Psalms 74:19

KJV

O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude [of the wicked]: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

O deliver {H5414}{H8799)} not the soul {H5315} of thy turtledove {H8449} unto the multitude {H2416} of the wicked: forget {H7911}{H8799)} not the congregation {H2416} of thy poor {H6041} for ever {H5331}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't hand over the soul of your dove to wild beasts, don't forget forever the life of your poor.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not deliver the soul of Your dove to beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted forever.

American Standard Version

Oh deliver not the soul of thy turtle-dove unto the wild beast: Forget not the life of thy poor for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:19 is a profound and desperate plea from the psalmist, likely representing the collective voice of a devastated Israel, for God to protect His vulnerable people. Employing the tender imagery of a "turtledove" to symbolize the defenseless community and contrasting it with the "multitude [of the wicked]" (or "beast of the afflicted"), the verse cries out for divine intervention and an enduring remembrance of God's covenant people amidst overwhelming national suffering and apparent abandonment. It is a fervent appeal to God's character as the faithful protector of the humble and oppressed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is a communal lament, one of the most poignant in the Psalter, expressing deep anguish over the desecration of God's sanctuary and the apparent abandonment of His people. The psalm opens with a direct address to God, questioning why He has seemingly rejected His flock forever ([Psalms 74:1](/psalms/74-1 "Psalm 74:1 - A Lament over Desecration")). It vividly describes the destruction of the Temple ([Psalms 74:3-8](/psalms/74-3 "Psalm 74:3-8 - The Desecration of the Sanctuary")), the absence of prophetic signs ([Psalms 74:9](/psalms/74-9 "Psalm 74:9 - No Prophetic Signs")), and the taunts of the enemy ([Psalms 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "Psalm 74:10 - Enemy Taunts")). Within this context of profound despair, verse 19 serves as a climactic, heartfelt plea, shifting from description of suffering to direct petition, urging God to act on behalf of His afflicted "congregation," appealing to His covenant faithfulness and power, as previously celebrated in His cosmic acts of creation and deliverance ([Psalms 74:12-17](/psalms/74-12 "Psalm 74:12-17 - God's Mighty Acts of Creation")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely reflects a period of immense national distress, most commonly associated with the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. This event was not merely a military defeat but a theological catastrophe for Israel. The Temple was considered the dwelling place of God's presence (the *Shekinah*), and its destruction signified a profound rupture in the covenant relationship, raising questions about God's power and faithfulness. Culturally, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship and identity; its desecration was the ultimate humiliation. The "multitude [of the wicked]" refers to the foreign invaders (e.g., the Babylonian army) who acted with brutal, animalistic aggression, seeking to utterly destroy the Israelite nation and its spiritual foundations. The psalmist's cry for God to "remember" is rooted in the covenantal understanding that God's remembrance implies His active intervention on behalf of His people, fulfilling His promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Psalm 74 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection for the Vulnerable**, portraying God's people as a defenseless "turtledove" in contrast to a predatory "beast," underscoring their utter dependence on divine intervention against overwhelming evil. Secondly, the core of the psalmist's prayer, "forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever," emphasizes **God's Unfailing Remembrance and Covenant Faithfulness**. This is an appeal to God's character, urging Him to recall His promises and His chosen people, even when circumstances suggest His abandonment. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, as seen when [God remembered Noah](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembers Noah") during the flood or when [He remembered His covenant with Abraham](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God Remembers His Covenant Forever"). Lastly, the verse defines **The Identity of God's People** as "thy turtledove" and "thy poor." This emphasizes their humility, their lack of earthly power, and their status as those who rely solely on God's aid, making their plea for divine deliverance all the more urgent and profound.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turtledove (Hebrew, תּוֹר, _tor_):** This bird, often associated with doves, is a recurring symbol in biblical and ancient Near Eastern literature, representing gentleness, innocence, vulnerability, and purity. Turtledoves were also common sacrificial birds for the poor ([Leviticus 5:7](/leviticus/5-7 "Leviticus 5:7 - Sacrifice for the Poor")). Its use here powerfully conveys the defenselessness of God's people, who are meek and easily preyed upon, highlighting their need for divine protection against formidable enemies.
* **Multitude [of the wicked] (Hebrew, חַיַּת עָנִי, _chayyat ‘ani_):** While the KJV translates this as "multitude [of the wicked]," the literal Hebrew phrase is "the beast of the afflicted/poor." This is a crucial distinction. The imagery contrasts the gentle, vulnerable "turtledove" with a savage, predatory "beast," emphasizing the brutal, animalistic, and devouring nature of the oppressors. It suggests an enemy that is not merely numerous but also merciless and destructive, seeking to consume and annihilate the vulnerable.
* **Congregation of thy poor (Hebrew, עֲדַת עֲנִיֶּיךָ, _‘adat ‘aniyecha_):** This phrase underscores the collective identity of God's people. "Congregation" (_‘adah_) emphasizes their communal bond and their status as God's gathered assembly. "Poor" (_‘ani_) signifies their humble, afflicted, and dependent state, both materially and spiritually. They are not merely individuals but a community united in their suffering and their absolute reliance on God's intervention, reinforcing the communal nature of the lament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove":** This is a passionate plea for divine rescue. "Soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_) here refers to the very life or being of the people. The imagery of the "turtledove" vividly portrays God's people as innocent, gentle, and utterly defenseless, on the brink of being consumed. The psalmist implores God not to abandon them to their fate.
* **"unto the multitude [of the wicked]":** This clause identifies the terrifying threat. As discussed in the key word analysis, the literal Hebrew "beast of the afflicted" paints a picture of a savage, predatory enemy. The psalmist begs God not to hand over His vulnerable people to the brutal, devouring power of their oppressors, who act with animalistic ferocity and without mercy.
* **"forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.":** This is the heart of the appeal, a desperate cry for God's enduring remembrance and covenant faithfulness. The psalmist fears that God has forgotten His people and His promises, given their dire circumstances. The phrase "congregation of thy poor" emphasizes their collective identity as God's humble, afflicted, and dependent community, appealing to His special concern for the marginalized and oppressed. The plea "for ever" underscores the desire for a permanent, unwavering divine commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 74:19 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, primarily through the contrasting imagery of the "turtledove" and the "beast." The "turtledove" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for the vulnerable, innocent, and defenseless people of God, evoking pathos and highlighting their utter dependence on divine protection. Conversely, the "beast of the afflicted" (translated as "multitude [of the wicked]") is a stark **Metaphor** for the brutal, predatory, and dehumanizing nature of the oppressors, emphasizing their destructive intent. This juxtaposition creates a vivid and emotionally charged scene, underscoring the severity of the threat and the urgency of the plea. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by referring to the "soul" of the turtledove, imbuing the symbolic representation of God's people with a sense of living vulnerability. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a fervent **Lament** and **Supplication**, a direct and passionate appeal to God, characterized by its emotional intensity and direct address, which is a hallmark of the psalms of lament. The plea "forget not" is a form of **Rhetorical Appeal**, implicitly questioning God's apparent inaction while simultaneously appealing to His immutable character of faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 74:19 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people, particularly His unwavering commitment to the vulnerable and His covenant faithfulness. The psalmist's plea for God not to "forget" is rooted in the theological understanding that God's remembrance is not merely a cognitive act but an active, redemptive intervention. Even when circumstances suggest divine abandonment, the psalmist appeals to God's character as the protector of the oppressed and the keeper of His promises. This verse underscores the biblical theme that God identifies with the poor and afflicted, and their cries do not go unheard. It reflects the tension between God's apparent silence in suffering and His ultimate sovereignty and justice, a tension often explored in the wisdom literature and prophetic books. The imagery of the "turtledove" and the "beast" also foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of evil that seek to devour His people, a conflict ultimately resolved through divine power.

