Psalms 74:9
We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
Original Language Analysis
אֽוֹתֹתֵ֗ינוּ
not our signs
H226
אֽוֹתֹתֵ֗ינוּ
not our signs
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
1 of 11
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָ֫אִ֥ינוּ
We see
H7200
רָ֫אִ֥ינוּ
We see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
נָבִ֑יא
there is no more any prophet
H5030
נָבִ֑יא
there is no more any prophet
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
6 of 11
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִ֝תָּ֗נוּ
H854
אִ֝תָּ֗נוּ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יֹדֵ֥עַ
neither is there among us any that knoweth
H3045
יֹדֵ֥עַ
neither is there among us any that knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Amos 8:11Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:1 Samuel 3:1And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.Exodus 12:13And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.Ezekiel 7:26Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
Historical Context
During exile, prophetic activity diminished (Lamentations 2:9, Ezekiel 7:26). Amos 8:11-12 warned of "famine...of hearing the words of the LORD." The seventy-year exile (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10) provided timeline, yet feeling abandoned persisted. The intertestamental period (400 years) similarly lacked prophets. Jesus's arrival broke silence (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:1-2). The New Testament warns against false prophets while promising the Spirit's teaching (John 14:26).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to seasons when God seems to give no "signs" or clear guidance?
- What sustains faith when you don't know "how long" trials will last?
- How does Christ as the Word made flesh (John 1:14) and the Spirit's indwelling end the famine of God's word?
Analysis & Commentary
The lament continues: "We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long" (Hebrew ototenu lo ra-inu eyn-od navi v-lo-ittanu yodea ad-meh). Three tragic losses: "our signs" (God's confirming miracles), prophets (God's spokesmen), and knowledge of duration. The verse captures spiritual famine—no word from God, no guidance, no timeline. This amplifies suffering: not knowing when deliverance will come tests faith maximally.