Psalms 74:18-23

Psalms 74:18-23

[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. 

What does Psalms 74:18-23 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The writer also appealed for action because of God"s reputation ("Thy name," Psalm 74:18). He compared Israel to a harmless dove and the enemy to a raging wild beast ( Psalm 74:19). God had promised to hear His people"s cries for help and had done so in the past (cf. Judges), but now He was silent. Consequently Asaph asked God to remember His covenant promises to Israel ( Psalm 74:20). This may be a reference to the promises to Abraham ( Genesis 12:1-3) or to the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Covenant ( Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). Deliverance would lead God"s people to praise Him ( Psalm 74:21). The foolish man ( Psalm 74:22) is the enemy who does not regard God"s revelation of the fate of those who oppose His people. Israel"s adversaries evidently mocked Yahweh as they devastated His sanctuary ( Psalm 74:23).
"The acts of God are primarily a vindication of his name and secondarily of his people." [1]
This psalm is a good example of prayer based on the person and promises of God. When God"s people suffer for their sins, they can call out to Him for help, but He may continue the discipline even when they base their petitions on His character and covenant.