Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 74

The seeming success of the wicked (Psalm 73) and God's apparent rejection of his people (Psalm 74) raise questions about his justice. God rules the entire world and decides when to judge (Psalm 75).

The psalmist laments the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. This happened in 586 BC. The psalmist uses vivid imagery, asks questions, recalls fresh memories, and directly asks the Lord to act (Psalm 74:19–23).

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

• God rejected his people because their sin made him angry (Psalm 106:34–46).

• Like a caring shepherd, God looks after his people, the sheep of his pasture (Psalms 23; 100:3).

• The Lord chose and redeemed Israel from Egypt in the exodus (compare Exodus 15:13).

• Your congregation: This is another expression for "your people" (Psalms 28:9; 78:62; 94:14; 106:40).

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

my King from ancient times: The psalmist acknowledges God’s power and his historical bond with Israel (Psalms 5:2; 44:4; 84:3).

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

ever-flowing rivers: God gave water in the desert to his people (see Psalm 68:8–9; Exodus 17:6). He dried up the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21) and the Jordan River (Joshua 3:17).

The poet urges God to act.