Bibelkommentare

Ps 74:1-23.

If the historical allusions of

Ps 74:6-8,

&c., be referred, as is probable, to the period of the captivity, the author was probably a descendant and namesake of Asaph, David's contemporary and singer (compare

2Ch 35:15; Ezr 2:41).

He complains of God's desertion of His Church, and appeals for aid, encouraging himself by recounting some of God's mighty deeds, and urges his prayer on the ground of God's covenant relation to His people, and the wickedness of His and their common enemy.

1. cast . . . off--with abhorrence (compare

Ps 43:2; 44:9).

There is no disavowal of guilt implied. The figure of fire to denote God's anger is often used; and here, and in

De 29:20,

by the word "smoke," suggests its continuance.

sheep . . . pasture--(Compare

Ps 80:1; 95:7).

2. The terms to denote God's relation to His people increase in force: "congregation"--"purchased"--"redeemed"--"Zion," His dwelling.

3. Lift . . . feet--

(Ge 29:1)

--that is, Come (to behold) the desolations

(Ps 73:19).

4. roar--with bestial fury.

congregations--literally, "worshipping assemblies."

ensigns--literally, "signs"--substituted their idolatrous objects, or tokens of authority, for those articles of the temple which denoted God's presence.

5, 6. Though some terms and clauses here are very obscure, the general sense is that the spoilers destroyed the beauties of the temple with the violence of woodmen.

was famous--literally, "was known."

6. carved work--

(1Ki 6:29).

thereof--that is, of the temple, in the writer's mind, though not expressed till

Ps 74:7,

in which its utter destruction by fire is mentioned

(2Ki 25:9; Isa 64:11).

7. defiled--or, "profaned," as in

Ps 89:39.

8. together--at once, all alike.

synagogues--literally, "assemblies," for places of assembly, whether such as schools of the prophets

(2Ki 4:23),

or "synagogues" in the usual sense, there is much doubt.