Psalm 74: Invocation of Asaph's Memory

Verse 22: Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; do not forget the insults of the foolish every day.

Israel was in crisis. Their homes, possessions, and even the spiritual pillar, the sanctuary were destroyed. Their bodies and minds, both physical and spiritual, were left in desolation. Verse 9 reveals their state well: "There are no signs among us anymore, and there are no prophets; no one among us knows how long this will last." Despite the crisis, there are no signs. Their situation is like being thrown into the middle of a desert without a compass, trapped in a space with no glimmer of light.

Asaph replaces Israel with God in the battle between Israel and its enemies. It has transformed into a battle of God versus the enemy nations. The destruction of Israel's cities and sanctuaries has become the destruction of God's house. Israel urges God to defend Himself, standing by His side and encouraging the battle between God and the enemy nations.

What is the basis for Asaph to replace Israel with God? It is the memory, the covenant that God made with Israel: "I will be your God" (Exodus 29:45, Leviticus 26:12, Deuteronomy 29:13, Psalm 50:7; 81:10, Jeremiah 7:23; 30:22, 31:1, 33, Ezekiel 11:20; 14:11, Zechariah 8:8). Asaph invokes the shared memory (covenant) between Israel and God. Asaph presents the contract to God, which still has clear traces of ink on it.