Psalm 74:19
Do not deliver the soul of Your dove to beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted forever.
Do not deliver
The phrase "do not deliver" is a plea for divine protection and intervention. In Hebrew, the word used here is "תִּתֵּן" (titten), which conveys the act of giving or handing over. This reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a request for His active involvement in safeguarding His people. The psalmist implores God not to abandon His people to their enemies, emphasizing the belief that God has the power to control the fate of His followers.

the soul
The term "soul" in Hebrew is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), which can refer to life, self, or personhood. It signifies the entirety of one's being, not just the spiritual aspect. The psalmist is asking God to protect the very essence of His people, highlighting the vulnerability and preciousness of life. This plea underscores the belief that every soul is valuable to God and worthy of His protection.

of Your dove
The "dove" is a symbol of innocence, purity, and peace. In the Hebrew context, the dove often represents Israel or God's people. The use of "Your dove" indicates a special relationship between God and His people, suggesting that they are cherished and under His care. This imagery evokes a sense of tenderness and the need for divine shelter from harm.

to beasts
"Beasts" in this context refers to the enemies or oppressors of God's people. The Hebrew word "חַיָּה" (chayyah) can mean wild animals, symbolizing chaos, danger, and destruction. The psalmist is asking God not to allow His people to fall prey to those who would devour or destroy them, emphasizing the threat posed by hostile forces.

do not forget
The plea "do not forget" is a call for God to remember His covenant and promises. In Hebrew, "תִּשְׁכַּח" (tishkach) implies a deep concern that God might overlook or neglect His people. This reflects a common biblical theme where God's remembrance is associated with His faithfulness and action on behalf of His people. The psalmist is urging God to remain mindful of their plight and to act in accordance with His steadfast love.

the lives
The word "lives" here is again "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), reinforcing the earlier plea for the protection of the entire being of God's people. It emphasizes the collective existence and well-being of the community, not just individual survival. This highlights the communal aspect of faith and the interconnectedness of God's people.

of Your afflicted
"Your afflicted" refers to those who are suffering or oppressed. The Hebrew word "עֲנִיִּים" (aniyyim) denotes those who are humble, poor, or in distress. This phrase acknowledges the reality of suffering among God's people and appeals to God's compassion and justice. It reflects a deep trust that God is attentive to the cries of the afflicted and will act on their behalf.

forever
The term "forever" in Hebrew is "לָנֶצַח" (lanetsach), indicating an eternal or unending duration. The psalmist is expressing a desire for God's perpetual remembrance and care, not just a temporary intervention. This reflects the hope and assurance that God's faithfulness and protection are everlasting, providing comfort and strength to endure present trials.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asaph
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 74, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court, known for his role in temple worship.

2. The Dove
Symbolically represents Israel or the people of God, often used in Scripture to denote innocence, purity, and vulnerability.

3. Beasts
Represents the enemies of Israel, often depicted as wild and destructive forces that threaten God's people.

4. The Afflicted
Refers to the suffering and oppressed people of God, who are in need of divine intervention and protection.

5. The Sanctuary
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 74 involves the desecration of the temple, a central place of worship and symbol of God's presence among His people.
Teaching Points
God's Protection
Just as the psalmist pleads for the protection of the "dove," believers can trust in God's promise to safeguard His people from spiritual and physical harm.

Vulnerability and Dependence
The imagery of the dove reminds us of our vulnerability and the need to depend on God's strength and protection in times of trouble.

Intercession for the Afflicted
This verse encourages believers to pray for those who are suffering and oppressed, asking God not to forget them in their affliction.

Symbolism of the Dove
Reflect on the qualities of the dove—innocence, purity, and peace—and strive to embody these characteristics in our walk with Christ.

Hope in God's Remembrance
The plea for God not to forget His people assures us that God is mindful of our struggles and will act in His perfect timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the "dove" in Psalm 74:19 enhance our understanding of Israel's relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we see the "beasts" in our own lives, and how can we seek God's protection against them?

3. How does the theme of God's remembrance in Psalm 74:19 provide comfort in times of personal affliction?

4. What are some practical ways we can intercede for the "afflicted" in our communities, following the example of the psalmist?

5. How do the qualities of a dove, as seen in Scripture, challenge us to live out our faith in a world that often opposes Christian values?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 68:13
This verse also uses the imagery of a dove, symbolizing Israel's purity and the beauty of God's people.

Isaiah 40:11
Describes God's care for His people, akin to a shepherd tending to his flock, which parallels the plea for protection in Psalm 74:19.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves," connecting the dove imagery to the character of God's people.

Revelation 12:14
The imagery of protection and deliverance from the enemy is echoed in the vision of the woman given wings to escape the serpent.
The Wail and Prayer of a True PatriotHomilistPsalm 74:1-23
People
Asaph, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Afflicted, Beast, Beasts, Company, Congregation, Deliver, Dove, Forever, Forget, Hawk, Memory, Multitude, O, Oh, Ones, Poor, Soul, Troop, Turtle, Turtledove, Turtle-dove, Wicked, Wild
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 74:19

     4636   dove

Psalm 74:1-23

     6115   blame

Psalm 74:18-23

     8610   prayer, asking God

Library
The Meaning
Of the Red Dragon with Seven Heads fighting with Michael about the new-born Child. The first vision of the little book, of which we treated in the eleventh chapter, ran through the whole Apocalyptical course, from the beginning to the end, and that, as we elsewhere observed, to point out its connexion with the seals and trumpets. Now to that vision the remaining prophecies of the same interval, and of the affairs of the Church are to be accommodated, in order to complete the system of the little
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Prophet of the Highest.
(LUKE I.) "Ye hermits blest, ye holy maids, The nearest heaven on earth, Who talk with God in shadowy glades, Free from rude care and mirth; To whom some viewless Teacher brings The secret love of rural things, The moral of each fleeting cloud and gale, The whispers from above, that haunt the twilight vale." KEBLE. Formative Influences--A Historical Parallel--The Burning of the Vanities--"Sent from God" "Thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Most High"--thus Zacharias addressed his infant
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not.
(Admonition 31.) Differently to be admonished are those who lament their transgressions, and yet forsake them not, and those who forsake them, and yet lament them not. For those who lament their transgressions and yet forsake them not are to be admonished to learn to consider anxiously that they cleanse themselves in vain by their weeping, if they wickedly defile themselves in their living, seeing that the end for which they wash themselves in tears is that, when clean, they may return to filth.
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
Carried by the Spirit into the far distant future, Balaam sees here how a star goeth out of Jacob and a sceptre riseth out of Israel, and how this sceptre smiteth Moab, by whose enmity the Seer had been brought from a distant region for the destruction of Israel. And not Moab only shall be smitten, but its southern neighbour, Edom, too shall be subdued, whose hatred against Israel had already been prefigured in its ancestor, and had now begun to display Itself; and In general, all the enemies of
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee.
^A Matt. IV. 23-25; ^B Mark I. 35-39; ^C Luke IV. 42-44. ^b 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up went out [i. e., from the house of Simon Peter], and departed into a desert place, and there prayed. [Though Palestine was densely populated, its people were all gathered into towns, so that it was usually easy to find solitude outside the city limits. A ravine near Capernaum, called the Vale of Doves, would afford such solitude. Jesus taught (Matt. vi. 6) and practiced solitary
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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