Psalms 74:2

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

זְכֹ֤ר Remember H2142
זְכֹ֤ר Remember
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
עֲדָתְךָ֙׀ thy congregation H5712
עֲדָתְךָ֙׀ thy congregation
Strong's: H5712
Word #: 2 of 12
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
קָ֘נִ֤יתָ which thou hast purchased H7069
קָ֘נִ֤יתָ which thou hast purchased
Strong's: H7069
Word #: 3 of 12
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
קֶּ֗דֶם of old H6924
קֶּ֗דֶם of old
Strong's: H6924
Word #: 4 of 12
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
גָּ֭אַלְתָּ which thou hast redeemed H1350
גָּ֭אַלְתָּ which thou hast redeemed
Strong's: H1350
Word #: 5 of 12
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
שֵׁ֣בֶט the rod H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט the rod
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 6 of 12
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ of thine inheritance H5159
נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ of thine inheritance
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
הַר this mount H2022
הַר this mount
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 8 of 12
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
צִ֝יּ֗וֹן Zion H6726
צִ֝יּ֗וֹן Zion
Strong's: H6726
Word #: 9 of 12
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
זֶ֤ה׀ H2088
זֶ֤ה׀
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 10 of 12
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
שָׁכַ֬נְתָּ wherein thou hast dwelt H7931
שָׁכַ֬נְתָּ wherein thou hast dwelt
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 11 of 12
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
בּֽוֹ׃ H0
בּֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 12 of 12

Analysis & Commentary

The psalmist appeals to three covenant realities: God's congregation which He "purchased" (Hebrew qanah, the same verb used of God's creative ownership in Genesis 14:19), emphasizing divine initiative in redemption; the "rod of thine inheritance" (Hebrew shebet nachalatecha), using the tribal language that makes Israel God's personal possession; and Mount Zion where God chose to dwell, establishing His earthly throne. The verb "remember" (Hebrew zakar) is covenantal language, calling God to act consistently with His promises. The three verbs—purchased, redeemed, dwelt—trace salvation history from Egypt through the wilderness to the temple, forming the basis for confident appeal in crisis.

Historical Context

This psalm likely dates to either the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) or possibly the desecration under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 BC). Asaph's choir traditionally maintained temple worship, making this lament over the ruined sanctuary particularly poignant. The covenant language reflects Deuteronomic theology: God chose Israel, redeemed them from Egypt, and established His dwelling among them.

Questions for Reflection