But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
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
But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. The invaders were as industrious to destroy as the ancient builders had been to construct. Such fair carving it was barbarous to hew in pieces, but the Vandals had no mercy and broke down all, with any weapon which came to hand.
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