TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
KJV (with Strong's)
Remember H2142 H8798 this, that the enemy H341 H8802 hath reproached H2778 H8765, O LORD H3068, and that the foolish H5036 people H5971 have blasphemed H5006 H8765 thy name H8034.
Complete Jewish Bible
Remember how the enemy scoffs at ADONAI, how a brutish people insults your name.
Berean Standard Bible
Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name.
American Standard Version
Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O Jehovah, And that a foolish people hath blasphemed thy name.
World English Bible Messianic
Remember this, that the enemy has mocked you, LORD. Foolish people have blasphemed your name.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Remember this, that the enemie hath reproched the Lord, and the foolish people hath blasphemed thy Name.
Young's Literal Translation
Remember this--an enemy reproached Jehovah, And a foolish people have despised Thy name.
See also
In the KJVVerse 15,067 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 74 verses 18–23
18 ¶ Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
19 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
20 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.
21 O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
22 Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.
The psalmist here, in the name of the church, most earnestly begs that God would appear fro them against their enemies, and put an end to their present troubles. To encourage his own faith, he interests God in this matter (Psa 74:22): Arise, O God! plead thy own cause. This we may be sure he will do, for he is jealous for his own honour; whatever is his own cause he will plead it with a strong hand, will appear against those that oppose it and with and for those that cordially espouse it. He will arise and plead it, though for a time he seems to neglect it; he will stir up himself, will manifest himself, will do his own work in his own time. Note, The cause of religion is God's own cause and he will certainly plead it. Now, to make it out that the cause is God's, he pleads,
I. That the persecutors are God's sworn enemies: "Lord, they have not only abused us, but they have been, and are, abusive to thee; what is done against us, for thy sake, does, by consequence, reflect upon thee. But that is not all; they have directly and immediately reproached thee, and blasphemed thy name," Psa 74:18. This was that which they roared in the sanctuary; they triumphed as if they had now got the mastery of the God is Israel, of whom they had heard such great things. As nothing grieves the saints more than to hear God's name blasphemed, so nothing encourages them more to hope that God will appear against their enemies than when they have arrived at such a pitch of wickedness as to reproach God himself; this fills the measure of their sins apace and hastens their ruin. The psalmist insists much upon this: "We dare not answer their reproaches; Lord, do thou answer them. Remember that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name (Psa 74:18) and that still the foolish man reproaches thee daily." Observe the character of those that reproach God; they are foolish. As atheism is folly (Psa 14:1), profaneness and blasphemy are no less so. Perhaps those are cried up as the wits of the age that ridicule religion and sacred things; but really they are the greatest fools, and will shortly be made to appear so before all the world. And yet see their malice - They reproach God daily, as constantly as his faithful worshippers pray to him and praise him; see their impudence - They do not hide their blasphemous thoughts in their own bosoms, but proclaim them with a loud voice (forget not the voice of thy enemies, Psa 74:23), and this with a daring defiance of divine justice; they rise up against thee, and by their blasphemies even wage war with heaven and take up arms against the Almighty. Their noise and tumult ascend continually (so some), as the cry of Sodom came up before God, calling for vengeance, Gen 18:21. It increases continually (so we read it); they grow worse and worse, and are hardened in their impieties by their successes. Now, Lord, remember this; do not forget it. God needs not to be put in remembrance by us of what he has to do, but thus we must show our concern for his honour and believe that he will vindicate us.
II. That the persecuted are his covenant-people. 1. See what distress they are in. They have fallen into the hands of the multitude of the wicked, Psa 74:19. How are those increased that trouble them! There is no standing before an enraged multitude, especially like these, armed with power; and, as they are numerous, so they are barbarous: The dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. The land of the Chaldeans, where there was none of the light of the knowledge of the true God (though otherwise it was famed for learning and arts), was indeed a dark place; the inhabitants of it were alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that was in them, and therefore they were cruel: where there was no true divinity there was scarcely to be found common humanity. They were especially cruel to the people of God; certainly those have no knowledge who eat them up, Psa 14:4. They are oppressed (Psa 74:21) because they are poor and unable to help themselves; they are oppressed, and so impoverished and made poor. 2. See what reason they had to hope that God would appear for their relief and not suffer them to be always thus trampled upon. Observe how the psalmist pleads with God for them. (1.) "It is thy turtle-dove that is ready to be swallowed up by the multitude of the wicked," Psa 74:19. The church is a dove for harmlessness and mildness, innocency and inoffensiveness, purity and fruitfulness, a dove for mournfulness in a day of distress, a turtle-dove for fidelity and the constancy of love: turtle-doves and pigeons were the only fowls that were offered in sacrifice to God. "Shall thy turtle-dove, that is true to thee and devoted to thy honour, be delivered, its life and soul and all, into the hand of the multitude of the wicked, to whom it will soon become an easy and acceptable prey? Lord, it will be thy honour to help the weak, especially to help thy own." (2.) "It is the congregation of thy poor, and they are not the less thine for their being poor (for God has chosen the poor of this world, Jam 2:5), but they have the more reason to expect thou wilt appear for them because they are many: it is the congregation of thy poor; let them not be abandoned and forgotten for ever." (3.) "They are in covenant with thee; and wilt thou not have respect unto the covenant? Psa 74:20. Wilt thou not perform the promises thou hast, in thy covenant, made to them? Wilt thou not own those whom thou hast brought into the bond of the covenant?" When God delivers his people it is in remembrance of his covenant, Lev 26:42. "Lord, though we are unworthy to be respected, yet have respect to the covenant." (4.) "They trust in thee, and boast of their relation to thee and expectations from thee. O let not them return ashamed of their hope (Psa 74:21), as they will be if they be disappointed." (5.) "If thou deliver them, they will praise thy name and give thee the glory of their deliverance. Appear, Lord, for those that will praise thy name, against those that blaspheme it."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–23. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 74
