Psalm 74
A Prayer of Asaph for God to Defend His Name and His People
This psalm is titled A Contemplation of Asaph. It is a plea and a prayer in great sorrow from the destruction of the sanctuary (Psalm 74:3, 7). The majority of commentators believe this psalm followed the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians. Some argue that it is even later, following the desecration of the temple in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes. If these later dates are true, this Asaph is not the great singer and musician of David and Solomon’s era, unless Asaph composed this psalm prophetically, which was possible according to 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2 Chronicles 29:30.
James Montgomery Boice explains the thinking of a later Asaph: “Either this is a later Asaph, which is not unlikely since the name might have been perpetuated among the temple musicians, or, more likely, the name was affixed to many psalms produced by this body of musicians. We know that the ‘descendants of Asaph’ were functioning as late as the reign of Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:15).”
There is another option: the Asaph of David and Solomon’s time composed this psalm on the occasion or the memory of the destruction of the tabernacle in Shiloh (1 Samuel 4). The word sanctuary used in Psalm 74:3, 7 is also used of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 12:4, 21:12; Numbers 10:21, 18:1). - David Guzik
Remember Your People
Reason
Vs. 1-2 - Why have you rejected us forever, God? Why does your anger burn against the sheep of your pasture?
Commentators note that, though not specifically named, Asaph was likely very aware of the reason for God’s “rejection” and judgment. His plea to know “why” was more about timing. Why had God’s anger not yet relented?
Remembrance
Vs. 2 - Remember your congregation, which you purchased long ago and redeemed as the tribe for your own possession.
As he suffered with his people, Asaph pleaded for relief and remembrance. Surely God would show mercy to those he had redeemed. Surely He would relent when reminded.
When the heart is hot and restless, and it seems as though God had forsaken His own, he is a wise man who turns to God in song, even though the song be only a complaint. - Morgan
Your Sanctuary Destroyed
Vs. 2-4 - Remember Mount Zion where you dwell. Make your way to the perpetual ruins, to all that the enemy has destroyed in the sanctuary. Your adversaries roared in the meeting place where you met with us.
Vs. 7 - They set your sanctuary on fire; they utterly desecrated the dwelling place of your name.
It is not known whether the psalmist mourned the destruction of the tabernacle at Shiloh (1 Samuel 4) or the temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 25). But Asaph prayed for God to move in defense of His temple, the place He had chosen to dwell among His people.
How Long?
Vs. 9-11 - There are no signs for us to see. There is no longer a prophet. And none of us knows how long this will last. God, how long will the enemy mock? Will the foe insult your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand?
Commentators note that an interpretation of this section is dependent upon the time period it was written. Israel was not completely without a prophet until the intertestamental period, the approximately 400 years that spanned from Malachi to John the Baptist. But most commentators believe Asaph’s complaint was that God had not revealed how long they would suffer under enemy attack.
The writer bewailed the fact that no prophet could give the people a revelation about the length of God’s present judgment of His people. There were no prophetic signs that would indicate this. - Thomas Constable
God from Ancient Times
Vs. 12 - God my King is from ancient times, performing saving acts on the earth.
Asaph recalled God’s mighty acts in the past in order to motivate Him to act for His people by defeating their enemy in the present. - Thomas Constable
Consider The Covenant
Vs. 19 - Do not forget the lives of your poor people forever. Consider the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of violence. Do not let the oppressed turn away in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.
Asaph called on God to remember His promises to His people. That Asaph’s people had likely rebelled did not prevent him from asking God to remember. God had chosen Israel and promised to protect the oppressed.
Deuteronomy 10:15-18 - The Lord had his heart set on your ancestors and loved them. He chose their descendants after them—he chose you out of all the peoples, as it is today. Therefore, circumcise your hearts and don’t be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the resident alien, giving him food and clothing.
