Psalms 79
Tap any word to open its Greek or Hebrew word and Strong’s lexicon entry right here, and any name to open its Bible Dictionary entry. Read this chapter with JFB commentary · Search the Bible
THY WORD IS TRUTH
The Law
History
Poetry & Wisdom
The Prophets
The Gospels & Acts
The Letters
Prophecy
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150
Psalms 79
O God, the Heathen Are Come into Thine Inheritance
1O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 79
Psa 79:1-13. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (Jr 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.
1. (Compare Psa 74:2-7).
PSALM 79
Psa 79:1-13. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (Jr 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.
1. (Compare Psa 74:2-7).
The Pulpit Commentary
O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance (comp. Psa_74:2; Psa_78:62). Israel—alike the people and the land—is "God's inheritance." Thy holy temple have they defiled. The Babylonians defiled the temple by breaking into it, seizing its treasures and ornaments (Jer_52:17-23), and finally setting fire to it (Jer_52:13). They have laid Jerusalem on heaps. This was certainly not done either by Shishak or by Antiochus Epiphanes; but was done, as prophesied (Jer_9:11; Jer_26:18; Mic_3:12), by the Babylonians.
O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance (comp. Psa_74:2; Psa_78:62). Israel—alike the people and the land—is "God's inheritance." Thy holy temple have they defiled. The Babylonians defiled the temple by breaking into it, seizing its treasures and ornaments (Jer_52:17-23), and finally setting fire to it (Jer_52:13). They have laid Jerusalem on heaps. This was certainly not done either by Shishak or by Antiochus Epiphanes; but was done, as prophesied (Jer_9:11; Jer_26:18; Mic_3:12), by the Babylonians.
2The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2-3. (Compare Jr 15:3; 16:4).
2-3. (Compare Jr 15:3; 16:4).
The Pulpit Commentary
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to Be meat unto the fowls of the heaven. A common incident of warfare (see the Assyrian sculptures, passim). The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth; or, of the land. Hyaenas and jackals would dispute the flesh of the slain with vultures and crows.
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to Be meat unto the fowls of the heaven. A common incident of warfare (see the Assyrian sculptures, passim). The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth; or, of the land. Hyaenas and jackals would dispute the flesh of the slain with vultures and crows.
3Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
The Pulpit Commentary
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem. During the long siege (eighteen months) the number slain in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem would be very large. And there was none to bury them (compare the prophecy of Jeremiah, Jer_14:16). The population being for the most part carried into captivity, and but few left in the land (Jer_52:15, Jer_52:16), the bodies of the slain lay unburied, the few left not being able to bury them. Compare the preceding verse.
We are become a reproach to our neighbours.
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem. During the long siege (eighteen months) the number slain in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem would be very large. And there was none to bury them (compare the prophecy of Jeremiah, Jer_14:16). The population being for the most part carried into captivity, and but few left in the land (Jer_52:15, Jer_52:16), the bodies of the slain lay unburied, the few left not being able to bury them. Compare the preceding verse.
We are become a reproach to our neighbours.
4We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. (Compare Psa 44:13; Jr 42:18; La 2:15).
4. (Compare Psa 44:13; Jr 42:18; La 2:15).
5How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. How long--(Psa 13:1).
be angry--(Psa 74:1-10).
jealousy burn--(De 29:20).
5. How long--(Psa 13:1).
be angry--(Psa 74:1-10).
jealousy burn--(De 29:20).
The Pulpit Commentary
How long, Lord? i.e. "How long, O Lord, is this condition of things to endure?" (comp. Psa_6:5; Psa_90:13; Rev_6:10). An ellipse after "how long?" is common. Wilt thou be angry forever? (see Psa_13:1; Psa_74:12; Lam_5:20). Shall thy jealousy burn like fire? It was their worship of other gods that God especially visited on his people by the Babylonish captivity (see Jeremiah, passim).
How long, Lord? i.e. "How long, O Lord, is this condition of things to endure?" (comp. Psa_6:5; Psa_90:13; Rev_6:10). An ellipse after "how long?" is common. Wilt thou be angry forever? (see Psa_13:1; Psa_74:12; Lam_5:20). Shall thy jealousy burn like fire? It was their worship of other gods that God especially visited on his people by the Babylonish captivity (see Jeremiah, passim).
