Attributed to Asaph, it could as easily be simply someone from his clan who wrote this. We do well to remind ourselves that the Hebrew culture saw no reason to be quite so precise about such things. Nor should we forget that there is an honored place for hyperbole in Hebrew poetry. It had long been acceptable in courtly protocols as a form or artistic expression, carrying none of the moral stain it holds in Western culture.
Even if we choose to read into this psalm a literal historical context that matches the imagery, we would still miss the point. This could have been a prophetic word long before any actual event matching the descriptions, but it’s more important to recognize the symbolism of how it feels when God allows things to happen in life that we don’t understand, or that we didn’t expect. We have ample record that God still responds favorably if only some tiny few among His people cry out for deliverance, so even if the sorrow is justified, God commands us to call on His name.
In the first line, the word typically translated “forever” carries the connotation of some far distant point or the idea of something constant or perpetual. Thus, it could as easily be “to the uttermost.” The second line is even more picturesque, with anger smoldering against helpless sheep. The psalmist calls to mind God’s heavy investment in choosing Israel. Then he describes a scene of shocking devastation and defilement in the Temple. Does God not Himself feel fouled by this gross insult to His reputation? Was it truly His plan that every shrine to His name be removed from the Land?
Worse, it seems God is silent, offering no explanation through the normal means of prophets and other recognizable signs. How can God be silent in face of such blasphemy? The writer renews his call on God to act, for there is no doubt who holds the real authority here. This is Jehovah, God of the Exodus. He fed His people on the carcass of Egypt (symbolized by beasts). With one hand He flooded the land and with the other divided the flood. He is the Creator who made all things.
No one denies that His people have failed Him, but are they truly now His enemy? The psalmist paints Israel as helpless and precious to Him. While His people do fall into sin, who else can bear His name to the nations? Restore Your honor, O Lord!
