Psalms 74:23

Authorized King James Version

Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֭שְׁכַּח

H7911

Forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

ק֣וֹל

H6963

not the voice

a voice or sound

צֹרְרֶ֑יךָ

H6887

of thine enemies

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

שְׁא֥וֹן

H7588

the tumult

uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction

קָ֝מֶ֗יךָ

H6965

of those that rise up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֹלֶ֥ה

H5927

against thee increaseth

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

תָמִֽיד׃

H8548

continually

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 74 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?