Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.
The Church lies waste, Israel's very name nearly erased, and the people rightly confess their own sins as the cause. Yet they appeal to God's covenant with Abraham, remembering His ancient power displayed in deliverance, and so they plead with Him to end this desperate ruin. This maskil teaches us that affliction compels us to examine ourselves and humble our hearts before God.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 74:1-23
Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? Wherefore this inaction, this indifference for thine own honour and thy people's safety? How bold is the suppliant! Does he err? Nay, verily, we who are so chill, and distant, and listless in prayer are the erring ones. The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and he who learns the art shall surely prevail with God by its means.
Affliction teaches us to pray. God's people here taste desertion but do not mistake it for rejection; they expostulate boldly, as Christ Himself cried out on the cross. Cast down is not cast off. Their complaint turns our eyes upward: they dread God's abandonment more than any enemy's blow, and desire above all to be known and owned by Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 74:1-11