Psalms 74:10

KJV

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

KJV (with Strong's)

O God {H430}, how long shall the adversary {H6862} reproach {H2778}{H8762)}? shall the enemy {H341}{H8802)} blaspheme {H5006}{H8762)} thy name {H8034} for ever {H5331}?

Complete Jewish Bible

How much longer, God, will the foe jeer at us? Will the enemy insult your name forever?

Berean Standard Bible

How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever?

American Standard Version

How long, O God, shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:10 encapsulates a profound and urgent communal lament, a desperate cry from a people enduring immense national devastation and the relentless taunts of their enemies. The psalmist confronts the apparent divine silence and inaction, not merely out of personal suffering, but primarily out of deep anguish over the public reproach and blasphemy hurled against God's holy name. This verse serves as a fervent plea for divine intervention, urging God to rise and vindicate His own honor in the face of persistent desecration and the enduring challenge to His sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is a powerful communal lament, distinguished by its pervasive use of collective pronouns ("we," "our") throughout, indicating a shared national crisis rather than individual distress. It immediately follows [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), which grapples with the perplexing prosperity of the wicked, a theme that shifts dramatically in Psalm 74 to a direct confrontation with national catastrophe and the suffering of the righteous. The psalm opens with a desperate, bewildered plea, "O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever?" ([Psalms 74:1](/psalms/74-1 "Psalm 74:1 - A Lament over Desolation")), and proceeds to vividly describe the utter destruction of the sanctuary and the desolation of the land. Verse 10, with its direct rhetorical questions, functions as a climactic expression of the psalmist's anguish, questioning the duration of God's apparent absence and the continued blasphemy of the enemy. This intense query sets the stage for the subsequent appeals for divine remembrance and intervention, particularly the fervent pleas for God to act for His own name's sake found in [Psalms 74:18-23](/psalms/74-18-23 "Psalms 74:18-23 - A Plea for God to Remember His Covenant").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 74 remains a subject of scholarly debate, the vivid and harrowing descriptions of a desecrated sanctuary, burned holy places, and the silencing of prophetic signs strongly point to a period of immense national catastrophe. The most widely accepted context is the devastating destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC, which led to the Babylonian Exile. During this cataclysmic period, the physical destruction of the Temple, which was not merely a building but the very center of Israelite worship and the perceived dwelling place of God, constituted a profound theological crisis. In the ancient Near East, military victories were often interpreted as the triumph of one nation's deity over another's. Thus, enemies like the Babylonians would have publicly mocked, reviled, and blasphemed the God of Israel, interpreting the destruction as irrefutable proof of their own gods' superiority or Yahweh's weakness. This cultural context of public shaming and religious taunting profoundly amplifies the psalmist's distress over the "reproach" and "blasphemy" directed at God's name, making it not just a lament over suffering, but a desperate cry for God to vindicate His own honor.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 74:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine silence and apparent absence** in times of profound national suffering, a recurring motif in the laments of Israel (e.g., [Psalms 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O Lord?")). The psalmist's repeated "how long" is a desperate, faith-filled plea for God to break His silence and intervene. Secondly, and perhaps most centrally, it underscores the paramount importance of **God's honor and name**. The enemy's actions are not merely against Israel; they are a direct affront to the very character, reputation, and glory of Yahweh, prompting the psalmist's fervent desire for God to vindicate His own name before the nations (compare [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name's Sake")). Thirdly, this verse embodies the theme of **plea for intervention and vindication**, appealing to God's past acts of power and covenant faithfulness (as seen in the cosmic imagery of [Psalms 74:12-17](/psalms/74-12-17 "Psalms 74:12-17 - God's Mighty Works of Old")) as a foundational basis for present action against the "adversary" and "enemy."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adversary (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** This term (H6862) refers to one who is narrow or tight, and by extension, one who causes distress or trouble. It denotes an opponent, an enemy who crowds or presses in, creating a situation of anguish. In the context of Psalm 74, the "adversary" is not merely a military foe but a source of profound spiritual and national distress, specifically through their verbal attacks and desecration, which are designed to undermine Israel's faith and God's reputation.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** This word (H2778) signifies a deep shame, disgrace, or taunting. It implies a public humiliation, an active verbal assault designed to strip away dignity and honor. In Psalms 74:10, the enemy's "reproach" is intended to bring shame not only upon the devastated people of Israel but, more significantly, upon their God. It is an attempt to diminish the perceived power and authority of Yahweh in the eyes of both the Israelites and the surrounding nations, thereby undermining the very foundation of Israel's hope and identity.
* **Blaspheme (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** This term (H5006) means to scorn, revile, despise, or treat with contempt. It denotes a deliberate and defiant insult against God, a direct challenge to His authority, holiness, and very existence. Unlike mere taunting, "blasphemy" is a direct affront to the divine character, suggesting a rejection of God's sovereignty and a public declaration of His perceived impotence. The enemy's actions are thus presented as an ultimate act of defiance against the Creator, a direct assault on His sacred "name."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O God, how long shall the adversary reproach?"**: This opening clause is a direct, impassioned address to God, emphasizing the personal and urgent nature of the communal lament. The phrase "how long" (עַד־מָתַי, _ʿad-māṯay_) is a common rhetorical question in biblical laments, expressing profound anguish, impatience, and a desperate longing for divine intervention. It highlights the prolonged suffering and the psalmist's perception of God's delayed response. The "adversary" (צַר, _tsar_) refers to the hostile force, the oppressor who causes distress and trouble, specifically here, those who verbally abuse and shame God's people and, by extension, God Himself.
* **"shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?"**: This second clause parallels and intensifies the first, using the synonymous term "enemy" (אוֹיֵב, _ʾôyēḇ_) for the oppressor. The concern shifts from general reproach to the specific, more grievous act of "blaspheming thy name." "Thy name" represents God's very character, reputation, authority, and presence, serving as a metonymy for God Himself. The question "for ever?" underscores the perceived endlessness of the desecration and the profound fear that God's honor will be permanently tarnished. This reveals the psalmist's ultimate concern: not just the physical suffering of the people, but the direct insult and challenge to God's sovereignty and glory in the eyes of the world.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 74:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message and profound anguish. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?" These are not questions seeking information, but rather expressions of intense anguish, frustration, and a desperate plea for God to act. They powerfully highlight the psalmist's perception of prolonged suffering and divine inaction. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "adversary" is paralleled with "enemy," and "reproach" with "blaspheme thy name," intensifying the sense of a sustained and escalating assault on God's honor. The direct address "O God" is a forceful **Apostrophe**, underscoring the intimate yet desperate nature of the prayer, as the psalmist turns directly to the divine for a response. Finally, the focus on "thy name" being blasphemed demonstrates **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire being, character, reputation, and authority, emphasizing that the attack on Israel is ultimately an attack on God Himself and His glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 74:10 articulates a profound theological tension between God's sovereign power and the apparent triumph of evil, a tension that resonates throughout Scripture. The psalmist's cry for God to act for the sake of His own name underscores the biblical truth that God's glory is His ultimate concern, and His actions are often motivated by the vindication of His holy character in the eyes of the nations. This lament is not a sign of weak faith, but a deeply theological prayer, appealing to God's covenant faithfulness and His past acts of deliverance as a basis for present intervention. It reminds us that our deepest concerns should align with God's—the honor of His name above all else, recognizing that when His name is slandered, His people are called to mourn and petition for His righteous intervention.

