication.
Questions for Reflection
- When you ask "how long, O God," how do you balance honest lament with patient trust?
- How does framing prayer around God's blasphemed name (not just personal suffering) change your perspective?
- In what ways does Christ's vindication at resurrection answer the "how long" cry for God's name to be honored?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist pleads: "O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?" (Hebrew ad-matay Elohim y-charef tzar y-na'etz oyev shim-kha la-netzach). "How long" is lament's persistent question—not doubting God's ability but seeking His timing. "Adversary" and "enemy" blaspheme not just Israel but God's name. The duration ("forever") expresses felt perpetuity, though faith knows God will act. The verse makes God's honor, not merely Israel's welfare, the basis for petition.