King James Version
What Does Psalms 74:19 Mean?
“O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.”
Context
17
Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. made: Heb. made them
18
Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
19
O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
20
Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.
21
O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(19) **O deliver.**—To guide to the meaning of this verse, the word *chayyah *occurs in each clause, and it is presumable in the same sense (unless there is a purposed play on words). It may have one of three meanings: “life,” “animal,” “troop.” Psalm 17:9 suggests that *chayyath nephesh *go together in the sense of “greedy band,” and we get—
“Deliver not to the greedy band thy dove;
Forget not the band of the afflicted for ever.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 74:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 74:19
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge