PSALM 74
What we see (1–8). Written probably after the destruction of the temple, this psalm reveals the anguish of one who deeply loved God and could not understand why He permitted such desecration. Israel was His flock and His inheritance, and Mount Zion was His dwelling-place; yet He allowed evil men to destroy His people and His house. Why, O Lord?
What we do not see (9–17). God is King, but we do not see His hand working as in past centuries. We see no signs, and we have no prophet to interpret the times and give us God’s message. One of God’s judgments is to leave His people without a word of guidance because they have refused to obey His will.
What we want to see (18–23). Surely Asaph knew that the sins of the nation caused the invasion of the enemy and the destruction of the temple. As a faithful Jew, he wanted to see the city and the people delivered and the enemy defeated. That would happen in due time, when God’s discipline of His people was ended and their rebellion conquered (