Psalms 74:21

Authorized King James Version

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O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

Original Language Analysis

אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יָשֹׁ֣ב return H7725
יָשֹׁ֣ב return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 2 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
דַּ֣ךְ O let not the oppressed H1790
דַּ֣ךְ O let not the oppressed
Strong's: H1790
Word #: 3 of 8
crushed, i.e., (figuratively) injured
נִכְלָ֑ם ashamed H3637
נִכְלָ֑ם ashamed
Strong's: H3637
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
עָנִ֥י let the poor H6041
עָנִ֥י let the poor
Strong's: H6041
Word #: 5 of 8
depressed, in mind or circumstances
וְ֝אֶבְי֗וֹן and needy H34
וְ֝אֶבְי֗וֹן and needy
Strong's: H34
Word #: 6 of 8
destitute
יְֽהַלְל֥וּ praise H1984
יְֽהַלְל֥וּ praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 7 of 8
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ thy name H8034
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ thy name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 8 of 8
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

O let not the oppressed return ashamed—The Hebrew dāḵ (דָּךְ, oppressed) means crushed or beaten down, describing those ground to dust by violence and injustice. Return ashamed (yāshūḇ niḵlām, יָשׁוּב נִכְלָם) carries the force of being sent away humiliated, their prayers seemingly unheard. Asaph pleads that those who come to God in desperation not depart empty-handed, their shame compounded by divine silence.

Let the poor and needy praise thy name—This moves from petition to promise. The ʿānî wə'eḇyôn (עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן, poor and needy) are Israel's remnant, stripped of all pretense and earthly security. When God intervenes, their yəhallālû shəmeḵā (יְהַלְלוּ שְׁמֶךָ, "let them praise your name") transforms lament into worship. The Name that enemies blasphemed (v. 18) will be exalted by those whom God delivers.

This verse anticipates the gospel's reversal: blessed are the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3), the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16), God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith (James 2:5). The oppressed who refuse to return ashamed but persist in faith will ultimately sing praises around God's throne (Revelation 7:9-17). The cross itself demonstrates God's commitment: Christ was oppressed and afflicted, yet through Him, the ransomed sing (Isaiah 53:7; 35:10).

Historical Context

Post-exilic return from Babylon fulfilled this prayer partially—God did not let the oppressed remain in permanent shame (Ezra 1-2). Yet the full answer awaits the new exodus when God gathers all His dispersed people. The psalm teaches Israel to persevere in prayer through the darkest nights, trusting God's eventual vindication.

Questions for Reflection