Psalm 74 seems to come from a time shortly after the destruction of Solomon's temple by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. Looking at what has happened, and knowing God's commitment to his covenant, the Israelites wonder when God will act to restore his people and vindicate his name (vv 1-3).
The Babylonians had no respect for God or his sanctuary. They tried to completely humiliate the Israelites and remove any trace of Yahwheh's name from the land (vv 4-8). So God should take action in defense of his reputation.
The Psalmist knows that God is the great king who is creator and ruler of all (vv 12-17), so he has the power to punish the arrogant Babylonians as he has already punished Israel. But when will God take action?
One significant word in Psalm 74 is otot (signs). This is a word that can mean "signs" in the sense of flags or banners; or "signs" in the sense of signs and wonders, mighty deeds that show the power of God. In verse 9, the word may be intended in both senses: "We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet." After the Babylonian takeover, Israel's flags and banners have been replaced by those of the enemy. On the other hand, the psalmist and the congregation see no indication of God performing mighty deeds to bring about a restoration of Israel, as prophecies like Jer 31 had predicted.
On May 21, 2022, Rob Wilson gave a sermon at Church of the Messiah about both types of signs.
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