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This verse is taken from:
Psalm 74
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“search the scriptures” John 5:39
Two questions are asked in this psalm, two questions often asked in prayer. “Why?”, vv. 1, 11, and “How long?”, v. 10. Why? We are sure that the only wise God has the very best of reasons for all that He does, “wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working”, Isa. 28. 29, in all that He permits. How long? We can be sure that He never allows more suffering than is necessary, for He delights in mercy.
The psalm is a passionate plea from the godly remnant of Israel after the desecration and destruction of Solomon’s temple by the Chaldean armies, 2 Kings 25. 9-17.
No nation had been so blessed, not only with a most fruitful land, but with laws to preserve peace and justice. Yet, self-willed, like all men, they imitated the pagan nations around, and grew progressively worse. “They mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy”, 2 Chron. 36. 16.
Why was the temple left destroyed and desolate? It was to provide further evidence that:
It is the godly remnant of the nation who suffer with the rest and feel the shame more keenly than others. They are concerned for the honour of God’s name. “How long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?”, Psa. 74. 10. They remind God of His mighty power through which their ancestors were saved from slavery in Egypt, vv. 13-15, and then of His control of creation, vv. 16, 17, His power was certainly more than sufficient; but they next appeal to His compassion for the oppressed, the poor and the needy, vv. 21, 22. These are earnest appeals, but their prayers, like ours, must end, “not as I will, but as thou wilt”, Matt. 26. 39.
“Let patience have her perfect work”, James 1. 4.
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