Psalms 74:1-23

Psalms 74, 79 seem to reflect the same historical situation, and are usually ascribed to the same author. Both were written in a time of national calamity, when the Temple was profaned (Psalms 74), and the Israelites ruthlessly slaughtered (Psalms 79) by a heathen enemy. The occasion described must have been either the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadrezzar's army (586 b.c., 2 Kings 24; 2 Chronicles 36:11 f; Jeremiah 39:1; Jeremiah 52:1), or the persecution of the Jews by Antiochus Epiphanes (168-165 b.c.: see 1 Maccabees 1-4 and the Intro, to Daniel). Psalms 74:7 seems to point to the former, Psalms 74:8 to the latter period. After an opening appeal to God (Psalms 74:1) the Ps. describes the ravages of the enemy in the Temple (Psalms 74:3), and the distressed condition of Israel (Psalms 74:8). A second appeal (Psalms 74:10) is followed by recollection of God's past mercies, especially in leading His people from Egypt to Canaan (Psalms 74:12). Next comes an ascription of praise to God as the Ruler of Nature (Psalms 74:16), followed by a final prayer that He will vindicate His own glory, which the heathen have dishonoured (Psalms 74:18).

Title.—Maschil] see on Psalms 32.