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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 74:21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/74-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_074_021.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 74:21 - Why Have You Rejected Us Forever?" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/74-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/74-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/74.htm">Chapter 74</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/74-20.htm" title="Psalm 74:20">◄</a> Psalm 74:21 <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm" title="Psalm 74:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/74.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/74.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/74.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t let the downtrodden be humiliated again. Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/74.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/74.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/74.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/74.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed! Let the poor and needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/74.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the oppressed person not return dishonored; May the afflicted and the needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/74.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let not the oppressed return dishonored; Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/74.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let not the oppressed return dishonored; Let the afflicted and needy praise Thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/74.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let not the oppressed return dishonored; Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/74.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let not the oppressed return dishonored; Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/74.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed turn away in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/74.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed turn away in shame; let the poor and needy praise Your name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/74.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh let not the oppressed return ashamed: Let the poor and needy praise thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/74.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't disappoint those in need or make them turn from you, but help the poor and homeless to shout your praises. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/74.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/74.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not let oppressed people come back in disgrace. Let weak and needy people praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/74.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't let the oppressed be put to shame; let those poor and needy people praise you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/74.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't let the oppressed return in humiliation. The poor and needy will praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/74.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/74.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not let the afflicted be turned back in shame! Let the oppressed and poor praise your name! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/74.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/74.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/74.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t let the oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/74.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not let the oppressed turn back ashamed, "" Let the poor and needy praise Your Name,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/74.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Let not the oppressed turn back ashamed, Let the poor and needy praise Thy name,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/74.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The poor one shall not turn back ashamed: the humble and the needy shall praise thy name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/74.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let not the humble be turned away with confusion: the poor and needy shall praise thy name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/74.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 73:21>Do not allow the humble to be turned away in confusion. The poor and the needy will praise your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/74.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Let not the oppressed turn back in shame; may the poor and needy praise your name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/74.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/74.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />O let not the oppressed return ashamed; let the poor and needy praise thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/74.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Let not the poor remain ashamed; let the afflicted and the poor praise your Name.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/74.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />O let not the oppressed turn back in confusion; Let the poor and needy praise Thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/74.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />let not the afflicted and shamed one be rejected: the poor and needy shall praise thy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/74-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=9130" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/74.htm">Why Have You Rejected Us Forever?</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1790.htm" title="1790: daḵ (Adj-ms) -- Crushed, oppressed. From an unused root; crushed, i.e. Injured.">let the oppressed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: yā·šōḇ (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">retreat</a> <a href="/hebrew/3637.htm" title="3637: niḵ·lām (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be humiliated. A primitive root; properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult.">in shame;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">may the poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: wə·’eḇ·yō·wn (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">and needy</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: yə·hal·lū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To shine.">praise</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·me·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">Your name.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a></span><br />The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-19.htm">Isaiah 29:19</a></span><br />The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/9-18.htm">Psalm 9:18</a></span><br />For the needy will not always be forgotten; nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Proverbs 14:31</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></span><br />but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Matthew 11:5</a></span><br />The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a></span><br />Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-16.htm">Job 5:16</a></span><br />So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-17.htm">Psalm 10:17-18</a></span><br />You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, / to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-2.htm">Isaiah 66:2</a></span><br />Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-28</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise your name.</p><p class="hdg">o let not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-18.htm">Psalm 9:18</a></b></br> For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall <i>not</i> perish for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/12-5.htm">Psalm 12:5</a></b></br> For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set <i>him</i> in safety <i>from him that</i> puffeth at him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-19.htm">Psalm 102:19-21</a></b></br> For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; … </p><p class="hdg">poor</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-21.htm">Psalm 102:21</a></b></br> To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/3-11.htm">Ezra 3:11</a></b></br> And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because <i>he is</i> good, for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/33-11.htm">Jeremiah 33:11</a></b></br> The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD <i>is</i> good; for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever: <i>and</i> of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/74-19.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/71-24.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Confusion</a> <a href="/psalms/74-14.