Psalm 74
Theme
An Appeal to God Against the Devastation of the Land
Outline
1-11, The desolations of the sanctuary. 12-17, Pleas with God for deliverance. 18-23, Petitions for deliverance.
Key Verse
(74:10) O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? (74:1) O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
Notes
Psalm 74 exhibits a chiastic structure and can be divided into three thematic units: His Anger Smokes (74:1–11), He Works Salvation (74:12–17), and He Does Not Forget (74:18–23). The psalm opens and closes with the question "why?" and emphasizes the damage to the temple. The second section highlights God's mighty acts of creation and redemption, addressing Him directly. The final unit calls on God to remember the reproaches of the enemy and the covenant with His people. Key references include the "meeting place" and the repeated calls for God to remember and not forget.