Psalms 79

Psalms 79:1-13

“ Help Us, O God of Our Salvation” Psalms 79:1-13 It was the period of the Chaldean invasion. This cry of horror went forth from the heart of the Chosen People, who had looked upon the sacred shrine as inviolable. They could not believe that the tide of invasion could break in upon Jerusalem, or that the Holy City should be defiled by the profane feet of the heathen. This psalm should be compared with the book of Lamentations. We there find the same horror, the same anguish, the same sense of surprise, the same hatred of the foe, the same cry to God. Does it seem as if God were angry with you? Have the heathen forced their way into the inner shrine and city of your heart? Are you brought very low and near unto death? Then begin to inquire whether some sin may not have alienated God from you. Confess it and put it away. Turn to God with a free and glad faith. Ask that His mercies may prevent and His help succor you, for His Name’ s sake. The sighing of the captive and the greatness of God power, Psalms 79:11, are in close affinity; and when you are delivered, remember your vows, and show forth His praise to all within your reach.

Where is their god? This Psalm, like Psalms 74:1-23, evidently dates from the Chaldean invasion, in Psalms 74:1-23, the destruction of the Temple was the prominent thought. Here its defilement is deplored. There are three stanzas: narrative (Psalms 79:1-4); prayer, especially because God’s name and glory are at stake (Psalms 79:5-12); promises of perpetual praise (Psalms 79:13).

Psalms 79:1.The heathen are come into Thine inheritance In other passages God Himself is described as the chief agent. Here we find specified the tools employed by Him (Ezekiel 5:11; Ezekiel 23:38).

Psalms 79:2-3. Blood shed like water Fulfilled 2 Chronicles 36:17; Zechariah 14:1-21; see also Revelation 11:7.

Psalms 79:5. Jealousy like fire Jealousy is the reverse side of love. Jehovah was a husband to his people,, hence his severity (Amos 3:2). We should be very particular as to our walk, lest we cause bitter heart-pain to the Lover of souls (1 Corinthians 10:22).

Psalms 79:6. Pour out Thy wrath Pour out is the same word as is translated shed in Psalms 79:3. This verse is quoted by (Jeremiah 10:25).

Psalms 79:8. The iniquities of our forefathers (R.V., Deuteronomy 5:9) Let us ask God to remember, in his dealings with us, not the sins of our past, but the covenant which He made with our fathers.

Psalms 79:9. Help us, O God, for the glory of Thy name We have an irresistible argument when we plead for God’s glory (John 14:13).

Psalms 79:10. Let the revenging of the blood of thy servants be known (R.V.) Joel quotes the former clause (2:17).

[e-Sword Edition Note: The original text provides an ambiguous reference of “2:17”. This cannot refer to Psalms 2:17 because no such verse exists. Joe 2:17 does not seem fit the context. Other similar verses include: Deuteronomy 32:43, 2 Kings 9:7, and Revelation 19:2. The Revelation reference seems especially unlikely because .] Psalms 79:11. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee! The answer is anticipated in Psalms 102:19-20.

Psalms 79:13. We will give Thee thanks forever In pastures of never-failing bliss, we shall give Him perpetual praise (Revelation 7:17).