Psalms 74:11

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 74:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Why drawest thou back thy hand, even thy right hand? [Pluck it] out of thy bosom [and] consume [them].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Why drawest thou back thy hand, even thy right hand? [Pluck it] out of thy bosom [and] consume [them].
Psalms 74:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 74

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11Why drawest thou back thy hand, even thy right hand? [Pluck it] out of thy bosom [and] consume [them].

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even that right hand? etc.] By which is meant the power of God; by which he made the heavens and the earth, and all things therein, and supports them in their beings; by which the work of his grace is wrought in the hearts of his people, and they are upheld; and by which he conquers their enemies, and saves them: this may be said to be withdrawn when he denies his people the help and succour they have had from him; when he seems to have forsaken the work of his hands; when there is not that success in the ministry of the word there formerly was, his arm being not revealed and made bare; and when the enemies of religion prosper and get ground; and when the Lord…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? - Why dost thou not stretch forth thy hand for our deliverance? The hand, especially the right hand, is the instrument by which we wield a sword, or strike a blow; and the expression here is equivalent to asking why God did not interfere and save them. Pluck it out of thy bosom - As if God had hidden his hand beneath the folds of his garment, or had wrapped his robe tightly around him. It “seemed” as if he had done this, as if he looked calmly on, and saw the temple fired, the synagogues burned up, the land laid waste, and the people slaughtered, without an attempt to interpose. How often are we constrained to use similar language - to ask…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Why - Why dost thou forebear the exercise of thy power? Bosom - In which thou now seemest to hide it. Psalms 74:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“withdrawest: Isa 64:12; Lam 2:3 pluck it out: As the outward habit of the easterns has no sleeves, the hands and arms are frequently covered with the folds of the robe; and, in order to do anything, the hand must be disentangled, and drawn out. Psa 44:23, Psa 78:65, Psa 78:66 Psalms 74:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification