They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground;
This phrase refers to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in Israel's history. The temple, originally built by Solomon, was the center of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The burning of the sanctuary likely refers to the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:9. This event was a fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:14) due to the people's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The burning symbolizes not only physical destruction but also a spiritual judgment against the nation. The temple's destruction is a type of the ultimate judgment and purification that Christ would bring, as He spoke of the temple of His body being destroyed and raised in three days (John 2:19-21).

they have defiled the dwelling place of Your Name.
The defilement of the temple signifies the desecration of what was holy and set apart for God. The "dwelling place of Your Name" emphasizes the temple as the location where God's presence was uniquely manifest, as seen in 1 Kings 8:29. The defilement could include the introduction of pagan idols and practices, as seen in Ezekiel 8, where abominations were committed within the temple precincts. This act of defilement is a profound insult to God's holiness and a violation of the covenant relationship. It foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and restoration through Jesus Christ, who is the true temple (John 2:21) and through whom believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The defilement and subsequent restoration highlight the need for purity and reverence in worship, pointing to the eschatological hope of a new heaven and new earth where God's presence will dwell with His people eternally (Revelation 21:3).

1. The Psalmist (Asaph)
Traditionally attributed to Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs during the time of King David. The psalm reflects a communal lament over the destruction of the temple.

2. The Sanctuary
Refers to the holy temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. The Invaders
While not specified in this verse, historical context suggests the Babylonians, who destroyed Solomon's Temple in 586 B.C.

4. The Dwelling Place of God's Name
This phrase emphasizes the temple as the earthly representation of God's presence and glory.

5. The Event of Destruction
The burning and defiling of the temple, a catastrophic event for the Israelites, symbolizing a severe spiritual and national crisis.The Significance of the Temple
The temple was not just a building but a symbol of God's covenant and presence with His people. Its destruction was a profound spiritual loss.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The destruction of the temple serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Even in judgment, God remains sovereign. The destruction of the temple was part of His divine plan, ultimately leading to restoration and renewal.

The Call to Lament
Lament is a biblical response to tragedy and loss. It allows believers to express grief while maintaining faith in God's ultimate justice and mercy.

The New Covenant Temple
In the New Testament, believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit. This calls for a life of holiness and dedication to God.(7) They have cast fire into.--Literally, They have cast into fire thy sanctuary. Probably a hyperbolic expression, and purporting to express the vastness of the conflagration. Others compare with the English "set on fire," and French mettre a feu.

We learn from 1 Maccabees 4:38, and Josephus, Antt. xii., 7:6, that Judas Maccabaeus, in coming to restore the Temple, found that the gates had been burnt.

Verse 7. - They have cast tire into thy sanctuary; or, they have set thy sanctuary fire (Revised Version). The temple of Solomon was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:9; 2 Chronicles 36:19). That of Zerubbabel was never burnt, but was entirely rebuilt, and on a much larger scale, by Herod the Great. That of Herod the Great was burnt in the siege by Titus. They have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy Name to the ground (comp. Lamentations 2:6; Lamentations 4:1). The very foundations of the second temple had to be laid by Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:6, 12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


They have burned
שִׁלְח֣וּ (šil·ḥū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

Your sanctuary
מִקְדָּשֶׁ֑ךָ (miq·dā·še·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4720: A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum

{to the ground};
לָ֝אָ֗רֶץ (lā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

they have defiled
חִלְּל֥וּ (ḥil·lə·lū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play

the dwelling place
מִֽשְׁכַּן־ (miš·kan-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

of Your name.
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ (šə·me·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name


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OT Poetry: Psalm 74:7 They have burned your sanctuary to (Psalm Ps Psa.)