Psalm 74: Remember, O God

Psalm 74 begins with the problem of the exile: Why do you cast us off forever?

Plainly the Psalmist does not mean literally forever! The force of this takes on the sense of the unrelenting character of God's judgment. Why are you unrelenting in your anger against us? We are the sheep of your pasture (Psalm 100) – why are you still angry with us?

Notice that the Psalmist does not protest his innocence! There is no complaint about the justice of God's judgment. The only question is “how long?” Are you not content with our destruction? When you will you show mercy?

This is a question that we often face as well. There are times when we do not experience God's presence and favor. We experience the common wrath of God as much as anyone else – indeed, Peter speaks of this in 1 Peter 4 as “judgment” beginning with the household of God.

Asaph does not appeal to Israel's righteousness or faithfulness. Rather, he appeals to God's actions. You purchased us. You redeemed us – “to be the tribe of your heritage.” Remember Zion, where you have dwelt.

The salvation of Israel does not depend on Israel's faithfulness (by now the Psalmists have figured out that if our faithfulness is the ground of our salvation, we are in deep doo-doo)! Rather, Israel's hope for salvation depends on God's promise.