Psalms 74:20

KJV

Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Have respect {H5027}{H8685)} unto the covenant {H1285}: for the dark {H4285} places of the earth {H776} are full {H4390}{H8804)} of the habitations {H4999} of cruelty {H2555}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look to the covenant, for the land's dark places are full of the haunts of violence.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.

American Standard Version

Have respect unto the covenant; For the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:20 presents an impassioned plea from the psalmist to God, urging Him to remember and act upon His covenant promises to Israel. This desperate appeal arises from the grim reality that "the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty," a vivid portrayal of a world overwhelmed by pervasive injustice, violence, and moral decay, thereby underscoring the vital and urgent need for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is an Asaphic psalm, a profound communal lament expressing deep anguish over the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the widespread desolation of Judah, most likely during the Babylonian invasion and exile (circa 586 BC). The psalm opens with a heart-wrenching question, "O God, why hast thou cast us off forever?" as seen in [Psalm 74:1](/psalms/74-1 "Psalm 74:1 - A Lament of Despair"). It vividly describes the enemy's desecration of the sanctuary in [Psalm 74:3](/psalms/74-3 "Psalm 74:3 - Desecration of the Sanctuary"), the burning of holy places in [Psalm 74:7](/psalms/74-7 "Psalm 74:7 - Burning of the Sanctuary"), and the silencing of prophetic voices as lamented in [Psalm 74:9](/psalms/74-9 "Psalm 74:9 - No Prophet Left"). Against this backdrop of profound despair, the psalmist appeals to God's past acts of salvation, particularly His mighty deeds in creation and the Exodus, highlighted in [Psalm 74:13](/psalms/74-13 "Psalm 74:13 - God's Power in Creation"), to remind Him of His enduring power and faithfulness. Verse 20 serves as a pivotal point, transitioning from the description of desolation to a direct, impassioned appeal to God's foundational covenant relationship with His people, asserting that the dire state of the world necessitates His immediate and decisive action.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 74 is widely understood to be the catastrophic destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. This event was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological crisis for Israel. The temple was considered God's dwelling place, the tangible symbol of His presence and covenant with His people. Its destruction, along with the cessation of sacrifices and the exile of the populace, deeply challenged Israel's understanding of God's faithfulness and power. The "dark places of the earth" could refer to the desolate, war-torn regions of Judah, now under foreign dominion, or more broadly, to the pagan nations that oppressed Israel, characterized by their idolatry and brutal practices. The concept of "covenant" (`bᵉrîyth`) was central to Israelite identity, encompassing God's promises to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), His law given at Sinai in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"), and His promise to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). Appealing to the covenant was an appeal to God's very character and His unchangeable commitment to His chosen people, even when circumstances seemed to contradict His promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 74 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. The plea "Have respect unto the covenant" is not a reminder to a forgetful God, but an earnest appeal to His immutable character and His solemn, binding promises to Israel. It highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant relationships, which serve as the bedrock of hope even amidst seemingly insurmountable despair. This faithfulness is central to God's identity, as seen throughout the Old Testament. Secondly, the verse starkly portrays **The Reality of Evil and Cruelty**. The imagery of "dark places" full of "habitations of cruelty" paints a grim picture of widespread injustice, violence, and moral depravity that has become entrenched in the world. This emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin and the human capacity for profound wickedness, particularly when God's light and justice are absent or ignored. This deep-seated evil is a recurring lament in the Psalms, as evidenced in [Psalm 10](/psalms/10 "Psalm 10 - A Prayer for the Oppressed"). Finally, the verse is a fervent **Call for Divine Intervention**. It is a desperate cry for God to remember His promises, to arise, and to bring His justice to bear against the pervasive evil described. This theme highlights the biblical conviction that only God possesses the power and righteousness to overcome the deepest forms of human depravity and to ultimately establish His righteous kingdom, as anticipated in passages like [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** (H1285) From a root suggesting "cutting" (referencing ancient covenant-making rituals involving cut animals), this term signifies a solemn, binding compact or agreement. In biblical theology, it describes God's self-initiated, unchangeable commitment to humanity, particularly to Israel. It implies a relational bond of loyalty and obligation, rooted in God's faithfulness. The psalmist's appeal to `bᵉrîyth` is a profound invocation of God's character and His sworn promises to His people.
* **dark (Hebrew, _machshâk'_):** (H4285) Derived from a root meaning "to be dark," this word refers literally to darkness or a dark place. Metaphorically, it denotes spiritual ignorance, moral depravity, and the absence of divine light, truth, or justice. In the plural ("dark places"), it suggests regions or conditions where God's presence is not acknowledged, leading to unchecked wickedness, or hidden, secret places where evil deeds are perpetrated.
