Like Psalm 74, this is a threnody for Israel the Mission. Something brought the wrath of God on His people, His city, and His Temple. Asaph’s cry is not for mere vengeance, but for God’s glory and a restoration of the mission to reflect that glory in His blessings.
It would be a mistake to read back into this passage the racism common in Jesus’ day. Asaph clearly understands that being God’s Chosen is a high privilege, not some divine right. The problem here is that the nations who don’t know God and don’t take His name or reputation seriously have defiled His holy place. Worse, they have ravaged the structures and plundered some of the dedicated articles. If the knew God and were mindful of His holiness, this would be totally different. Still worse, these invaders have defiled the Temple grounds with unjust blood, and treated victim’s bodies with contempt. Finally, all those nearby who long have hated Jehovah and His mission of revelation are now emboldened to blasphemy.
More than merely a common question, it is proper protocol to ask in this fashion, “How long, O Lord?” Hebrew culture viewed time differently, and things of this nature were seldom measured in standard increments. Rather, the question calls for a sign, something to indicate when this thing has ripened and is ready for harvest. The question is a figure of speech aimed more at, “What fruit do You seek? Is this the end for us?” The wrath of God is meant for those who don’t know Him and His ways, and obviously Israel has slipped into that territory. When the Psalmist sees that wrath falling outside of Israel over the defiling His name, he will know that God has heard his cry.
Only a fool denies that Israel has sinned, surely in the past if not in the present. She has never been worthy of divine favor. The issue hangs on God’s mercy, not human worthiness. Thus, rescue is all a matter of His glory, not anything due the people. Has God invested so much of His reputation in Israel to let her die to the sound of blasphemy? At least show Your hand of power on the enemies of Israel, as well, O Lord. And if we can find favor in Your sight, rescue us through their demise.
Rightly has Israel been taken into punitive custody. And rightly does she bemoan her fate. So let the crying touch Your heart, Lord. May the curses heaped on us by our envious neighbors be paid back upon them “in sevens” (a figure of speech for something sacred). The final scenario is that the redeemed will celebrate the greatness of their God.
