Psalms 74:1-2

1. A call for God to remember His people 74:1-2

Evidently Israel was suffering under the oppression of a foreign foe. The writer prayed that God would stop disciplining His chosen people and remember (act) to bless the nation He had redeemed. The figure of sheep (Psalms 74:2) stresses the helpless, weak condition of the people (cf. Psalms 79:13; Psalms 95:7; Psalms 100:3). The reference to Israel’s redemption recalls the Exodus (cf. Exodus 15:13). The word "tribe" (Psalms 74:2) also pictures Israel as small and vulnerable (cf. Jeremiah 10:16). God regarded Israel as His own inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:20). The sanctuary stood on Mt. Zion in Asaph’s day.