But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.

PSALMS 74:6KJV
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Psalms 74:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 74:6 mean?

Psalms 74:6 describes how invaders are violently destroying the carved decorations inside the sanctuary, using axes and hammers to break them all at once. The verse paints a picture of sudden, total ruin brought to something once beautiful and sacred.

The psalm is spoken by someone lamenting the destruction of God’s temple, likely during a time when enemies invaded Jerusalem. The focus is on the physical damage done to the holy place, emphasizing the loss and desecration of what was meant to honor God. The verse highlights the shock and sorrow of seeing sacred art and craftsmanship smashed without hesitation.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 74:6

  • "down" (הָלַם, halam): This word often means to strike or hammer down, emphasizing the force and violence used by the attackers. It shows that the destruction was not accidental but deliberate and aggressive.
  • "work" (פֹּעַל, po'al): This refers to the crafted or artistic work, specifically the carved decorations in the sanctuary. The use of this word draws attention to the skill and care that went into making these objects, making their destruction even more tragic.
  • "once" (יַחַד, yachad): This word means "together" or "all at once," suggesting that the destruction was sudden and complete, not gradual or piecemeal.
  • "axes" (כַּשִּׁיל, kashil): This word refers to a kind of tool for chopping or cutting, likely a heavy axe. It emphasizes the brute force used to destroy the carvings.
  • "hammers" (כַּרְדֹּם, kardom): This word means a hammer or a tool for smashing, reinforcing the idea of violent, intentional destruction.

Why Psalms 74:6 matters

  • Psalms 74:6 clears up that the destruction was not just looting or neglect but a targeted attack on the most sacred and beautiful parts of the temple.
  • The verse emphasizes the emotional weight of seeing something carefully crafted for worship being destroyed in an instant, which helps the reader feel the depth of the loss.
  • This detail connects to the larger theme of the psalm, which is a cry for God to remember His people and the devastation of His sanctuary, highlighting the seriousness of what has happened.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H1986 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 5:22 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.
  • 1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.
  • Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

“work” Hebrew H6603 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

“once” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
  • Job 24:4 They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
  • Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.