Psalms 79
Psalms 79 is part of “Book III: The Leviticus Book” (73–89) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 79 summary
This psalm, if penned with any particular event in view, is with most probability made to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the woeful havoc made of the Jewish nation by the Chaldeans under Nebuchadnezzar. It is set to the same tune, as I may say, with the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and that weeping prophet borrows two verses out of it (Psa 79:6, Psa 79:7) and makes use of them in his prayer, Jer 10:25. Some think it was penned long before by the spirit of prophecy, prepared for the use of the church in that cloudy and dark day. Others think that it was penned then by the spirit of prayer, either by a prophet named…
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This psalm, if penned with any particular event in view, is with most probability made to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the woeful havoc made of the Jewish nation by the Chaldeans under Nebuchadnezzar. It is set to the same tune, as I may say, with the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and that weeping prophet borrows two verses out of it (Psa 79:6, Psa 79:7) and makes use of them in his prayer, Jer 10:25. Some think it was penned long before by the spirit of prophecy, prepared for the use of the church in that cloudy and dark day. Others think that it was penned then by the spirit of prayer, either by a prophet named Asaph or by some other prophet for the sons of Asaph. Whatever the particular occasion was, we have here, I. A representation of the very deplorable condition that the people of God were in at this time (Psa 79:1-5). II. A petition to God for succour and relief, that their enemies might be reckoned with (Psa 79:6, Psa 79:7, Psa 79:10, Psa 79:12), that their sins might be pardoned (Psa 79:8, Psa 79:9), and that they might be delivered (Psa 79:11). III. A plea taken from the readiness of his people to praise him (Psa 79:13). In times of the church's peace and prosperity this psalm may, in the singing of it, give us occasion to bless God that we are not thus trampled on and insulted. But it is especially seasonable in a day of treading down and perplexity, for the exciting of our desires towards God and the encouragement of our faith in him as the church's patron. A psalm of Asaph.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 79 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
How Long, O Lord?
1A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations are come into thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. 2The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be food unto the birds of the heavens, The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. 3Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; And there was none to bury them. 4We are become a reproach to our neighbors, A scoffing and derision to them that are round about us. 5How long, O Jehovah? wilt thou be angry for ever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire? 6Pour out thy wrath upon the nations that know thee not, And upon the kingdoms that call not upon thy name. 7For they have devoured Jacob, And laid waste his habitation. 8Remember not against us the iniquities of our forefathers: Let thy tender mercies speedily meet us; For we are brought very low. 9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; And deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name’s sake. 10Wherefore should the nations say, Where is their God? Let the avenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed Be known among the nations in our sight. 11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee: According to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to death; 12And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord. 13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture Will give thee thanks for ever: We will show forth thy praise to all generations.