Psalm 74: Group Study Handout

Overview

The psalmist opens with a question about God's rejection and anger (vv. 1-2). He recalls the congregation, purchased and redeemed by God, and pleads for God to take notice of the ruins caused by the enemy (vv. 3-5). The sanctuary has been destroyed and profaned, with adversaries taking action against it (vv. 6-9). The speaker asks how long God will allow the enemy to blaspheme His name and pleads for divine intervention (vv. 10-12). He recalls God's mighty acts, such as dividing the sea and creating boundaries (vv. 13-17). The psalmist remembers the enemy's mockery and how they profane God's name (vv. 18-21). He makes a final appeal for justice, urging God to act against the adversaries who rise up against Him (vv. 22-23).

Key verse

“Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance; Mount Zion, in which you have lived.”

Psalms 74:2 (WEB)

Outline

1. Psalm 74:1–2 Questioning God's Rejection
2. Psalm 74:3–5 Destruction of the Sanctuary
3. Psalm 74:6–9 Profaning God's Name
4. Psalm 74:10–12 Plea for Divine Action
5. Psalm 74:13–17 Recalling God's Mighty Acts
6. Psalm 74:18–21 Remembering the Enemy's Mockery
7. Psalm 74:22–23 Final Appeal for Justice

Discussion questions

1. In v6, why does the psalmist say the enemy is breaking down the 'carved work' of the sanctuary?
2. What act does the psalmist mention in v19 regarding the 'soul' of the dove?
3. The description of God as 'my King of old' in v12: what does it suggest about the psalmist's expectation of God's action?
4. Verses 10-11 display the tension of doubt: why does the psalmist question God's delay in acting against the enemy?
5. When have you felt like the 'poor and needy' in v21, and what did you seek from God in that situation?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 74: Genesis 1, Psalm 79, Amos 8.

Before next time: read Psalm 75.