Psalms 74:18

Authorized King James Version

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Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

Original Language Analysis

זְכָר Remember H2142
זְכָר Remember
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
זֹ֗את H2063
זֹ֗את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 2 of 9
this (often used adverb)
א֭וֹיֵב this that the enemy H341
א֭וֹיֵב this that the enemy
Strong's: H341
Word #: 3 of 9
hating; an adversary
חֵרֵ֣ף׀ hath reproached H2778
חֵרֵ֣ף׀ hath reproached
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;
יְהוָ֑ה O LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְעַ֥ם people H5971
וְעַ֥ם people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 6 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נָ֝בָ֗ל and that the foolish H5036
נָ֝בָ֗ל and that the foolish
Strong's: H5036
Word #: 7 of 9
stupid; wicked (especially impious)
נִֽאֲצ֥וּ have blasphemed H5006
נִֽאֲצ֥וּ have blasphemed
Strong's: H5006
Word #: 8 of 9
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ thy name H8034
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ thy name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 9 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD—The imperative zəḵōr-zō't (זְכָר־זֹאת, "remember this!") is striking in its boldness. The psalmist commands God to remember, using the same verb (zāḵar) that appears when God "remembered" Noah (Genesis 8:1) and His covenant (Exodus 2:24). The Hebrew ḥērēp̄ (חֵרֵף, reproached/taunted) isn't mere insult but covenant violation—the enemy's mockery challenges God's character and reliability.

And that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name—Nāḇāl (נָבָל, foolish) is the same word used for the fool who says "there is no God" (Psalm 14:1, 53:1). This isn't intellectual deficiency but moral rebellion—practical atheism. To nā'aṣ (נָאַץ, blaspheme/despise) God's Name is to deny His character, power, and covenant faithfulness. Babylon's destruction of the temple proclaimed that Yahweh was just another defeated deity.

Asaph's appeal rests on God's jealousy for His own glory. This isn't selfish but righteous: God's Name represents truth about reality itself. When enemies blaspheme, they spread lies about the nature of God, leading souls astray. God must vindicate His Name, not for petty revenge but to restore truth. Jesus would later pray "hallowed be thy name" (Matthew 6:9), recognizing that God's reputation matters supremely. His resurrection answered all blasphemy by demonstrating God's power over death itself.

Historical Context

Babylonian victory inscriptions mocked defeated gods, claiming Marduk's supremacy. From a pagan perspective, Judah's defeat proved Yahweh's weakness. This theological crisis forced Israel to develop deeper understanding of divine sovereignty: God used pagan nations to judge His people without compromising His supremacy (Isaiah 10:5-15).

Questions for Reflection