PSALM 74 i.e. Composed by Asaph; either,
1. By that famous Asaph who flourished in David's time, and by the Spirit of God foresaw and foretold the things here mentioned. But the clear, and exact, and particular, and most pathetical description of the thing here expressed, looks much more like a narrative of what is past than a prophecy of what is to come; which usually is delivered marc darkly. Besides, such a prophecy of the destruction of the temple before it was built would have been a great discouragement to the building of it, and would probably have been taken notice of by Solomon in his prayer for it, when it was newly built. Or,
2. By some of his posterity, who is called by their father's name, Asaph, as the children Of Israel are frequently called Jacob, or Israel, and David's successors David; as hath been noted. Or,
3. By some other person of that name, though of another family; who then was a man of renown, though now his memory be lost. Or this may be rendered for Asaph, i.e. for his posterity; and it might be said by some other holy man of God. But the former seems more probable. This is evident, that this Psalm speaks of the destruction of the temple, and of Jerusalem, and of God's people, by the Chaldeans; though some think it. looks further, even to the pollution of the temple by Antiochus; although the things said to be done, Psalms 74:6-8, agree much better to the former, and were not done by Antiochus. The church complaineth of the desolation which the enemies had made in the temple and synagogue, Psalms 74:1-9; prayeth God to help by his great power, Psalms 74:10-17, against the reproach and blasphemy of the enemies, Psalms 74:18. He prayeth for God's beloved and covenanted ones, Psalms 74:19-23. Why hast thou cast us of for ever, so as to leave us no visible hopes of restitution? Thine anger; or, thy nose; a metaphor from a man who in a great rage sends forth fumes out of his nostrils. Against the sheep of thy pasture; against thy chosen and peculiar people.