Psalm 79

 (1) Overview

(NET) The author laments how the invading nations have destroyed the temple and city of Jerusalem. He asks God to forgive his people and to pour out his vengeance on those who have mistreated them.

(2) Outline-simplified version

(Kel Ps) 

          I.      The psalmist voices the nation’s lament over the devastation of Jerusalem and the slaughter of so many people by mocking enemies (1–4).

          II.      The psalmist voices the urgent prayer of the nation for the LORD to forgive their sins and avenge their devastation (5–12).
      A.      He asks the LORD to end his anger soon (5).
      B.      He appeals to the LORD to forgive their sins and help them for his name’s sake (6–9).
      C.      He pleads with the LORD not to let the nations mock them but to avenge their reproach (10–12).

          III.      The psalmist voices the promise of the people, the sheep of God’s pasture, to offer up unending praise in gratitude for his deliverance (13).

(3) Key verses

    79:1 O God, foreigners have invaded your chosen land;
    they have polluted your holy temple
    and turned Jerusalem into a heap of ruins.
    79:2 They have given the corpses of your servants
    to the birds of the sky;
    the flesh of your loyal followers
    to the beasts of the earth.

    79:6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not acknowledge you,
    on the kingdoms that do not pray to you!

    79:9 Help us, O God, our deliverer!

    For the sake of your glorious reputation, rescue us!
    Forgive our sins for the sake of your reputation!

    79:12 Pay back our neighbors in full!
    May they be insulted the same way they insulted you, O Lord!

    79:13a Then we, your people, the sheep of your pasture,
    will continually thank you.

Reflection: See how the author gave reasons to God when he prayed. He asked for help from God based on the fact that they were His people and they represented Him. When they lose God's reputation would be affected. Have you thought about why God will listen to your prayer?

In other words, when God answered your prayer and rescued you from trouble do we live our lives to honor Him? Do we tell other about Him and His work on us? If not, why had God saved you? What is your reason?

Audrey