Psalms 74:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls God to remember the enemy's reproach and blasphemy, making it the final reason for God to act.
The Context of Psalms 74:18
Return to the present crisis: emphasizing that God's own name and honor are at stake.
What Does Psalms 74:18 Mean?
After the expansive affirmation of God's creative power, the psalm returns to the specific crisis: the enemy's reproach and blasphemy. 'Remember this'—echo of verse 2 ('Remember thy congregation')—but now focused on the affront that has been committed. The enemy has not merely defeated Israel militarily; they have mockingly rejected God's name and reputation. The psalmist labels them 'foolish people,' not as a casual insult but as a theological statement: those who blaspheme God's name are fools.
By connecting God's vast creative power (verses 12-17) with the specific injury done to His name (verse 18), the psalmist makes his final argument: God's honor and the enemy's blasphemy cannot coexist. For God's name to remain holy, the mockery must be silenced. The prayer builds from Israel's need to God's own interests in vindication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 74:18
What does Psalms 74:18 mean?
The psalmist calls God to remember the enemy's reproach and blasphemy, making it the final reason for God to act.
What is the context of Psalms 74:18?
Return to the present crisis: emphasizing that God's own name and honor are at stake.