See note on the superscription of Psa. 32.

This psalm concerns the desolation of the house of God. After reaching the highest enjoyment of God in His house and His city at the end of Book Two, the psalmist lost this enjoyment, and God’s house was desolated, as described in this psalm. Verses 1-11 are the psalmist’s painful presentation of the perpetual ruins and damage in the sanctuary of God (v. 3). The temple, God’s house, was desolated to such an extent that it was burned (vv. 7-8), and the city surrounding it was ruined (2 Chron. 36:19). The intrinsic reason for the desolation was that Christ was not exalted by God’s people; they did not give Him the preeminence, the first place, in everything (Jer. 2:13; cf. Col. 1:18; Rev. 2:4 and note Rev. 2:4²). The problem of desolation is solved by Christ being properly appreciated and exalted by God’s people (see note Psa. 80:17¹). The enjoyment of God in the house and the city of God can be maintained and preserved only when Christ is properly appreciated and exalted by God’s people.

Verses 1-2 indicate that the psalmist was concerned about two things — God’s people and God’s dwelling place, both of which had been damaged. Regarding this, the psalmist was deeply disappointed.

Verses 12-23 are a desperate cry for God’s interest (v. 22a) that appeals to His power (vv. 13-17) and is based on His faithfulness to His covenant (v. 20). This is an example of the best kind of prayer. Eventually, God heard this prayer and came in to restore the ruined sanctuary (Ezra chs. 1—6).

Probably the crocodile.