(7) They have cast fire into.—Literally, They have cast into fire thy sanctuary. Probably a hyperbolic expression, and purporting to express the vastness of the conflagration. Others compare with the English “set on fire,” and French mettre à feu.We learn from 1Ma. 4:38, and Josephus, Antt. xii., 7:6, that Judas Maccabæus, in coming to restore the Temple, found that the gates had been burnt. read more
Psalms 74:1-23Two periods only correspond to the circumstances described in this psalm and its companion (Psalms 79:1-13)-namely, the Chaldean invasion and sack of Jerusalem, and the persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes. The general situation outlined in the psalm fits either of these; but, of its details, some are more applicable to the former and others to the later period. The later date is strongly supported by such complaints as those of the cessation of prophecy (Psalms 74:9), the... read more
Psalms 74:0 The Enemy in the Sanctuary 1. The Prayer on account of the enemy (Psalms 74:1-3 ) 2. The work of the enemy (Psalms 74:4-9 ) 3. Intercession for intervention (Psalms 74:10-23 ) This is a Psalm for instruction, a Maschil Psalm. The enemy is seen in the sanctuary. This has been applied to the defilement of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes, but prophetically it rather refers to that end-time, when the enemy will defile the temple with the abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15... read more
74:5 [A man] was famous according as he had {d} lifted up axes upon the thick trees.(d) He commends the temple for the costly matter, the excellent workmanship and beauty of it, which nonetheless the enemies destroyed. read more
Psalms 67:0 The first half dozen of these psalms form a group millennial and Messianic. The first is millennial. It is Israel who speaks; the psalm cannot be appreciated unless the word “us” in Psalms 67:1 is so applied. When God has mercy upon and blesses Israel in the latter days, His way and His saving health unto all nations (Psalms 67:2 ) will begin to be known. In other words, the present age is one of out-gathering, but the age to come (millennial) will be one of in-gathering. God is now... read more
The pleading soul here takes up many strong and unanswerable arguments to plead with God. He first sets out with reminding Jehovah, that the anger God hath manifested is against his people. Now, saith the prophet, should God's anger continue forever against his own redeemed? Whom should a father regard, if he regards not his own children? And whom should a God in covenant regard, if he regards not his redeemed? He next reminds God of his purchase. Mount Zion is the gift of the Father to his... read more
Wickedly. This is an epitome of Christian doctrine. (Worthington) --- God had severely punished Nabuchodonosor, Baltassar, and the priests of Bel. Yet the people would not attend to these salutary admonitions. --- Horn. By pride, (Worthington) which is the origin of all evil, (Haydock) and an offence pardoned by God with the greatest difficulty. read more
God. Hebrew tsauuar means, "neck." But the Septuagint have not seen the a, and translate against God. Literally, "the rock," which is one of his titles; (Berthier) and this seems preferable to "speak not with a stiff neck;" (Calmet) or "with the old neck:" (St. Jerome) though this sense is not contemptible, as the sinner's wonted pride rises against God. (Haydock) read more
Hills. Hebrew harim, may also be considered as the nominative case; "not from the south a re there heights" to which they may flee for succour. (Haydock) --- Yet most of the ancients agree with us; though is there "refuge," must then be supplied. (Berthier) --- None would be able to screen the Babylonians, Jeremias xxv. 15, 26. --- Take the cup of the wine of his fury....The king of Sesac (Babylon) shall drink after them. (Haydock) --- The cup is so great that all shall taste, and the last... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 74:5
(5) The Authorised Version, with the ancient versions, has entirely mistaken the meaning of this verse, though, unlike the LXX. and Vulgate, it has the merit of being intelligible. Literally the words run, he (or it) is known like one causing to come in on high against the thicket of trees axes, which is generally understood, it seems as if men were lifting up axes against a thicket of trees. The ruthless destroyers go to work like woodcutters in a forest—the carved pillars are no more than so... read more