United Commentaries

Ps.73.1-75.10

The apparent prosperity of the wicked (Ps 73) and God’s apparent rejection of his people (Ps 74) raise questions about his justice. God is sovereign over the whole world, and he determines the time for judgment (Ps 75).

Ps.74.1-23

The psalmist laments the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (586 BC) with vivid imagery, questions, fresh memories, and a direct appeal for the Lord to act (74:19-23).

Ps.74.1-2

In the aftermath of Jerusalem’s fall, it seemed that God had forgotten his special covenant relationship with his people.

Ps.74.1

God rejected his people because their sin aroused his anger (106:34-46).

Like a tender shepherd, God cares for his people, the sheep of his pasture (Pss 23; 100:3).

Ps.74.2

The Lord chose and redeemed Israel from Egypt in the Exodus (cp. Exod 15:13).

your own special possession: This is another expression for “your people” (Pss 28:9; 78:62; 94:14; 106:40).

Ps.74.3-8

Like a guide, the psalmist points out to the Lord what took place during the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Ps.74.12

my king from ages past: The psalmist acknowledges God’s power and his historical bond with Israel (5:2; 44:4; 84:3).

Ps.74.14

Leviathan: See 104:26; Job 3:8; 41:1, 12, 22, 31; Isa 27:1. Here, the creature’s multiple heads suggest a mythical monster.

Ps.74.15

springs and streams to gush forth: God provided water in the desert for his people (see 68:8-9; Exod 17:6); he dried up the Red Sea (Exod 14:21) and the Jordan River (Josh 3:17).

Ps.74.19-23

The poet urges God to act.