Psalms 74:5

KJV

[A man] was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.

KJV (with Strong's)

A man was famous {H3045}{H8735)} according as he had lifted up {H935}{H8688)}{H4605} axes {H7134} upon the thick {H5442} trees {H6086}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The place seemed like a thicket of trees when lumbermen hack away with their axes.

Berean Standard Bible

like men wielding axes in a thicket of trees

American Standard Version

They seemed as men that lifted up Axes upon a thicket of trees.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:5 powerfully articulates the profound desecration of God's sanctuary by enemy forces, employing a chilling metaphor of skilled lumberjacks methodically felling a dense forest. This verse, situated within a communal lament, vividly portrays the deliberate and brutal destruction of a sacred space, underscoring the deep anguish and sense of abandonment felt by the psalmist and the community. It highlights the perverse "fame" or notoriety achieved through acts of violence and sacrilege, emphasizing the sheer scale of the catastrophe that befell the spiritual heart of Israelite worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is a poignant communal lament, part of the Asaphite collection (Psalms 73-83), characterized by a desperate plea to God in the aftermath of a devastating national catastrophe, specifically the destruction and defilement of the sanctuary. The psalm opens with an urgent cry to God not to abandon His people, reminding Him of His ancient covenant ([Psalms 74:1-2](/psalms/74-1-2 "Psalms 74:1-2 - A Plea to God")). Verses 3-8 graphically detail the extent of the destruction, with the psalmist imploring God to survey the "perpetual ruins" and the enemy's raging in the holy place ([Psalms 74:3-4](/psalms/74-3-4 "Psalms 74:3-4 - God, Behold the Ruins and Enemy's Rage")). Verse 5 specifically contributes to this vivid description, focusing on the methodical and thorough nature of the invaders' assault on the Temple's ornate wooden structures, setting the stage for the subsequent pleas for divine intervention and remembrance of God's past acts of power ([Psalms 74:12-17](/psalms/74-12-17 "Psalms 74:12-17 - God's Mighty Deeds of Old")). The verse's imagery of axes on thick trees builds upon the preceding verses' portrayal of violent intrusion and leads into the description of the sanctuary being set on fire and every sacred place being burned ([Psalms 74:7-8](/psalms/74-7-8 "Psalms 74:7-8 - Burning of the Sanctuary")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The most widely accepted historical backdrop for Psalm 74 is the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonian army in 586 BC, as meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 25:8-17](/2_kings/25-8-17 "2 Kings 25:8-17 - The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple") and [Jeremiah 52:12-23](/jeremiah/52-12-23 "Jeremiah 52:12-23 - The Burning of the Temple and Plunder"). This event was not merely the demolition of a building; it was a profound national, theological, and spiritual trauma for Israel. The Temple was considered the dwelling place of God's presence (the *Shekinah*), the very center of their religious life, national identity, and the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Its destruction signified not only military defeat but also a perceived abandonment by God, leading to deep despair and questioning of God's covenant faithfulness. The "thick trees" refer to the elaborate cedar and cypress wood used in the Temple's construction, which would have been painstakingly carved, adorned with gold, and considered sacred, making their destruction an act of immense sacrilege and a symbol of the complete dismantling of Israel's spiritual heart.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 74 and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **Desecration of the Sacred**, highlighting the violent defilement of God's holy dwelling place. The "thick trees" metaphorically represent the beautiful, robust, and sacred wooden elements of the Temple, now reduced to mere timber by the axes of the invaders, emphasizing the brutality and disrespect shown to God's presence. Another crucial theme is the **Irony of "Fame"**, where the KJV's "a man was famous" carries a strong negative or ironic connotation. Instead of renown for building or creating, the enemies gain a perverse notoriety for their destructive prowess, their "fame" being a testament to their violence and the extent of the damage inflicted upon God's sanctuary, an act of ultimate sacrilege against the divine. Finally, the verse underscores a profound sense of **Loss and Lament**, reflecting the deep spiritual and national trauma experienced by the Israelites. The Temple's destruction represented the shattering of their world and the perceived silence of God, prompting the heartfelt lament found throughout the psalm, echoing the sorrow expressed in other post-exilic writings like the book of [Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - The Desolation of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **famous (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** This primitive root fundamentally means "to know," but its semantic range extends broadly to "to ascertain by seeing," "to perceive," "to acknowledge," "to be known," or "to be renowned." In Psalms 74:5, its use carries a profound irony. The KJV's "famous" captures the sense of being widely recognized or acknowledged, but here it is for an act of abhorrent destruction and sacrilege. The invaders' actions were so blatant, thorough, and devastating that they became "known" for their efficiency in defiling the holy site, implying a perverse notoriety rather than any honorable achievement or true fame.
