King James Version, Holy Bible
1 O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?
2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.
5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
More Psalms Chapter 74
6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
8 They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
More Psalms Chapter 74 (Old Testament)
10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.
12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13 Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.
14 Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
More Psalms Chapter 74 (Old Testament)
15 Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.
16 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
17 Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
18 Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O Lord, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
19 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
20 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.
21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 74:12
Verse: אֱלֹהִים, מֵעוֹלָם מְלַכְתָּ בָּרוּךְ
Transliteration: Elohim me’olam m’lakhta barukh
English: “But God is my King from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”
Focus Word: מֶלֶךְ (Melekh)
- Root: מ-ל-ך (Mem-Lamed-Kaf)
- Meaning: “King,” “ruler,” “sovereign.”
- Deeper Insight: Melekh signifies authority and governance, highlighting God’s eternal reign and righteous rule.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 74 |
|---|---|---|
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Observes that communal lament acknowledges God’s sovereignty while pleading for restoration. |
| William Lowth (University of Oxford, 1660–1732) | Commentary on the Psalms | Notes that the Psalm teaches trust amid catastrophe and divine judgment. |
| George Buchanan (St Andrews / Paris, 1506–1582) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Highlights the Psalm as a model for national repentance and hope in God’s mercy. |
| Philip Doddridge (Northampton Academy, 1702–1751) | Family Expositor | Observes that collective prayer and remembrance of God’s deeds offer both comfort and moral instruction. |
| Hugh Binning (University of Glasgow, 1627–1653) | Sermons on the Psalms | Notes that the Psalm calls for both lament and renewed trust in divine providence. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| John Calvin – Commentary on the Psalms | Calvin sees this psalm as a lament over the desolation of God’s sanctuary. The psalmist appeals to the covenant and God’s past mighty acts. Though the enemy rages, God is asked to arise and remember His people. |
| Matthew Henry – Exposition on the Psalms | Henry interprets the psalm as the Church’s cry in times of devastation. The destruction of holy places awakens earnest prayer. God’s past deliverances strengthen hope. |
| Albert Barnes – Notes on the Psalms | Barnes views the psalm as mourning the ruin caused by invading foes. The psalmist recalls God’s power over creation. Confidence arises from God’s covenant relationship. |
| John Morison – Practical Exposition of the Psalms | Morison sees the psalm as Israel’s lament over national disaster. Yet faith clings to God’s ancient wonders. The plea is for God to vindicate His name. |
| William Walford – Commentary on the Psalms | Walford interprets the psalm as the outcry of a worshipping people stripped of their sanctuary. Memory becomes the foundation of hope. God’s justice is earnestly invoked. |
| Andrew A. Bonar – Christ and His Church in the Psalms | Bonar views the psalm as the Church grieving over desolation within. God’s past triumphs over chaos become the anchor of faith. The psalm ends with intercession for divine action. |
| Joseph Parker – People’s Bible Notes | Parker reads the psalm as the shock of seeing holy things desecrated. The cry is both sorrowful and bold. Hope lies in divine remembrance. |
| Thomas Dale – Exposition of the Psalms | Dale sees deep grief over ruined worship. The psalmist recalls God’s deliverance through the ages. Prayer seeks restoration of divine honor. |
| Horatius Bonar – Psalm Meditations | Bonar views the psalm as a lament of the Church under destruction. God’s ancient power is the ground of hope. The faithful plead for intervention. |
| Christopher Wordsworth – Commentary on the Psalms | Wordsworth interprets the psalm as an appeal to God the Creator and Redeemer. Though the sanctuary is destroyed, God remains King. The psalm closes with a plea for remembrance. |
