King James Version
What Does Psalms 74:5 Mean?
“A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.”
Psalms 74:5 · KJV
Context
3
Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
4
Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.
5
A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
6
But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
7
They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground. They have cast: Heb. They have sent thy sanctuary unto the fire
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe psalmist describes destruction: "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees" (Hebrew yivvada k-m-vi l-ma-lah b-svakh-etz qardummot). The image depicts woodsmen hacking temple cedar—once honored craftsmen are now destructive invaders. What was built with skill is demolished with axes. The verse captures tragic irony: tools meant for construction become instruments of desecration. The reversal from building to destroying mirrors Israel's covenant reversal from blessing to curse.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Solomon's temple was renowned for cedar paneling and carved work (1 Kings 6:15-36). Hiram's craftsmen from Tyre were "famous" for skillful temple construction. Now Babylonian soldiers hack it apart. This fulfilled Deuteronomy 28:45-52's curse warnings. Jesus prophesied similar destruction of Herod's temple (Matthew 24:1-2), fulfilled in 70 AD by Romans.
Reflection Questions
- How does seeing destruction of what was carefully built illustrate the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness?
- What spiritual "temples" (ministries, relationships, character) have you seen demolished through sin or negligence?
- How does Christ as the indestructible temple (John 2:19-21) guarantee permanent security for believers?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsיִ֭וָּדַע1 of 6
“A man was famous”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כְּמֵבִ֣יא2 of 6
“according as he had lifted up”
H935to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְמָ֑עְלָה3 of 6
H4605properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Study Guide
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 74:5 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 74:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge