Psalms 74:9
We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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In their deepest distress, the psalmist highlights not just the absence of prophets, but also the loss of the "signs" of God's presence – the ordinances and practices that reminded them of His favor. This points to a profound spiritual blindness, where even the tangible markers of God's faithfulness are no longer recognized, leaving them adrift without guidance or hope.
The psalm laments a devastating loss of God's presence and guidance for His people. They feel abandoned, unable to see the tangible signs of God's favor that once marked their worship and identity, and there is no prophet to offer understanding or hope for how long this desolation will last. This deepens their despair as they face the taunts of their enemies, wondering if God has forever turned away.
Imagine walking through a familiar city, but all the landmarks are gone. That's the feeling here. The psalmist laments the absence of 'signs' – the tangible proof that God is with His people.
Where Did the 'Signs' Go?
The psalmist cries, 'We see not our signs.' What are these 'signs'? They aren't just random symbols. They were the sacred markers of God's presence and covenant with Israel:
When these are gone or suppressed, it feels like God has withdrawn His visible presence, leaving His people in spiritual darkness and confusion.
In times of crisis, we often turn to spiritual leaders for guidance. But here, the cry is desperate: 'there is no longer any prophet.' What does this prophetic silence mean for a nation in distress?
When the Divine Hotline Goes Dead
The absence of prophets intensifies the feeling of abandonment:
Understand the original words
'oth · Hebrew Noun
Divine manifestations, wonders, or miraculous acts intended to confirm God’s message and reveal His power to His people.
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
A messenger chosen by God to speak His truth, foretell future events, and call the people to repentance.
This psalm profoundly captures the despair of a people who have lost the tangible signs of God's presence – the Temple, the Ark, the sacrifices – and with them, the clear voice of prophecy, leaving them uncertain of God's plan and the duration of their suffering.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population. This marks a profound crisis of faith and national identity.
c. 580s - 520s BC
Babylonian Exile
The Judean exiles live in Babylonia, experiencing a deep sense of loss and displacement. Prophets like Ezekiel minister to them during this period.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus, overthrows the Babylonian Empire, opening the door for the exiled Jews to return to their homeland.
c. 520 BC
Temple Reconstruction Begins
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the work of rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem commences.
This passage echoes the lament of Psalm 74, highlighting the loss of prophetic guidance and divine signs during a time of deep distress and devastation.
Ezekiel 7:26This verse directly reflects the psalmist's cry, stating that 'law is lacking from the priest and counsel from the elders,' mirroring the absence of prophetic insight and divine communication.
This passage from the Maccabean period shows a similar despair, noting 'there was no prophet in Israel' and emphasizing the longing for divine signs and direction.
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees for their inability to discern the 'signs of the times,' illustrating the spiritual blindness that can occur when divine signs and prophetic voices are ignored or absent.
Revelation 11:7This prophetic passage speaks of a future time when 'the beast that comes up from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them,' a period characterized by a silencing of prophetic witness and a time of great uncertainty about its end.
jfbPsalms 74:9: "We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long."
- signs—of God's presence, as altar, ark, &c. (compare Ps 74:4; 2Ch 36:18, 19; Da 5:2).no more any prophet—(Isa 3:2; Jer 40:1; 43:6).how long—this is to last. Jeremiah's prophecy (Jer 25:11), if published, may not have been generally known or understood. To the bulk of the people, during the captivity, the occasional and local prophetical services of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Da…
pulpitPsalms 74:9: "We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long."
Verse 9. - We see not our signs. Some suppose "standards" to be meant, as in ver. 4, where the same word is used; but it is, perhaps, better to understand, with Dr. Kay, "Divine ordinances, which were standing signs of God's presence - as the tabernacle, the sacrifices, the sabbaths." There is no more any prophet. It has been said that this shows the psalm not to have been wri…
In their deepest distress, the psalmist highlights not just the absence of prophets, but also the loss of the "signs" of God's presence – the ordinances and practices that reminded them of His favor. This points to a profound spiritual blindness, where even the tangible markers of God's faithfulness are no longer recognized, leaving them adrift without guidance or hope.
The psalm laments a devastating loss of God's presence and guidance for His people. They feel abandoned, unable to see the tangible signs of God's favor that once marked their worship and identity, and there is no prophet to offer understanding or hope for how long this desolation will last. This deepens their despair as they face the taunts of their enemies, wondering if God has forever turned away.
The psalm laments a devastating loss of God's presence and guidance for His people. They feel abandoned, unable to see the tangible signs of God's favor that once marked their worship and identity, and there is no prophet to offer understanding or hope for how long this desolation will last. This deepens their despair as they face the taunts of their enemies, wondering if God has forever turned away.
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This silence is not just a lack of information; it's a profound spiritual vulnerability.
c. 400s BC
Post-Exilic Period
The returnees face ongoing challenges in rebuilding their society and religious life. The absence of a Davidic king and prophetic guidance fuels a sense of vulnerability.
"We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long." — In their deepest distress, the psalmist highlights not just the absence of prophets, but also the loss of the "signs" of God's presence – the ordinances and practices that reminded them of His favor.…