* [Psalms 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O LORD?")
* [Romans 2:24](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - God's Name Blasphemed Among the Gentiles")
* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 74:10 offers profound lessons for believers navigating periods of distress, injustice, or perceived divine silence. It grants us permission to lament honestly before God, to voice our deepest anguish and even our challenging questions, knowing that such raw honesty is not an affront but an act of profound trust in His character and sovereignty. The psalmist's primary concern shifts our focus from merely personal or national suffering to the greater issue of God's honor in a world that often mocks or ignores Him. When we see truth distorted, righteousness scorned, or God's name reviled, this psalm calls us to a righteous indignation that fuels our prayers for His vindication. It encourages perseverance in prayer, reminding us that even when answers seem distant or the adversary appears to triumph, our ultimate hope rests in the God who has always defended His own name and will ultimately bring justice and restoration. Our prayers, like the psalmist's, should ultimately be for God's glory to be revealed and His name to be hallowed among all peoples, compelling us to live in a way that honors Him and actively participates in His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or the world do you perceive God's name being "reproached" or "blasphemed" today?**
* **How does this psalm encourage you to be honest with God about your pain and questions, even when you don't understand His timing?**
* **How can a concern for God's honor shift your perspective on personal or communal suffering?**
* **What does it mean to pray for God to "vindicate His name" in your context, and how might you participate in that vindication?**

### FAQ
**What does "reproach" mean in this context, and why is it so significant?**

Answer: In Psalms 74:10, "reproach" (Hebrew: חֶרְפָּה, *ḥerpâ'*) refers to public shaming, disgrace, or taunting. It's significant because it implies a deliberate attack on the dignity and honor of God Himself. The enemy's taunts were not just insults against Israel, but a direct challenge to the power and reputation of Yahweh. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the honor of a god was intrinsically linked to the success and status of their people. Thus, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, coupled with the enemy's mockery, was perceived as a profound public shaming of God, leading the psalmist to cry out for God to defend His own name and glory. This concern for God's reputation is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "God Acts for His Holy Name's Sake").

**Is it acceptable to question God's timing or apparent silence, as the psalmist does here?**

Answer: Yes, the Psalms, particularly the laments, provide ample biblical precedent for expressing honest questions, doubts, and even frustration to God. The phrase "how long" (e.g., [Psalms 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O LORD?")) appears frequently, demonstrating that God welcomes raw, authentic prayer, even when it stems from a place of deep pain or confusion. The psalmist's questions in [Psalms 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "Psalms 74:10 - O God, How Long?") are not expressions of unbelief, but rather fervent appeals rooted in a deep faith in God's character and power, urging Him to act according to His nature. This openness in prayer strengthens, rather than weakens, one's relationship with God, fostering deeper intimacy and trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 74:10, with its anguished cry over the reproach and blasphemy against God's name, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist laments the public shaming of God by external adversaries, Jesus Himself became the ultimate target of reproach and blasphemy, not only from human enemies but bearing the full weight of the world's sin and God's wrath on the cross. He was mocked, reviled, and despised, fulfilling prophecies of the suffering servant who would be "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ perfectly vindicated God's name and character, demonstrating God's justice in punishing sin and His boundless love in providing salvation. The cross, seemingly the ultimate reproach, became the means by which God's glory was most profoundly displayed, defeating the true "adversary," Satan, who had long blasphemed God's name by tempting humanity to sin and accusing the saints ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"); [Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser Cast Down")). In Christ, the "how long" of the psalmist is answered by God's decisive intervention, establishing His eternal kingdom where His name will be honored forever, and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")), definitively silencing all blasphemy and reproach against the Most High.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 89:50

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

Psalms 89:51

Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

Psalms 13:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

Psalms 13:2

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [having] sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

Psalms 79:12

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Psalms 79:4

We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 79:5

How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?