Psalms 74:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זְכֹ֤ר

H2142

Remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עֲדָתְךָ֙׀

H5712

thy congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

קָ֘נִ֤יתָ

H7069

which thou hast purchased

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

קֶּ֗דֶם

H6924

of old

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

גָּ֭אַלְתָּ

H1350

which thou hast redeemed

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

H7626

the rod

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ

H5159

of thine inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

הַר

H2022

this mount

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

צִ֝יּ֗וֹן

H6726

Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

#10

זֶ֤ה׀

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#11

שָׁכַ֬נְתָּ

H7931

wherein thou hast dwelt

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

#12

בּֽוֹ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?