Psalm 74:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 74:18-23

The psalmist here, in the name of the church, most earnestly begs that God would appear fro them against their enemies, and put an end to their present troubles. To encourage his own faith, he interests God in this matter (Ps. 74:22): Arise, O God! plead thy own cause. This we may be sure he will do, for he is jealous for his own honour; whatever is his own cause he will plead it with a strong hand, will appear against those that oppose it and with and for those that cordially espouse it. He... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause ,.... The church's cause being the cause of God; and therefore she desires that he would arise and exert himself, and take vengeance on his and her enemies: this is an interesting argument, and a forcible one: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily ; this being so frequently repeated, as in Psalm 74:10 , shows how much the name and glory of God lay near her heart; the Targum is, "remember the reproach of thy people by a foolish king... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 74:22

Plead thine own cause - Thy honor is concerned, as well as our safety and salvation. The fool - the idolater, reproacheth thee daily - he boasts of the superiority of his idols, by whose power, he asserts, we are brought under their domination. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 74:22

Verse 22 22.Arise, O God! plead thy cause. The pious Jews again supplicate God to ascend into his judgment-seat. He is then said to arise, when, after having long exercised forbearance, he shows, in very deed, that he has not forgotten his office as judge. To induce him to undertake this cause the more readily, they call upon him to maintain his own right. Lord, as if they had said, since the matter in hand is what peculiarly concerns thyself; it is not time for thee to remain inactive. They... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 74:1-23

In favour of the first is the ascription of the psalm in the "title" to Asaph. But all other considerations are against it. There is no evidence that Shishak ever entered Jerusalem. He certainly did not break down the carved work of the temple, or set the temple on fire, much less "cast it down to the ground." His invasion was a mere raid, and Rehoboam seems to have bought his retreat by the sacrifice of the temple treasury ( 2 Kings 14:25-28 ; 2 Chronicles 12:2-12 ). The circumstances... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 74:18-23

In conclusion, the psalmist prays earnestly that God will deliver his people from their wicked oppressors ( Psalms 74:18 , Psalms 74:19 ), that he will remember his covenant ( Psalms 74:20 ), cause the oppressed ones to praise him ( Psalms 74:21 ), and assert himself against those who insult and oppose him ( Psalms 74:22 , Psalms 74:23 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause; i.e. assert thyself, show forth thy power, avenge thyself on thine enemies. Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily (comp. Psalms 74:18 , and see the comment ad loc. ) . In the ancient world the conquest of a people was always regarded as a triumph over the people's god or gods. Naturally, insults to the god found a place in the victor's songs of triumph (see 2 Kings 19:10-13 ; Isaiah 10:8-11 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 74:22

God's cause that of his people. "Arise …. thine own cause." The great problems of life, and the inner depths of human experience, are the same in all ages. The surface of society changes marvellously; but heart still answers to heart. Asaph's questions and troubles and prayers find their echo in ten thousand Christian hearts today. It would be extremely interesting if we could certainly tell to what crisis of Israel's history this noble psalm refers. Some say the Chaldean invasion; others,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God - As if God were now insensible to the wrongs and sufferings of his people; as if he were inattentive and indisposed to come to their help. See the notes at Psalms 3:7.Plead thine own cause - literally, “Contend thine own contention.” That is, Maintain a cause which is really thine own. Thine own honor is concerned; thine own law and authority are assailed; the war is really made on “thee.” This is always the true idea in the prayers which are offered for the conversion of sinners,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 74:21-23

Psalms 74:21-23. O let not the oppressed return ashamed From thee, and from the throne of thy grace, to which they have recourse in this their distressed condition. “It is for the honour of God that they who apply to him for help should not, by returning without it, suffer shame and confusion in the presence of their insulting adversaries.” Let the poor and needy praise thy name Which they will have a fresh motive to do, if thou deliver us. O God, plead thine own cause Maintain thy... read more

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