* **cruelty (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** (H2555) This powerful term encompasses violence, wrong, injustice, and oppression. It describes not merely physical brutality but a deeper, systemic moral outrage and lawlessness. The phrase "habitations of cruelty" suggests that `châmâç` is not an occasional act but has become deeply entrenched, a settled way of life, a dominant characteristic of these "dark places," making the plea for divine intervention all the more urgent and justified.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have respect unto the covenant":** This is a direct, imperative plea to God. The verb "have respect" (נָבַט, _nâbaṭ_) means "to scan," "to look intently at," "to regard with pleasure, favor or care." It's an earnest petition for God to turn His attentive gaze upon His solemn promises and commitments to Israel, particularly in light of their current suffering. It is an appeal to God's faithfulness and His unchangeable character, reminding Him of the binding nature of His relationship with His people, urging Him to act in accordance with His divine word.
* **"for the dark places of the earth":** This clause provides the justification or reason for the preceding plea. The "dark places" (מַחֲשַׁכִּים, _machashakkim_) are those regions or circumstances where God's light, truth, and justice are absent or suppressed. This imagery evokes a sense of spiritual and moral desolation, where the knowledge of God is lacking, and consequently, wickedness thrives. It could refer to the desolate, war-torn regions of Judah under foreign dominion or, more broadly, to the pagan world characterized by its rejection of God and His ways.
* **"are full of the habitations of cruelty":** This describes the pervasive and entrenched nature of evil in these "dark places." "Habitations" (נְאוֹת, _nâʼâh_) literally means "pastures" or "dwellings," suggesting that cruelty (`châmâç`) is not merely present but has taken root, established itself as a permanent fixture, a dominant characteristic of these regions. It implies that violence, injustice, and oppression are not isolated incidents but have become the very fabric of life in these areas, necessitating God's decisive and immediate action.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 74:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message and the depth of the psalmist's anguish. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly in the phrases "dark places of the earth" and "habitations of cruelty." "Dark places" evokes a vivid picture of spiritual and moral desolation, where God's light is absent, leading to ignorance and wickedness. This is further intensified by the **Metaphor** of "habitations of cruelty," which personifies cruelty as something that dwells and takes root, suggesting its pervasive, entrenched, and systemic nature rather than just sporadic acts. This personification elevates cruelty from an abstract concept to a tangible, oppressive force that has settled in and claimed territory. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, appealing directly to God's character and faithfulness (His covenant) in the face of immense human suffering and injustice. The psalmist's desperate plea is designed to evoke divine compassion and action, underscoring the deep emotional distress and theological crisis of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plea in Psalms 74:20 for God to "have respect unto the covenant" in the face of widespread "cruelty" speaks to the very heart of biblical theology concerning God's faithfulness and justice. It affirms that God's promises are immutable, even when human circumstances suggest otherwise. The psalmist's cry is an act of profound faith, trusting that God's character, as revealed in His covenant, compels Him to act against injustice and restore order. This tension between God's apparent silence and the reality of human suffering is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, leading believers to appeal to God's righteous nature and His ultimate commitment to His creation. The verse highlights the profound biblical understanding that where God's truth and presence are absent, evil and violence will inevitably proliferate, making God's intervention not just desirable but absolutely essential for the restoration of order and righteousness in a fallen world.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Genesis 6:11](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11 - The Earth Full of Violence")
* [Isaiah 61:8](/isaiah/61-8 "Isaiah 61:8 - God Loves Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 74:20 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating a world still grappling with darkness and cruelty. It calls us first to **anchor our hope in God's unchanging covenant promises**. In times of personal distress, national crisis, or global injustice, our most potent appeal is not to our own merit or power, but to the faithful character of God as revealed in His Word. Just as the psalmist appealed to the `bᵉrîyth`, we too can confidently remind ourselves and God (not that He forgets, but that we might remember His character) of His faithfulness to His word. Secondly, the verse compels us to **acknowledge and confront the reality of pervasive evil**. The "dark places" and "habitations of cruelty" are not just ancient metaphors; they represent the ongoing realities of oppression, injustice, and moral decay in our world today. This awareness should stir within us a deep empathy for those suffering and a renewed commitment to prayer and action. Finally, it encourages us to **pray fervently for divine justice and intervention**. Like the psalmist, we are called to cry out to God, trusting that He is sovereign over all circumstances and that His kingdom will ultimately overcome all forms of evil. Our prayers for justice are not passive wishes but active participation in God's redemptive plan, knowing that He hears the cries of His people and will ultimately set all wrongs right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "dark places" of the world or in your own experience do you see "habitations of cruelty" today?**
* **How does recalling God's past faithfulness and covenant promises strengthen your faith in the face of current suffering or injustice?**
* **What practical steps can you take, individually or communally, to be a light in the "dark places" and to challenge "habitations of cruelty"?**
* **How does this psalm's plea for God to "have respect unto the covenant" inform your own prayers during times of distress?**