"Be mindful of this Your creature" [Psalm 74:18]. Of what creature of Yours? "The enemy has reviled the Lord." O Asaph, grieve over your old blindness in understanding: "the enemy has reviled the Lord." It was said to Christ in His own nation, "a sinner is this Man: we know not whence He is:" we know Moses, to him spoke God; this Man is a Samaritan. "And the unwise people has provoked Your name." The unwise people Asaph was at that time, but not the understanding of Asaph at that time. What is said in the former Psalm? "As it were a beast I have become unto You, and I am always with You:" because He went not to the gods and idols of the Gentiles. Although he knew not, being like a beast, yet he knew again as a man. For he said, "alway I am with You, like a beast:" and what afterwards in that place in the same Psalm, where Asaph is? "You have held the hand of my right hand, in Your will You have conducted me, and with glory You have taken me up." In Your will, not in my righteousness: by Your gift, not by my work. Therefore here also, "the enemy has reviled the Lord: and the unwise people has provoked Your name." Have they all then perished? Far be it....For even the Apostle Paul through unbelief had been broken, and through faith unto the root he was restored. So evidently "the unwise people provoked Your name," when it was said, "If Son of God He is let Him come down from the Cross." [Matthew 27:40]
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 74:18 is a fervent plea from the psalmist to the Lord, urging Him to actively remember the profound dishonor and contempt directed at His holy name by both external adversaries and those who foolishly reject divine wisdom. Amidst national devastation and the desecration of sacred spaces, this verse shifts the focus from the people's suffering to God's own glory and reputation, appealing for divine intervention based on the severe blasphemy committed against the Almighty. It underscores the deep conviction that offenses against God's people and sanctuary are ultimately direct affronts to God Himself, demanding His righteous response.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 74:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is Lament, as the verse is a direct address within a broader psalm of communal sorrow and appeal for divine intervention. The psalmist uses a direct Appeal to Divine Honor, shifting the focus from the people's suffering to the direct affront against God's name, thereby invoking God's righteous character as the basis for His action. The use of "Remember" is a form of Anthropomorphism, attributing a human action (remembering) to God, not to imply divine forgetfulness but to emphasize the psalmist's fervent desire for God to act decisively. The actions of "the enemy" and "the foolish people" are presented with stark Contrast to God's holiness and justice, highlighting the severity of their offenses. There is also an element of Rhetorical Question implicitly underlying the lament: "How long, O God, will the adversary scoff?" as found in Psalm 74:10, which verse 18 answers by providing a compelling reason for God to intervene.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 74:18 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that offenses against God's people and His sanctuary are ultimately offenses against God Himself, particularly His holy name. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His own glory and His righteous character, which demands a response to such affronts. It reveals that human sin, especially in the form of reproach and blasphemy, is not merely a moral failing but a direct assault on the divine nature. The psalmist's plea for God to "remember" is a theological statement of trust in God's active justice and His ultimate vindication of His name in the face of human rebellion and evil. This deep concern for God's honor serves as a model for believers, reminding us that our ultimate grievance in times of suffering and injustice should be the dishonor brought upon God's name.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 74:18 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to bring their deepest laments and the dishonor done to God's name before Him in earnest prayer. In a world where God's name is often mocked, His truth denied, and His people persecuted, this verse calls us to grieve not only for our own suffering but, more profoundly, for the reproach and blasphemy directed at the Almighty. It encourages us to appeal to God's character, trusting that He is sovereign and will ultimately vindicate His holy name and His righteous cause. Even in times of great distress and apparent defeat, our faith is anchored in God's unwavering commitment to His own glory and His ultimate justice. We are called to stand for God's truth and honor, even when it means facing opposition, knowing that our ultimate hope rests in His active remembrance and intervention. This verse compels us to consider how our own lives either hallow or profane God's name, urging us to live in a manner that brings Him glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the enemy" and "the foolish people" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: "The enemy" (Hebrew: ʼôyêb') most likely refers to the foreign invaders, such as the Babylonians, who destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, bringing immense shame and desolation upon Israel. Their actions, including the desecration of sacred spaces and the taunting of the defeated nation, were seen as a direct affront to God. "The foolish people" (Hebrew: ʻam_ _nâbâl') refers to those who are morally and spiritually depraved, characterized by a willful rejection of God's truth and wisdom. While it could refer to the foreign invaders in their spiritual ignorance and rebellion, it might also encompass any individuals—even within Israel—who show contempt for God's ways, as famously stated in Psalm 14:1, where "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Both groups, whether external adversaries or internal apostates, share in the act of dishonoring God's name.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 74:18, with its lament over the reproach and blasphemy against God's name, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself endured profound reproach and blasphemy. He was scorned by religious leaders, mocked by soldiers, and ultimately crucified as a blasphemer, as recorded in Mark 14:64. The taunts hurled at Him on the cross—"He saved others; himself he cannot save!" Matthew 27:42—were the ultimate reproach against God's Anointed One. Yet, it was through this very suffering and apparent defeat that God's name was ultimately vindicated and glorified. Jesus' death on the cross, the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, atoned for the very sin of blasphemy and rebellion that dishonors God's name. His resurrection from the dead was God's resounding "remembrance" and vindication, demonstrating His power over sin and death, and exalting the name of Jesus "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named" Ephesians 1:20-21. Through Christ, God's name is not only defended but glorified, and all who believe in Him are brought into a relationship where God's name is hallowed, not blasphemed, leading to a future where "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" Philippians 2:9-11.