We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

PSALMS 74:9KJV
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Psalms 74:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 74:9 mean?

Psalms 74:9 describes a time when the people of Israel feel abandoned and confused because they no longer see miraculous signs, have no prophets to guide them, and do not know how long their hardship will last. The verse expresses a deep sense of loss and uncertainty during a crisis.

The speaker is likely a community leader or poet speaking on behalf of Israel after a national disaster, such as the destruction of the temple. The people are looking for evidence of God’s presence ("signs"), guidance from prophets, and any knowledge about when their suffering will end. This verse captures their feeling of being spiritually lost and without direction.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 74:9

  • "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means more than just physical sight; it often refers to perceiving or experiencing something significant. Here, it highlights the absence of any visible evidence of God’s intervention.
  • "signs" (אוֹת, 'ot): This word refers to miraculous events or symbols that show God is at work. The people are lamenting that they no longer witness such signs.
  • "prophet" (נָבִיא, navi): A prophet in Israel was someone who spoke God’s message to the people. The verse emphasizes that there is no one left who can give them divine guidance.
  • "knoweth" (יָדַע, yada): This word means to know deeply or to have understanding. The people admit that no one among them has insight into their situation.
  • "long" (עַד, ad): This word often means "until" or "how long." The verse ends with the people’s uncertainty about the duration of their suffering, showing their longing for answers.

Why Psalms 74:9 matters

  • Psalms 74:9 clarifies that the crisis is not just physical but also spiritual—the people feel cut off from God’s guidance and presence.
  • The verse highlights the importance of prophets and signs in ancient Israel as sources of hope and direction, showing how their absence deepens the sense of loss.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a communal lament, helping readers understand the depth of despair and longing for restoration that runs through the whole passage.

Where else these words appear

“signs” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

“long” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 18:2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.