READ: Ps. 74:1–23: … Have respect to the covenant …
This psalm was probably composed by a descendant of Asaph (cf. 2 Chron. 35:15) at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (2 Kings 25:9; Jer. 52:13). Its contents are reminiscent of the Lamentations of Jeremiah.
The psalmist laments the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Everything has been destroyed or carried away. The LORD is reminded that those now experiencing His wrath are the sheep of His pasture, the tribe and congregation He has chosen, the dwelling place where He Himself had lived.
Then follows a description of how the enemies have destroyed everything belonging to the sanctuary and the places of assembly (vv.3–8). How can God still be served and honoured here? The bond with the LORD now seems to have come to nothing: there are no longer any prophets. Has every form of communion with His people now been cut off? How long will the LORD allow Himself to be reproached by the enemy (v.10)? The psalm ends this section with the desperate cry: “Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?” (v.11).
Yet the psalmist does not stop at lamenting. He now makes a powerful appeal to the LORD. Is He not the great Deliverer who has demonstrated His almighty power? Several examples of God’s mighty acts are mentioned, as well as His work in creation and in His providential care (vv. 13–17). The destruction of Israel means, above all, that the enemy has reproached the LORD Himself (v. 18).
Then follows a plea that the LORD may once again receive Israel in mercy. “Have respect to the covenant” (v. 20). Is not the LORD the God of the covenant which He established by oath with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen. 12:1–3)? Will God then not remain faithful to His word despite all Israel’s unfaithfulness? Indeed, the people must undergo this punishment because they have broken the covenant. But will God not preserve a remnant, whom He will cause to return (v.21)? A remnant according to the election of grace, a remnant that has no claim upon this in itself (Rom. 9:27; 11:5).
Thus the psalmist appeals to God’s faithfulness and grace: “Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed.”
Do we also appeal to God’s covenant?
Sing: Ps. 74:2,6,12,13