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Disgrace</a> <a href="/psalms/70-2.htm">Dishonored</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Downtrodden</a> <a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Low</a> <a href="/psalms/72-13.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/69-32.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/74-19.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/73-10.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/44-10.htm">Retreat</a> <a href="/psalms/71-24.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/73-16.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/83-17.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/psalms/83-16.htm">Confusion</a> <a href="/psalms/89-10.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/psalms/83-17.htm">Disgrace</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Dishonored</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Downtrodden</a> <a href="/psalms/75-7.htm">Low</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/75-1.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/104-22.htm">Retreat</a> <a href="/psalms/78-66.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 74</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">The prophet complains of the desolation of the sanctuary</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/74-10.htm">He moves God to help in consideration of his power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/74-18.htm">Of his reproachful enemies, or his children and of his covenant.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/74.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/74.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame;</b><br>This phrase reflects a plea for divine intervention on behalf of those who are suffering injustice. The term "oppressed" often refers to those who are marginalized or persecuted, a common theme throughout the Psalms. In the historical context of ancient Israel, oppression could come from foreign nations, corrupt leaders, or societal structures. The call for the oppressed not to retreat in shame suggests a desire for vindication and justice, aligning with the biblical principle that God is a defender of the downtrodden (<a href="/psalms/9-9.htm">Psalm 9:9</a>). This plea can be connected to the broader biblical narrative where God consistently acts as a deliverer for His people, as seen in the Exodus story (<a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7-8</a>).<p><b>may the poor and needy praise Your name.</b><br>The "poor and needy" are frequently mentioned in Scripture as those who are close to God's heart (<a href="/psalms/35-10.htm">Psalm 35:10</a>). This phrase implies a transformation from a state of distress to one of worship and gratitude, indicating divine intervention and provision. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, poverty was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor, yet the psalmist turns this notion on its head by suggesting that the poor will have cause to praise God. This reflects the biblical theme of reversal, where God lifts the humble and brings down the proud (<a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52-53</a>). The call for the poor and needy to praise God's name also foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the blessedness of the poor in spirit (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a>) and His mission to proclaim good news to the poor (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a></b><br>Refers to those who are suffering under injustice or hardship. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include those who were marginalized or persecuted.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_and_needy.htm">The Poor and Needy</a></b><br>These are individuals who lack material wealth and resources, often relying on God's provision and justice for their survival and dignity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs, who is crying out to God on behalf of the people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure to whom the psalmist directs his plea, seeking divine intervention and justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the destruction or desecration of the temple is a central theme in <a href="/bsb/psalms/74.htm">Psalm 74</a>, representing a crisis of faith and identity for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_justice.htm">God's Heart for Justice</a></b><br>God is deeply concerned with justice and the plight of the oppressed. Believers are called to reflect this concern in their own lives by advocating for those who are marginalized.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_praise.htm">The Power of Praise</a></b><br>Even in difficult circumstances, the act of praising God can be a powerful testimony and source of strength. It shifts focus from the problem to the Provider.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/shame_and_dignity.htm">Shame and Dignity</a></b><br>God desires to remove shame from the oppressed and restore their dignity. As Christians, we are called to participate in this restorative work by offering support and encouragement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>True faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's heart for the poor and needy. This includes practical support and advocacy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_justice.htm">Hope in God's Justice</a></b><br>Believers can find hope in the assurance that God will ultimately bring justice and vindication for the oppressed.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_74.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 74</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_view_acts_of_injustice.htm">How does God view acts of injustice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_82_2-4_conflict_with_god's_justice.htm">Does Psalm 82:2-4 conflict with God's perfect justice by suggesting lesser 'gods' are failing to judge rightly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_12_5_with_ongoing_suffering.htm">How do we resolve the seeming conflict between Psalm 12:5, where God promises protection for the poor, and other biblical passages where the suffering of the righteous continues unabated?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_global_suffering_contradict_psalm_72.htm">Psalm 72:12-14 promises deliverance for the needy, yet suffering persists globally; does this contradict the psalm's assurance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/74.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Oppressed.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">crushed. </span>(See <a href="/psalms/9-9.htm" title="The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.">Psalm 9:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/10-18.htm" title="To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.">Psalm 10:18</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/74.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">O let not the oppressed return ashamed</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> let not this oppressed nation turn their back on thee in shame and confusion at thy forsaking them. Rather, <span class="cmt_word">let the poor and needy praise thy Name;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> show them some mercy, some deliverance, which may turn their shame into joy, and call forth from them songs of praise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/74-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let the oppressed</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(daḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1790.htm">Strong's 1790: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crushed, oppressed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">retreat</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשֹׁ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in shame;</span><br /><span class="heb">נִכְלָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(niḵ·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3637.htm">Strong's 3637: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wound, to taunt, insult</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may the poor</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and needy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אֶבְי֗וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eḇ·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">praise</span><br /><span class="heb">יְֽהַלְל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hal·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your name.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·me·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/74-21.htm">Psalm 74:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/74-21.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 74:21 Don't let the oppressed return ashamed (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/74-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 74:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 74:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/74-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 74:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 74:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>