King James Version

What Does Psalms 74:2 Mean?

“Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. rod: or, tribe”

Context

Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture? Maschil: or, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction

Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. rod: or, tribe

Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.

Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Purchased.**—Or, as in LXX**., ***acquired. *This word, together with the word “redeemed” in the next clause, and “right hand” in Psalm 74:11, show that Exodus 15 was in the writer’s mind. (See especially Psalm 74:12-13; Psalm 74:16 of that chapter.) The word “congregation” here, as in the Mosaic books, presents the people in its religious aspect, as the expression “rod (or, *tribe*) of thine inheritance” presents it in its political character. **The rod **of **. . .**—Better, *which thou hast redeemed as the tribe of thine inheritance, i.e., *as thine own tribe. The expression, “rod of thine inheritance,” comes from Jeremiah 10:16; Jeremiah 51:19. (Comp. Isaiah 63:17.) It refers not to the shepherd’s crook, but to the *sceptre, *or *leading staff, *of the prince of a tribe, and so passes into a term for the tribe itself (Exodus 28:21; Judges 20:2).

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 74:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.