Psalm 75 (74):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The heading of this Psalm states: In the end, you shall not be harmed. But what does it mean not to be harmed? Fulfill what You have promised. But when will this happen? At the end. This is what our focus must be directed toward before the conclusion arrives. Let us set aside everything that has happened along the journey so that we may reach the destination. While the proud may take pleasure in their momentary success, basking in accolades and adorned with wealth, their abundance is fleeting, vanishing like a shadow. When that conclusion arrives, and all who now place their hope in the Lord rejoice, then sorrow will engulf those who once held high spirits. When the humble inherit what the arrogant have scorned, the despair of the proud will transform into grief.

This psalm presents the Apostles as messengers who instruct humanity to cease from iniquity and bring forth a vision of a formidable and divine judgment.

To the conclusion, “Why hast thou rejected us, O God?” (Ps. 74:1). Although the Hebrew text lacks the phrase "to the end," it does contain "to the overcomer." The translators of the Septuagint were not far off in their interpretation, as ultimate triumph is indeed decisive. It is rightly affirmed: “To the end, lest you destroy.” These expressions can be understood in various ways. Additionally, David expresses to a companion, “Thou shalt not destroy him” (1 Sam. 26:9), referring to Saul. Consider the implications of this statement. Moreover, in another passage, we see that David gave thanks to the Lord for safeguarding his hands, meaning he refrained from killing Saul (see, for instance, 1 Sam. 24:11 ff.). In the same manner, when we choose not to harm others, our hands are preserved.

Symmachus renders it as a psalm to Asaph, celebrating the triumph of incorruption. This psalm offers an anticipation of God's righteous judgment, foretelling both the demise of those who engage in wickedness and the blessings bestowed upon those who cherish virtue. Thus, it is fitting that the prophetic words in the title urge believers to preserve their pious thoughts without corruption, maintaining their integrity and striving for incorruption. Furthermore, this psalm is expressed on behalf of the captives in Babylon, who promise to sing to God should they be granted His favor.

This psalm presents a prophetic vision of the final days and the righteous judgment of God, highlighting both the consequences for sinners and the honor bestowed upon the just, as noted by Theodoret. It serves as a reminder for all to contemplate the conclusion of this earthly existence and to avoid self-destruction through sin. The phrase ‘lest thou molest’ is interpreted as a call to refrain from sinning. We have previously discussed Asaph and the other elements of the psalm's superscription in the introduction to the Psalms. Theodoret also indicates that this psalm was composed for the Jewish people during their Babylonian exile. In Symmachus's translation, this psalm bears the title: a song of triumph.

To conclude, in order to avoid any disturbance, a psalm composed by Asaph is presented. This psalm serves as the prayer of the Church, expressing gratitude to God for His safeguard and finding solace in His protection. Bolstered by this assurance, the Church rebukes its adversaries, declaring judgment and everlasting ruin upon them.

This psalm undoubtedly emerges from a period of intense strife, with Asaph as one of his lineage, reflecting the experiences of the Israelites—the Psalmist articulates the collective sentiments of the people, as indicated by the contrast in number between verse 10, which is singular, and verse 2, which is plural. During this time, they faced harsh oppression from proud and malevolent adversaries, as described in verses 4 to 6. Despite their trials, they were filled with unshakeable trust that God would soon provide assistance to His beleaguered followers. It is quite plausible that this psalm encapsulates the hope that inspired King Hezekiah and his people after the prophet conveyed God’s promise of impending victory over the blasphemous Assyrians (see Isaiah 37:33, etc.).

Idiphum and Asaph served as the principal singers during David's reign, receiving this psalm from him so that they might both chant it, reflecting their devotion to God's glory and honor. Some interpretations suggest that Idiphum refers to a particular instrument that was in use at that time, which Asaph, the leader of the singers, played while performing this psalm. However, since Idiphum is described as the one who comes, and Asaph symbolizes the gathering of the faithful, this psalm offers guidance to those assembled in the name of Christ the Lord. It encourages them to transition from their temporal existence to everlasting life, moving from their earthly sojourn to their heavenly home.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Psalm 74, as noted by Blessed Theodoret, speaks to the period when the Israelites were held captive in Babylon. In this Psalm, the psalmist initially urges the entirety of the Jewish community to exalt the Lord for His divine plans and the blessings He has graciously granted to His people.