* **axes (Hebrew, _qardôm_):** This noun refers specifically to a heavy cutting tool, an axe or a mattock. Its explicit mention emphasizes the manual, deliberate, and forceful nature of the destruction. Unlike fire, which consumes indiscriminately, the use of axes implies a methodical dismantling, piece by piece, of the Temple's structure. This highlights the invaders' calculated intent to utterly dismantle and desecrate the sanctuary, not merely to damage it, but to systematically tear it apart.
* **thick (Hebrew, _çᵉbâk_):** Derived from a root meaning "to intertwine" or "to entangle," this word refers to a "copse" or "thicket," implying density, robustness, or a dense growth. When applied to the "trees" (wood) of the Temple, it is a powerful metaphor. It refers not to an actual forest but to the dense, robust, and intricately carved wooden beams, panels, and ornamentation that constituted the Temple's structure and interior beauty. The Temple was renowned for its lavish use of precious cedar and cypress wood. The term "thick" thus emphasizes the substantial, valuable, and meticulously crafted nature of the Temple's wooden components, now being brutally cut down as if they were mere common, worthless timber.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[A man] was famous":** This phrase refers collectively to the invading forces, specifically the Babylonian soldiers. The "fame" is deeply ironic and negative, indicating that their destructive acts were widely recognized and notorious throughout the land. It highlights the perverse pride or acknowledgment associated with their efficiency in desecrating God's holy site, emphasizing the shocking nature of their sacrilege.
* **"according as he had lifted up axes":** This describes the precise method of destruction employed by the invaders. The act of "lifting up axes" implies a deliberate, forceful, and sustained effort. It suggests a methodical and unsparing assault on the Temple's structure, indicating not a random act of vandalism but a calculated and systematic campaign of demolition aimed at its complete dismantling.
* **"upon the thick trees":** This is the object of their destructive action. As analyzed above, "thick trees" is a powerful metaphor for the elaborate, precious, and sacred wooden elements of the Temple. The phrase vividly portrays the desecration of the sanctuary, as its beautiful and holy components—crafted for divine worship—are treated as common lumber, ruthlessly cut down and destroyed, symbolizing the complete obliteration of God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 74:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of desolation and sacrilege. **Metaphor** is central, as the "thick trees" are not literal trees but represent the ornate, robust, and sacred wooden structures of the Temple. This metaphor powerfully conveys the scale and nature of the destruction, likening the felling of a holy edifice to the indiscriminate clearing of a common forest, thereby stripping it of its sanctity. **Irony** is powerfully present in the phrase "[A man] was famous." Instead of fame for noble deeds, the invaders gain notoriety for their destructive and sacrilegious actions, highlighting the perversion of true honor and the shocking audacity of their assault on God's dwelling. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a stark picture of axes being lifted and brought down, evoking the sounds and actions of violent demolition. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the scene of desecration, making the psalmist's lament and the community's trauma more palpable and immediate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 74:5 speaks profoundly to the theological concepts of divine presence, the nature of sacrilege, and the experience of divine hiddenness. The destruction of the Temple, God's dwelling place on earth, raised agonizing questions about God's covenant faithfulness and His apparent abandonment of His people in their moment of greatest need. The "fame" of the destroyers underscores the audacious nature of human rebellion against God and the depth of the spiritual wound inflicted when sacred spaces or principles are violated with such impunity. This lament calls upon God to remember His covenant and intervene, reflecting the enduring tension between human suffering and divine sovereignty. It highlights the vulnerability of physical manifestations of faith and the enduring need for God's protection and restoration, even when His presence seems withdrawn.