### FAQ
**What is "the covenant" referred to in Psalms 74:20, and why is it so important?**

Answer: "The covenant" (Hebrew: `bᵉrîyth`) in Psalms 74:20 refers to the foundational binding agreements God made with Israel, primarily the Abrahamic Covenant found in [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), the Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"), and the Davidic Covenant detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). These covenants established Israel as God's chosen people, promised them land, descendants, and a lasting relationship, and provided the framework for their national and spiritual life. Its importance lies in its being the very basis of God's relationship with Israel; it signifies God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His promises, even when His people are suffering or disobedient. The psalmist appeals to this covenant as the ultimate ground for God's intervention and restoration.

**What does the phrase "dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful metaphorical description of pervasive evil and injustice. "Dark places" (`machshâk`) refers not just to physical locations but to regions or conditions marked by spiritual ignorance, moral depravity, and the absence of God's light and truth. These are places where God's presence is not acknowledged, leading to unchecked wickedness. "Habitations of cruelty" (`nâʼâh châmâç`) suggests that cruelty, violence, and injustice (`châmâç`) are not merely sporadic acts but have become deeply entrenched and systemic, like permanent dwellings. It paints a vivid picture of a world where evil has taken root and become the dominant characteristic, necessitating divine intervention to bring justice and light.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 74:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment and guarantor of God's covenant faithfulness. While the psalmist pleads for God to remember the old covenant in the face of earthly cruelty, Jesus inaugurates a new and better covenant, established on superior promises, as affirmed in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"). He is the Light of the World, as declared in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World"), who came to dispel the spiritual darkness that fills the "dark places of the earth." His life, death, and resurrection directly confront the "habitations of cruelty," not merely by addressing individual acts of violence but by disarming the principalities and powers of spiritual evil that fuel such cruelty, a victory described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), which is the root cause of all cruelty and injustice. Ultimately, His return will bring about a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells and all tears are wiped away, permanently eradicating the "habitations of cruelty" and establishing His kingdom of peace and justice, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears").

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 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Psalms 89:28

My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.

Jeremiah 33:20

Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;

Jeremiah 33:26

Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, [so] that I will not take [any] of his seed [to be] rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.