The pleading soul here takes up many strong and unanswerable arguments to plead with God. He first sets out with reminding Jehovah, that the anger God hath manifested is against his people. Now, saith the prophet, should God's anger continue forever against his own redeemed? Whom should a father regard, if he regards not his own children? And whom should a God in covenant regard, if he regards not his redeemed? He next reminds God of his purchase. Mount Zion is the gift of the Father to his Son, the purchase of his Son's blood, and the palace of his kingdom. Think, Lord, then (saith the prophet) upon thine inheritance which thou hast purchased, which thou hast redeemed, and whereon thou hast dwelt. He next tells God what the enemy hath done, and how he hath triumphed. And will the Lord be silent while his people are oppressed, and the enemy rejoiceth? He next laments the loss of ordinances, and the want of prophets to explain to the people what the mind and will of God is concerning these heavy afflictions. And lastly, the prophet throws himself and people upon God's faithfulness and covenant mercy for an assured deliverance: O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? Reader! if we read this Old Testament gospel by a New Testament interpretation, it will appear most abundantly sweet and precious. Doth the enemy tempt, harass, reproach? Is our God apparently silent at a mercy-seat? Are ordinances unprofitable, and do we go heavily all the day? Oh! how blessed is it then to look to Christ, and the everlasting efficacy of his blood and righteousness, and to lean upon these, and plead them before the throne, reminding our God and Father of his oath and promises. Psalms 89:30-35.
Psalms 74:3-12
3 Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.
5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
7 They have castb fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
8 They said in their hearts, Let us destroyc them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.
12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.