* [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembers Noah")
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "God Remembers His Covenant Forever")
* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "God's Justice for the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 74:19 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating periods of profound adversity, whether personal or communal. It teaches us the importance of raw, honest prayer in distress, encouraging us to articulate our fears and deep need for God's intervention, even when His presence seems distant or His purposes unclear. The imagery of the "turtledove" reminds us of our own vulnerability in a fallen world and God's special concern for the weak, the oppressed, and those utterly dependent on Him. We are called to trust in His unfailing remembrance, appealing to His character and covenant faithfulness, knowing that He will not forget His people or His promises, even when circumstances are dire. This encourages perseverance in faith during trials and fosters a deep reliance on divine aid rather than human strength. Furthermore, the "congregation of thy poor" highlights the vital importance of communal solidarity and shared lament in times of suffering, reminding us that we are part of a collective body that can cry out to God together, finding strength and hope in shared faith and mutual support.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like a "turtledove," vulnerable and in need of God's protection?**
* **How does the imagery of God's people as "thy poor" challenge your understanding of strength and dependence in the Christian life?**
* **When facing overwhelming adversity, how can you appeal to God's "unfailing remembrance" and covenant faithfulness?**
* **What role does communal prayer and shared lament play in your experience of suffering, and how can you foster this in your community?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "turtledove" imagery in this verse?**

