Psalms 74:5
A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
Original Language Analysis
יִ֭וָּדַע
A man was famous
H3045
יִ֭וָּדַע
A man was famous
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כְּמֵבִ֣יא
according as he had lifted up
H935
כְּמֵבִ֣יא
according as he had lifted up
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 6
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְמָ֑עְלָה
H4605
לְמָ֑עְלָה
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
3 of 6
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Historical Context
Solomon's temple was renowned for cedar paneling and carved work (1 Kings 6:15-36). Hiram's craftsmen from Tyre were "famous" for skillful temple construction. Now Babylonian soldiers hack it apart. This fulfilled Deuteronomy 28:45-52's curse warnings. Jesus prophesied similar destruction of Herod's temple (Matthew 24:1-2), fulfilled in 70 AD by Romans.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeing destruction of what was carefully built illustrate the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness?
- What spiritual "temples" (ministries, relationships, character) have you seen demolished through sin or negligence?
- How does Christ as the indestructible temple (John 2:19-21) guarantee permanent security for believers?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalmist describes destruction: "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees" (Hebrew yivvada k-m-vi l-ma-lah b-svakh-etz qardummot). The image depicts woodsmen hacking temple cedar—once honored craftsmen are now destructive invaders. What was built with skill is demolished with axes. The verse captures tragic irony: tools meant for construction become instruments of desecration. The reversal from building to destroying mirrors Israel's covenant reversal from blessing to curse.