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Day 40

Psalm 74:11a "Why do You withdraw Your hand...?"

Day 40 – Psalm 74

“Why do You withdraw Your hand…?” Psalm 74:11a

ANOTHER ANGUISHED QUERY

The psalmist could not fathom why God had not taken action against the wicked invaders who had blasphemed His holy name and had destroyed the temple.

“Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?
Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.”
Psalm 74:11

1. “Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?”

a) The right hand of God was regularly used to describe the power of God.
b) It seemed as if God had withdrawn His hand, since He had not acted speedily.
i) In response to prayer.
ii) In reprisal against the wicked enemies.

2. “Take it out of Your bosom”

a) This was a plea to God to take immediate action.
b) The psalmist could not fathom why God had hidden His hand in His bosom.
i) He could not help but plead even more earnestly.
ii) Why would not the Lord raise His right hand and punish the perpetrators?

3. “And destroy them”

a) This does not necessarily reflect the vengeful heart of the psalmist.
b) The psalmist’s imprecatory tone may be understood in light of the following:-
i) If God does not destroy the enemy, the wicked would go on a rampage killing even more people.
ii) This was an appeal to Divine justice.
iii) It seemed logical to the psalmist that the wicked should be punished according to their wickedness.
c) The destruction of the enemy would benefit all those who are oppressed.
d) Would God hear this prayer? Yes, but the answer is God’s own inviolable prerogative.