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Psalms 79

World English Bible

WEB

1A Psalm by Asaph. God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. 2They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth. 3They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem. There was no one to bury them. 4We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those who are around us. 5How long, Yahweh? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? 6Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you, on the kingdoms that don’t call on your name, 7for they have devoured Jacob, and destroyed his homeland. 8Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need. 9Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake. 10Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let it be known among the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out. 11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death. 12Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord. 13So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 79 is a poignant lament that reflects the deep sorrow and anguish of the people of #Israel in the face of devastation and destruction. The psalmist begins by crying out to God, expressing the grief over the desecration of the holy city, #Jerusalem, and the destruction of the temple. The opening verses highlight the brutal treatment of God’s people by foreign nations, as they have become a reproach and a source of mockery among the nations. This sets the tone for a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and restoration, as the psalmist seeks God’s mercy in a time of great distress (Psalm 79:1-4).

The psalm continues with a fervent request for God to pour out His wrath upon the nations that have harmed His people, asking for justice and retribution for the bloodshed and suffering endured (Psalm 79:5-7). The psalmist acknowledges the sins of Israel, recognizing that their suffering is a consequence of their disobedience to God. Yet, amidst this acknowledgment, there is a cry for forgiveness and restoration, as the psalmist implores God to revive His people and deliver them from their shame (Psalm 79:8-9). The chapter concludes with a hopeful declaration of praise, anticipating that God will ultimately restore His people and bring glory to His name among the nations (Psalm 79:10-13). This psalm serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, the need for divine mercy, and the hope of restoration in the face of despair.

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 74:1v5Both verses express a cry to God questioning His anger and the duration of His apparent absence, reflecting a theme of lament and seeking God's presence.

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