6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6-7. (Compare Jr 10:25). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us (Jr 51:3-5; Zec 1:14)? The singular denotes the chief power, and the use of the plural indicates the combined confederates.
called upon--or, "by"
thy name--proclaimed Thy attributes and professed allegiance (Is 12:4; Ac 2:21).
6-7. (Compare Jr 10:25). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us (Jr 51:3-5; Zec 1:14)? The singular denotes the chief power, and the use of the plural indicates the combined confederates.
called upon--or, "by"
thy name--proclaimed Thy attributes and professed allegiance (Is 12:4; Ac 2:21).
The Pulpit Commentary
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee. It is not the heathen that had never heard of God who are intended, but those who, having heard of him, had refused to "know" him (comp. Exo_5:2), as was the case with all the nations round about Canaan. And upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy Name. Now that we are punished, go on to punish those who have persecuted us, and who are at least as guilty as ourselves. "The prayer rests," as Hengstenberg remarks, "upon what God does constantly. Judgment begins at the house of God; but it proceeds thence to those whom God has employed as the instrument of his punishment. The storm of the wrath of God always remains to fall at last upon the world at enmity with his Church."
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee. It is not the heathen that had never heard of God who are intended, but those who, having heard of him, had refused to "know" him (comp. Exo_5:2), as was the case with all the nations round about Canaan. And upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy Name. Now that we are punished, go on to punish those who have persecuted us, and who are at least as guilty as ourselves. "The prayer rests," as Hengstenberg remarks, "upon what God does constantly. Judgment begins at the house of God; but it proceeds thence to those whom God has employed as the instrument of his punishment. The storm of the wrath of God always remains to fall at last upon the world at enmity with his Church."
7For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
The Pulpit Commentary
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place. This and the preceding verso occur also, almost word for word, in Jer_10:25. It is difficult to say which writer has quoted from the other.
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place. This and the preceding verso occur also, almost word for word, in Jer_10:25. It is difficult to say which writer has quoted from the other.
8O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. former iniquities--literally, "iniquities of former times."
prevent us--literally, "meet us," as in Psa 21:3.
8. former iniquities--literally, "iniquities of former times."
prevent us--literally, "meet us," as in Psa 21:3.
The Pulpit Commentary
O remember not against us former iniquities; or, the iniquities of our forefathers (so Professor Cheyne and the Revised Version); comp. Le 26:45, "I will remember to them the covenant of their ancestors"—where the same word (רִאשֹׁגִים) is used. Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us; or, come to meet us (Kay, Cheyne). For we are brought very low (comp. Psa_111:6; Psa_142:6).
O remember not against us former iniquities; or, the iniquities of our forefathers (so Professor Cheyne and the Revised Version); comp. Le 26:45, "I will remember to them the covenant of their ancestors"—where the same word (רִאשֹׁגִים) is used. Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us; or, come to meet us (Kay, Cheyne). For we are brought very low (comp. Psa_111:6; Psa_142:6).
9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. for ... glory of thy name [and for] thy name's sake--both mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.
purge ... sins--literally, "provide atonement for us." Deliverance from sin and suffering, for their good and God's glory, often distinguish the prayers of Old Testament saints (compare Ep 1:7).
9. for ... glory of thy name [and for] thy name's sake--both mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.
purge ... sins--literally, "provide atonement for us." Deliverance from sin and suffering, for their good and God's glory, often distinguish the prayers of Old Testament saints (compare Ep 1:7).
The Pulpit Commentary
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name. The calamities suffered have not extinguished all faith or hope. God is still the God of Israel's salvation, i.e. the God from whom alone salvation can be obtained and may be expected. He is entreated to come to Israel's aid, not for their sakes, as they are wholly undeserving, but for his own glory (comp. Exo_32:12; Num_14:13; Deu_9:28; and Deu_32:27). And deliver us, and purge away our sins; literally, make atonement for our sins (Exo_30:15); i.e. "cancel them" (Cheyne), or "forgive them" (Hengstenberg, Kay). For thy Name's sake (comp. Psa_23:3; Psa_25:11; Psa_34:3; Eze_36:22).
