Psalms 74:19

“O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove, etc.] By which is meant the church, (see <220214>Song of Solomon 2:14 5:2 6:9), which is comparable to this creature for its cleanness and purity, for its amiableness and beauty, for its harmlessness and innocence, for its modesty and meekness, for its affection and chastity to its mate, for its mournful and bemoaning voice for the loss of it, for its being a timorous and fearful creature, a weak one, and exposed to the prey of others; all which is true of the church, and may be applied to it: the Targum is, “do not deliver the souls of them that teach thy law;” the word having some affinity with “torah”, the law; but Jarchi says, that Jonathan, in…”

“O deliver not the soul of thy turtle-dove - The “life” of thy turtle-dove; or, thy turtle-dove itself. The turtle-dove is a name of endearment for one beloved, in Song of Solomon 2:12, and is thus applied here to the people of Israel. The leading idea in such an application of the word is that of innocence, harmlessness, timidity, gentleness. The thought here is that of a people dear to God, now timid and alarmed. It is the prayer of a people beloved by God that he would not deliver them to their enemies. The prayer may be regarded as one which was used on the occasion referred to in the psalm; or, as a general prayer for the people of God, considered as exposed to ravening enemies. Unto the…”

“Soul - The life. Turtle - dove - Of thy church, which is fitly compared to a turtle - dove, because simple and harmless, and meek, and faithful. Psalms 74:20”

“74:19-23 The poet urges God to act.”

“turtledove: Psa 68:13; Sol 2:14, Sol 4:1, Sol 6:9; Isa 60:8; Mat 10:16 forget: Psa 68:10, Psa 72:2; Zep 3:12; Jam 2:5, Jam 2:6 Psalms 74:20”