Answer: The "turtledove" (Hebrew, _tor_) is highly significant as a symbol of gentleness, innocence, and vulnerability. In ancient Near Eastern culture and throughout the Bible, doves and turtledoves often represent purity and defenselessness. By likening His people to a turtledove, the psalmist emphasizes their utter helplessness against their powerful and brutal enemies, highlighting their need for divine protection. It contrasts sharply with the "beast" imagery used for the oppressors, underscoring the vast disparity in power and the desperate nature of the plea for God's intervention. This imagery evokes deep pathos, appealing to God's compassion for His weak and exposed flock.

**What does the phrase "multitude [of the wicked]" truly mean in the original Hebrew?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "multitude [of the wicked]" is an interpretive rendering. The literal Hebrew phrase is "חַיַּת עָנִי" (_chayyat ‘ani_), which means "the beast of the afflicted" or "the beast of the poor." This literal translation is crucial because it intensifies the contrast with the "turtledove." It portrays the oppressors not merely as a numerous crowd but as a savage, wild, and predatory animal that seeks to devour and destroy the vulnerable. This imagery emphasizes the brutal, dehumanizing, and destructive nature of the enemy, making the plea for deliverance all the more urgent and vivid. It speaks to the animalistic ferocity with which the invaders attacked God's people and sanctuary.

**How does Psalm 74:19 speak to believers experiencing suffering or oppression today?**

Answer: Psalm 74:19 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers facing suffering or oppression in any era. Firstly, it validates the experience of feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, assuring us that it is permissible to cry out to God with raw honesty, even when His presence seems distant. Secondly, it reminds us that God has a special, compassionate concern for the weak, the poor, and the oppressed. He hears the cries of His "turtledove" people. Thirdly, it encourages us to appeal to God's unchanging character and covenant faithfulness, trusting that He will "not forget" His promises or His people, even when circumstances are dire. This verse is a powerful reminder that our ultimate deliverance comes from God, and it calls us to persistent prayer and unwavering trust in His sovereign care, even in the darkest valleys. It also fosters a sense of communal solidarity, as we recognize ourselves as part of the "congregation of thy poor" who collectively rely on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 74:19, with its poignant cry for the deliverance of God's vulnerable "turtledove" from the "beast of the afflicted," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "turtledove," the innocent and undefiled [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who willingly subjected Himself to the brutal "beast" of human sin and demonic oppression. In His suffering, crucifixion, and death, Jesus truly became one of the "congregation of thy poor," identifying fully with humanity's weakness and affliction, even becoming [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Poverty for Our Sake"). Yet, God did not "deliver His soul" to ultimate destruction; instead, He raised Him from the dead, demonstrating His ultimate remembrance and covenant faithfulness. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, God has forever delivered His people from the spiritual "beast" of sin, death, and the devil, providing an eternal deliverance that far surpasses any earthly rescue. Now, as our [John 10](/john/10 "The Good Shepherd"), Jesus continually protects His flock, ensuring that none of His "turtledoves" will be snatched from His hand, and guaranteeing that God's covenant with His redeemed "congregation" will never be forgotten but will endure [Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Reigning Forever and Ever").

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

Song Of Solomon 2:14

¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Psalms 9:18

For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall [not] perish for ever.

Psalms 72:2

¶ He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

Psalms 68:13

Though ye have lien among the pots, [yet shall ye be as] the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.