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name. The calamities suffered have not extinguished all faith or hope. God is still the God of Israel's salvation, i.e. the God from whom alone salvation can be obtained and may be expected. He is entreated to come to Israel's aid, not for their sakes, as they are wholly undeserving, but for his own glory (comp. Exo_32:12; Num_14:13; Deu_9:28; and Deu_32:27). And deliver us, and purge away our sins; literally, make atonement for our sins (Exo_30:15); i.e. "cancel them" (Cheyne), or "forgive them" (Hengstenberg, Kay). For thy Name's sake (comp. Psa_23:3; Psa_25:11; Psa_34:3; Eze_36:22).
10Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. This ground of pleading often used (Ex 32:12; Nu 14:13-16).
blood ... shed--(Psa 79:3).
10. This ground of pleading often used (Ex 32:12; Nu 14:13-16).
blood ... shed--(Psa 79:3).
The Pulpit Commentary
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? (so Joe_2:17). A triumph over a foreign nation was always regarded in the ancient world as a triumph over their gods. Their gods were bound to protect them, and, if they did not, must either have been absent or powerless. Let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed; rather, let there be shown forth among the heathen in our sight vengeance for the blood of thy servants that has been shed; or, in other words, "Let an evident judgment, visible to us, fall upon the heathen who have shed the blood of our brethren, thy true servants." An immediate judgment is prayed for; but it did not please God to send the judgment till after the expiration of a long term of years.
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? (so Joe_2:17). A triumph over a foreign nation was always regarded in the ancient world as a triumph over their gods. Their gods were bound to protect them, and, if they did not, must either have been absent or powerless. Let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed; rather, let there be shown forth among the heathen in our sight vengeance for the blood of thy servants that has been shed; or, in other words, "Let an evident judgment, visible to us, fall upon the heathen who have shed the blood of our brethren, thy true servants." An immediate judgment is prayed for; but it did not please God to send the judgment till after the expiration of a long term of years.
11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. prisoner--the whole captive people.
power--literally, "arm" (Psa 10:15).
11. prisoner--the whole captive people.
power--literally, "arm" (Psa 10:15).
The Pulpit Commentary
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; or, the groaning, as in Exo_2:24. The Babylonians treated their Jewish captives variously. Some, like Daniel and the "Three Children," were favoured, and exalted to high places. But the bulk of them were afflicted and oppressed (see Lam_1:3-5; Lam_5:18, etc.). But, whether well or ill treated, all sighed to return (comp. Psa_137:1-6). According to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; literally, that are children of death, which may have the meaning assigned to it in our version, or may simply signify, "those whose death is imminent"—who cannot live long now that they are torn from their country. The phrase recurs in Psa_102:20.
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; or, the groaning, as in Exo_2:24. The Babylonians treated their Jewish captives variously. Some, like Daniel and the "Three Children," were favoured, and exalted to high places. But the bulk of them were afflicted and oppressed (see Lam_1:3-5; Lam_5:18, etc.). But, whether well or ill treated, all sighed to return (comp. Psa_137:1-6). According to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; literally, that are children of death, which may have the meaning assigned to it in our version, or may simply signify, "those whose death is imminent"—who cannot live long now that they are torn from their country. The phrase recurs in Psa_102:20.
12And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12. into their bosom--The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Is 65:6, 7). They reproached God as well as His people.
12. into their bosom--The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Is 65:6, 7). They reproached God as well as His people.
The Pulpit Commentary
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord. (For the "reproach" intended, see Psa_79:10.) The whole passage means, "Punish them seven times as much as thou hast punished us." Then their reproach will be seven times as great.
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord. (For the "reproach" intended, see Psa_79:10.) The whole passage means, "Punish them seven times as much as thou hast punished us." Then their reproach will be seven times as great.
13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. sheep ... pasture--(Compare Psa 74:1; 78:70).
13. sheep ... pasture--(Compare Psa 74:1; 78:70).
The Pulpit Commentary
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture (see Psa_74:1; and comp. Psa_78:52). Will give thee thanks forever. When thou hast punished our enemies, and delivered us, we will give thee thanks perpetually, and show forth thy praise to all generations. An instance of identical parallelism.
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture (see Psa_74:1; and comp. Psa_78:52). Will give thee thanks forever. When thou hast punished our enemies, and delivered us, we will give thee thanks perpetually, and show forth thy praise to all generations. An instance of identical parallelism.
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 79
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
KING JAMES VERSION
HOLY
BIBLE
BIBLE
KING JAMES VERSION
TAP THE BIBLE TO OPEN IT
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — PSALM 119:105