Psalms 74:1

PSALM LXXIV

The psalmist complains of the desolations of the sanctuary,

and pleads with God, 1-3;

shows the insolence and wickedness of their enemies, 4-8;

prays to God to act for them as he had done for their fathers,

whom, by his miraculous power, he had saved, 9-17;

begs God to arise, and vindicate his own honour against his

enemies, and the enemies of his people, 18-23.

NOTES ON PSALM LXXIV

The title is, Maschil of Asaph, or, "A Psalm of Asaph, to give instruction." That this Psalm was written at a time when the temple was ruined, Jerusalem burnt, and the prophets scattered or destroyed, is evident. But it is not so clear whether the desolations here refer to the days of Nebuchadnezzar, or to the desolation that took place under the Romans about the seventieth year of the Christian era. Calmet inclines to the former opinion; and supposes the Psalm to be a lamentation over the temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.

Verse Psalms 74:1. O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever?] Hast thou determined that we shall never more be thy people? Are we never to see an end to our calamities?