Psalms 74:23

Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

Forget {H7911}{H8799)} not the voice {H6963} of thine enemies {H6887}{H8802)}: the tumult {H7588} of those that rise up {H6965}{H8801)} against thee increaseth {H5927}{H8802)} continually {H8548}.

Don't forget what your foes are saying, the ever-rising uproar of your adversaries.

Do not disregard the clamor of Your adversaries, the uproar of Your enemies that ascends continually.

Forget not the voice of thine adversaries: The tumult of those that rise up against thee ascendeth continually.

Psalm 74:23 KJV is the concluding verse of a profound communal lament, a heartfelt cry to God in a time of national devastation. The psalmist, Asaph, pleads with the Lord to take notice of the escalating aggression and blasphemy of their adversaries.

Context

Psalm 74 is a poignant lament, likely composed after a catastrophic event such as the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (possibly by the Babylonians in 586 BC) or another significant invasion that left the sanctuary desecrated and the nation in ruins. The psalmist vividly describes the enemies' destructive actions, including the burning of God's dwelling place (Psalm 74:7), and questions why God seems to be silent or distant in their suffering. This final verse intensifies the plea, focusing on the insolence and increasing power of the oppressors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Remembrance and Intervention: The core of the plea is for God to "forget not." It's an earnest request for divine attention and action against those who defy Him. This highlights the human desire for God to intervene when evil seems to prevail.
  • The Blasphemy of Enemies: The "voice of thine enemies" refers to their arrogant taunts, threats, and especially their blasphemies against God and His people. The psalmist implies that these enemies are not just attacking Israel, but God Himself, as seen earlier in this psalm where the adversary reproaches God's name (Psalm 74:10).
  • Escalating Hostility: The phrase "the tumult... increaseth continually" vividly portrays the growing chaos, aggression, and boldness of the adversaries. It underscores the urgency of the psalmist's appeal, as the situation is worsening, demanding immediate divine response.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "voice" is qol (קוֹל), which can mean sound, voice, or even thunder. Here, it powerfully conveys the audible boasts, reproaches, and threats of the enemies.
  • "Tumult" comes from the Hebrew sha'on (שָׁאוֹן), signifying a loud noise, uproar, or commotion, often associated with a crowd or a battle. It emphasizes the disruptive and aggressive nature of the enemies' actions.
  • The phrase "increaseth continually" (עֹלֶה תָמִיד - 'oleh tamid) stresses the ongoing and escalating nature of the threat, painting a picture of an unceasing and growing assault.

Practical Application

Psalm 74:23 offers a timeless model for prayer in times of distress and spiritual warfare. Even when faced with overwhelming opposition or when it seems that evil forces are gaining ground, believers can confidently bring their laments and pleas before God. This verse reminds us:

  • To voice our concerns and struggles to God, trusting that He hears the boasts and threats of those who oppose His kingdom.
  • That God is not oblivious to the escalating "tumult" of the world's challenges or spiritual adversaries. He is sovereign and will ultimately bring justice.
  • To persist in prayer, even when the situation seems to worsen, knowing that God's timing and intervention are perfect. Just as God remembers His covenant (Psalm 105:8), He also takes note of the defiance against His name.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 65:7

    Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

  • Isaiah 37:29

    Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

  • Lamentations 2:16

    All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

  • Revelation 17:14

    ¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

  • Jonah 1:2

    Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

  • Psalms 74:4

    Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns [for] signs.

  • Psalms 2:1

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back