* [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Nebuzaradan Burns the Temple")
* [Lamentations 2:7](/lamentations/2-7 "Lamentations 2:7 - God's Rejection of His Sanctuary")
* [Isaiah 64:11](/isaiah/64-11 "Isaiah 64:11 - The Desolation of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 74:5, though rooted in a specific historical tragedy, offers timeless insights for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the reality of destructive forces, both external and internal, that seek to dismantle what is sacred and undermine our faith. Just as the physical Temple was desecrated, so too can our spiritual "temples"—our bodies, our communities, our faith, and our sacred values—be attacked by sin, apathy, or external pressures. The "fame" of the destroyers serves as a stark reminder that the world often applauds actions that are antithetical to God's kingdom, celebrating power and dominance even when it comes at the expense of truth, justice, and holiness. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's presence, not just in physical structures but in every aspect of our lives, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). It also validates the experience of lament, acknowledging that it is permissible and even necessary to cry out to God in times of profound loss, confusion, and apparent divine silence, trusting that He hears and will ultimately restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, contribute to the "desecration" of sacred spaces, relationships, or principles in our lives or communities today?**
* **How do we respond when destructive forces seem to gain "fame" or recognition in the world, and what is our role in resisting such trends?**
* **How can the act of lament, as exemplified in Psalm 74, help us process grief, anger, or confusion in our own spiritual journeys?**
* **What does it mean for our lives to be a "temple" for God's Spirit, and how can we better protect and honor that sacred space?**

### FAQ

**What specific historical event is Psalms 74:5 most likely referring to?**

Answer: Psalms 74:5, along with the entire psalm, is widely understood by scholars to be a lament composed in response to the devastating destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. This catastrophic event is meticulously detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem") and [Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). The vivid description of the sanctuary's defilement and the methodical destruction aligns perfectly with the historical accounts of the Babylonian conquest and the profound trauma it inflicted upon the Israelite people.

**Why does the KJV say "a man was famous" in the context of destruction?**

Answer: The KJV translation "a man was famous" for the Hebrew word יָדַע (_yâdaʻ_) captures the sense of being "known" or "recognized." However, in this context, it carries a strong ironic or negative connotation. The invaders were "famous" not for any noble achievement, but for their brutal efficiency and the extent of the sacrilege they committed against God's sanctuary. Their "fame" is a perverse notoriety, highlighting the shocking nature of their destructive acts, which were so blatant and thorough that they became widely acknowledged as acts of profound disrespect and violence against the divine.

**What do the "thick trees" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "thick trees" (Hebrew: `çᵉbâk` for "thick" and `ʻêts` for "trees") are a powerful metaphor for the elaborate, precious, and sacred wooden elements of the Temple. The First Temple, built by Solomon, was renowned for its extensive use of precious cedar and cypress wood, often intricately carved and overlaid with gold. These "thick trees" symbolize the beauty, sanctity, and structural integrity of God's dwelling place. Their felling by axes signifies the complete and brutal dismantling of the Temple, treating its sacred components as common lumber, thereby emphasizing the profound desecration and the utter destruction of what was most holy to Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 74:5, with its poignant lament over the destruction of the physical Temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, though sacred and divinely ordained, was always a shadow and a type of the ultimate reality: God's perfect presence among His people. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")), speaking of His own body. His crucifixion was an act of ultimate desecration by human hands, a brutal "lifting up of axes" against the very Son of God. Yet, through this ultimate act of violence, God brought about the ultimate act of salvation. Christ's death and glorious resurrection inaugurated a new spiritual temple, His body, the Church, where believers become living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), collectively indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The lament over the destroyed sanctuary is thus transformed into a song of hope and triumph, as Christ, our great High Priest, now ministers in a temple "not made with hands" ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, Our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem reveals a city where "I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")), signifying the permanent, unmediated, and perfect presence of God with His redeemed people forever, a fulfillment far surpassing the earthly sanctuary.

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

2 Chronicles 2:14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

Jeremiah 46:22

The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.

Jeremiah 46:23

They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and [are] innumerable.

1 Kings 5:6

Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that [there is] not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians.