16 You own the day, you own the night; you put stars and sun in place. 17 You laid out the four corners of earth, shaped the seasons of summer and winter.
18 Mark and remember, God, all the enemy taunts, each idiot desecration. 19 Don't throw your lambs to the wolves; after all we've been through, don't forget us. 20 Remember your promises; the city is in darkness, the countryside violent. 21 Don't leave the victims to rot in the street; make them a choir that sings your praises. 22 On your feet, O God - stand up for yourself! Do you hear what they're saying about you, all the vile obscenities? 23 Don't tune out their malicious filth, the brawling invective that never lets up.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 74:16-33
Commentary on Psalm 74:12-17
(Read Psalm 74:12-17)
The church silences her own complaints. What God had done for his people, as their King of old, encouraged them to depend on him. It was the Lord's doing, none besides could do it. This providence was food to faith and hope, to support and encourage in difficulties. The God of Israel is the God of nature. He that is faithful to his covenant about the day and the night, will never cast off those whom he has chosen. We have as much reason to expect affliction, as to expect night and winter. But we have no more reason to despair of the return of comfort, than to despair of day and summer. And in the world above we shall have no more changes.
Commentary on Psalm 74:18-23
(Read Psalm 74:18-23)
The psalmist begs that God would appear for the church against their enemies. The folly of such as revile his gospel and his servants will be plain to all. Let us call upon our God to enlighten the dark nations of the earth; and to rescue his people, that the poor and needy may praise his name. Blessed Saviour, thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Make thy people more than conquerors. Be thou, Lord, all in all to them in every situation and circumstances; for then thy poor and needy people will praise thy name.